Massage Therapist / North Dakota
2026 data North Dakota board official source

North Dakota Massage Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides therapeutic massage to relieve pain and reduce stress.

What the North Dakota data shows for Massage Therapists

North Dakota sets the entry bar for massage therapists at 402 training hours and a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under North Dakota's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

The initial price tag is $57, and renewal costs $38 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in North Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
402 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$57
Renewal Fee
$38
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota requires 402 education/training hours, passing an exam (MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $57. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in North Dakota? ▼
Certification as a massage therapist in North Dakota means clearing the state's checklist: 402 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The North Dakota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to North Dakota from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for massage therapists: Varies by state — check with state board. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the North Dakota licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does North Dakota require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
North Dakota 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 North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota ties continued massage therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $38 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.