Massage Therapist / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island data shows for Massage Therapists

To practice as a massage therapist in Rhode Island, the state licensing board requires 828 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 Rhode Island's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

The initial price tag is $159, and renewal costs $82 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.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
828 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$159
Renewal Fee
$82
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island requires 828 education/training hours, passing an exam (MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $159. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Rhode Island? ▼
To become a licensed massage therapist in Rhode Island, you must meet the state's requirements including 828 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the massage therapist licensing process in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island? ▼
To stay licensed as a massage therapist in Rhode Island, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $82.

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.