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Massage License Requirements in Virginia

Verified against Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions · 2026-07-24

Compiled and verified against primary state-board sources by GetMassageLicense — cite-or-deny, with no invented figures. How we source & verify →

Virginia requires a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) credential before anyone may practice massage therapy for compensation — but unusually, the credential is administered by the Virginia Board of Nursing rather than a dedicated massage board. Applicants complete 500 hours of training at an approved school and pass the MBLEx. Licenses renew every 2 years and require 24 hours of continuing education, including at least 1 hour of professional ethics.

Virginia Massage License Requirements

Licensing AuthorityVirginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions
TitleLMT
Training Hours500 hours — Massage therapy school licensed/accredited by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) or a similar agency of another state
ExamMBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB))
Renewal Period2 years

Fee Breakdown

Initial License Fee$140

Recommended MBLEx exam prep

Formal prep pays for itself against a $265 retake. These are the resources we point candidates to for the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination).

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MBLEx Secrets Study GuideMometrix · SponsoredMBLEx Secrets Study GuideFull-length practice tests and step-by-step review for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination.See the study guide →MBLEx FlashcardsMometrix · SponsoredMBLEx FlashcardsPortable flashcards covering the MBLEx's high-frequency topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and definitions on the go.See the flashcards →MBLEx Online Prep CourseMometrix · SponsoredMBLEx Online Prep CourseA guided video course with instructor-led lessons, quizzes, and a study plan for the MBLEx — a subscription option for a more structured review.See the course →

Continuing Education

24 hours every 2 years, including 1 ethics hour.

18VAC90-50-75 requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years for renewal: at least 12 hours from approved providers (NCBTMB, FSMTB, AMTA, ABMP, COMTA, accredited massage schools, or SCHEV-approved programs), with the remaining hours available via alternative learning activities (consultation, independent reading/research, presentation prep, CPR coursework, etc.). At minimum, 1 hour must focus specifically on professional ethics. The first biennial renewal following initial licensure is exempt from this requirement.

Licensure by Endorsement

The Board may license without examination any applicant who is licensed as a massage therapist in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction and who meets Virginia's requirements, based on verification submitted directly from each jurisdiction where the applicant holds or held a license.

Sources

Data last verified: 2026-07-24 | Source: Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC90-50-40 — Initial Licensure Requirements