Licensing Information

Licensing Information

Path to Massage Therapy Licensure: School, Sit, Submit

Obtaining your massage therapy license involves three key steps:

Complete a program from an approved massage therapy school. Center for the Healing Arts is recognized by:

  • New Jersey Department of Education
  • New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
  • New Jersey Veterans Administration
  • NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork) – assigned school and Continuing Education hours approved

Our school is also New Jersey’s only massage school accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)—a distinction we’re proud to hold.

Each state has specific educational hour requirements:

  • New Jersey: 600 hours
  • Pennsylvania: 600 hours
  • Delaware: 500 hours (changing to 600; effective date TBA)

For more about our school check out program details, admissions, financial aid resources, or request more information.

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) assesses national entry-level competency in massage therapy. In New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, passing the MBLEx is required to apply for state licensure.

Our program includes resources and study tools to help students prepare for and succeed on the MBLEx.

Steps to Register for the MBLEx:

  1. Create an Account: Visit the FSMTB website to create an account on the MBLEx portal.
  2. Complete the Application: Fill in your personal and education details.
  3. Pay the Fee: Submit the application fee via credit card.
  4. Education Verification: We do regular checks with FSMTB to verify education for our graduates, but please feel free to notify us that you’ve applied for the MBLEx.
  5. Receive ATT Letter: Once approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter by email.
  6. Schedule Your Exam: Use your ATT letter to schedule the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. You can do this online or by calling Pearson VUE customer service.
  7. Prepare for the Exam: Use the study resources provided by our program.
  8. Take the Exam: Arrive on time at your scheduled Pearson VUE testing center to take the MBLEx.

The final step is applying for licensure in your state. Each state has slightly different requirements. For details, visit:

Licensure Steps in New Jersey:

  1. Submit Application: Include proof of liability insurance, CPR certification, and a $75 application fee.
  2. Request Education Verification: Graduates can use this form to request verification from Center for the Healing Arts.
  3. Complete Background Check: You’ll receive instructions to schedule this. Fees range from $45 to $60.
  4. Pay License Fee: Upon approval, you’ll get an invoice for the license fee:
    • $120 if licensed in the first year of the biennial renewal period
    • $60 if licensed in the second year
  5. Receive Your License: After payment, you’ll receive your license number and a hard copy within 10-15 business days.

Your Education Continues Here

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