Massage Therapist / Alabama
2026 data Alabama board official source

Alabama Massage Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides therapeutic massage to relieve pain and reduce stress.

What the Alabama data shows for Massage Therapists

To practice as a massage therapist in Alabama, the state licensing board requires 538 documented education or training hours, a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Alabama's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

Upfront cost is $90, with renewal running $52 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, massage therapists should know: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in Alabama

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
538 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$90
Renewal Fee
$52
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Massage Therapist All Alabama licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Alabama licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Alabama? ▼
Alabama requires 538 education/training hours, passing an exam (MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $90. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Alabama? ▼
Alabama licenses massage therapists who complete its requirements (538 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Alabama licensing board.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Alabama from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for massage therapists nationally works like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Alabama. Verify the specifics with the Alabama licensing board.
Does Alabama require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
Alabama does require a background check before issuing a massage therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Massage Therapist in Alabama? ▼
Alabama ties continued massage therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $52 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.