Massage Therapist / Colorado
2026 data Colorado board official source

Colorado 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 Colorado data shows for Massage Therapists

To practice as a massage therapist in Colorado, the state licensing board requires 900 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 Colorado's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

Upfront cost is $176, with renewal running $90 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
900 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$176
Renewal Fee
$90
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 Colorado licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Colorado? ▼
Colorado's requirements cover 900 hours of education or training, the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $176. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Colorado? ▼
To become a licensed massage therapist in Colorado, you must meet the state's requirements including 900 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Colorado licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Colorado from another state? ▼
For massage therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Colorado licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Colorado require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the massage therapist licensing process in Colorado. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Massage Therapist in Colorado? ▼
Colorado ties continued massage therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $90 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.