Massage Therapist / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee 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 Tennessee data shows for Massage Therapists

Tennessee sets the entry bar for massage therapists at 584 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 Tennessee's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

The initial price tag is $101, and renewal costs $56 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
584 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$101
Renewal Fee
$56
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 Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee requires 584 education/training hours, passing an exam (MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $101. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Tennessee? ▼
Certification as a massage therapist in Tennessee means clearing the state's checklist: 584 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for massage therapist licensing in Tennessee. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Massage Therapist in Tennessee? ▼
To stay licensed as a massage therapist in Tennessee, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $56.

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.