Virginia Massage Therapist License Exam
To get licensed in Virginia, massage therapists are required to take a massage exam that covers such subjects as anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Whether you live in Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke or another city or county, the resources below will help you get started on the path to receive your massage license.
Need of Massage Certification: A massage therapist needs to be certified to practice massage therapy in Virginia.
Who Grants Certification: Certification in Virginia is granted by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Qualifications to become Certified: A candidate needs to complete at least 500 hours of training in massage therapy from an approved school or program.
The candidate must also pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
Applying for the Massage Exam: Candidates can apply online to take the MBLEx. More information can be found on the MBLEx in a Candidate Handbook.
Test Content: The MBLEx exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with four choices provided for each question. Test takers have 110 minutes to complete the computer based exam.
The exam is divided into eight content areas:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations
- Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue
- Client Assessment, Reassessment, & Treatment Planning
- Overview of Massage & Bodywork History/Culture/Modalities
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations
- Guidelines for Professional Practice
How to Apply to get Certified: Candidates must provide the Board the following documents: (1) completed application; (2) verification of completed course of study; and (3) verification from the MBLEx of passage of an exam. The documents should be sent directly to:
Virginia Board of Nursing – Department of Health Professions
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463
Phone: (804) 367-4515
Fax: (804) 527-4455
Fees: There are fees to apply to become a certified massage therapist.
Who administers the Massage Tests: The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and Pearson Vue.
License Renewal Requirements: A massage therapist must renew their license every 2 years and complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Applicable Regulations: Massage therapists in Virginia are regulated by the Regulations Governing Certification of Massage Therapists, 18 VAC 90-50-10 et seq.
