How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the state of Texas

• STEP 1 – Complete a 500 Hour Massage Therapy training program at a state-licensed massage school.

• STEP 2 - Complete a 50 Hour Massage Therapy Internship in a supervised setting.

• STEP 3 - Taking and passing the ‘Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam’ also known as the ‘MBLEx’.

• STEP 4 - Taking and passing a ‘Jurisprudence Exam’ on Texas massage laws and rules.

• STEP 5 – Complete application for Massage Therapy License with TDLR.

Texas requires potential therapists to pass the Massage and Bodywork
Licensing Examination ‘MBLEx’ test. This is a 100 question test given on a
computer and timed at 2 hours. It is administered through an on-line testing
center approved by the FSMTB (Federation of State Massage Therapy
Boards)

• To learn more about the MBLEX, visit: fsmtb.org/mblex/
  Cost: $195

When choosing which Massage Therapy School to attend, be sure to ask to
see their latest MBLEX scores and how they compare with the State and
National averages.

This an exam you take on-line on Texas’ state massage therapy law and rules.

The Texas Massage Therapist Jurisprudence Examination content is based on the state rules and laws relating to the practice of massage therapy. All applicants for initial licensure must submit proof of completing the jurisprudence examination at the time they submit a completed application
form.

• To learn more about the Jurisprudence exam, visit: www.license.state.tx.us/mas/masexam.htm
  Cost: $34

Applicable fees are paid directly to the third-party vendor for the jurisprudence examination.

You apply for your License through the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR). From time you apply until your get your license varies, but can range from 1 to 4 weeks.

To apply go to: WWW.TDLR.TEXAS.GOV

• Items Needed for Application
• Proof of Jurisprudence Exam
• Proof of MBLEX Successful Completion
• Transcripts from your 500 Hour Program
• Social Security Number
• Cost: $100

Click Online Services and scroll down to Massage Therapy. From there you will register for a new user account and begin the process of applying for your license. This process does include a background check (f you are worried about a past conviction, check with TDLR before applying).

Texas requires completion of 500 hours of qualifying education to apply for the MBLEX. Any school requiring more then 500 hours needs to show reason to the student and the state why the additional hours are being required.

Texas does not accept credit for on-line massage courses to become licensed.

License requirements vary from state to state; although 44 states accept the MBLEX exam, they may have different academic requirements. If you’re planning on moving after completing a Texas 500-hour program, check with that states licensing department to see if they have additional
requirements.