Massage Therapist / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Massage Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides therapeutic massage to relieve pain and reduce stress.

What the District of Columbia data shows for Massage Therapists

District of Columbia's path to massage therapist licensure runs through 714 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. District of Columbia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

The initial price tag is $132, and renewal costs $70 every 2 years. 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.

For massage therapists, the reciprocity picture is: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
714 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$132
Renewal Fee
$70
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 District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia requires 714 education/training hours, passing an exam (MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $132. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses massage therapists who complete its requirements (714 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
Massage Therapist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Varies by state — check with state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The District of Columbia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the massage therapist licensing process in District of Columbia. 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 District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia ties continued massage therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $70 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.