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How to get a Massage Therapist (LMT) license in Arkansas

Arkansas licenses massage therapists statewide through the Arkansas Department of Health.1 For the Massage Therapist (LMT) license you need at least 500 clock hours2 of education, a passing score on the MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB national exam3 and a criminal background check1. The board lists $80 for the initial license1 and $25 for the exam1, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years3 and complete at least 18 hours of continuing education1.

Last checked · 8 official sources

Who issues it

Arkansas Department of Health

Training and experience

Training: at least 500 clock hours2

Exam

MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB national exam3

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $801
Exam fee: $251

Renewal

Every 2 years3, at least 18 hours of continuing education1

From another state

License by endorsement, Temporary license or permit, Exam waiver and Military service members and spouses3 Details

On this page
  1. Arkansas massage therapist licenses
  2. Rules shared by several license levels
  3. Who needs a Massage Therapist (LMT) license
  4. Requirements for a Massage Therapist (LMT) license
  5. How much a Massage Therapist (LMT) license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Arkansas with a license from another state
  9. Massage Therapy Learning Permit
  10. Massage Therapy Instructor (MTI)
  11. Master Massage Therapist (MMT)
  12. Check a license or report a problem
  13. Laws and rules
  14. Rule changes since January 2024
  15. Common questions
  16. Massage therapist licenses in other states

Arkansas massage therapist licenses

Arkansas issues 4 massage therapist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Massage Therapy Learning PermitRequired before enrolling in a massage school or apprenticeship; schools may not enroll students without it, and permit holders may practice only as students until licensed.1––$751
Massage Therapist (LMT)Treatment of soft tissue (skin, fascia, muscle) for therapeutic purposes, including massage techniques, hydrotherapy, heliotherapy, electrotherapy, hot/cold packs, spa preparations and cupping.1Training 500 clock hours2Yes4$801
Massage Therapy Instructor (MTI)Practise massage therapy; instruct ADH-approved CE and basic curricula in a registered massage therapy school.1Experience 3 years1–$751
Master Massage Therapist (MMT)Practise massage therapy; instruct ADH-approved CE; instruct basic curricula in a massage school as directed by a massage therapy instructor.1Experience 2 years1–$751

Rules shared by several license levels

These rules are the same for several of the Arkansas massage therapist licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level except Massage Therapy Learning Permit

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$801Arkansas Department of HealthNot refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$101Arkansas Department of HealthNot refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years3
When it expires
Valid two years, expiring on your birthday; the renewal must be postmarked by the first day of the month before your birth month.3
Renewal fee
$806
Continuing education
At least 18 hours each renewal period1
Required topics
No more than 6 of the 18 hours may be home-study or online, and online courses cannot be hands-on subjects.3
No carry-over hours; CE must be earned in the current renewal period.6
One CE hour = at least 50 minutes of instruction.3
Approved courses
Courses pre-approved by ADH, or approved by NCBTMB, AMTA or ABMP, or transcribed courses from an accredited postsecondary institution in related subjects.3
Exemptions
Deployed uniformed service members and spouses are exempt from CE for 180 days after return from deployment.3
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $253 (renewal postmarked after the 1st of the month before the birthday, up to the birthday)
If it expires
A renewal postmarked after your birthday means the license has expired: you must apply as a new applicant, meet current requirements and pass an exam.3
Inactive status is allowed for up to four years (renew every two years and pay fees); reactivation requires CE for the inactive period.3
ADH audits 5-10% of active renewals for CE each year; keep CE records for three years.3

2. Every license level except Massage Therapist (LMT)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$751Arkansas Department of HealthNot refundable

3. Massage Therapist (LMT) and Massage Therapy Learning Permit

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old1
Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required3
Applicants swear they have no conviction for a felony listed in Ark. Code 17-3-102 or prostitution; the committee may deny for such offenses.1
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply3

4. Massage Therapy Instructor (MTI) and Master Massage Therapist (MMT)

Requirements

Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required3
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply3
Also required
Upgrades are not allowed through renewal; a separate Application for Upgrade with fees is required.6
Also required
CE that repeats entry-level coursework, or duplicated CE, does not count toward an upgrade.3

How to apply

  1. Meet the experience and continuing-education requirements for the upgrade (no repeated or entry-level courses).1
  2. Submit the ADH Application for Upgrade with the $75 application fee and $80 license fee, and complete a new state and federal background check.1 Form (PDF, healthy.arkansas.gov)5

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Out-of-state licensees must first obtain the Arkansas massage therapist license, then may apply to upgrade using CE and experience gained before Arkansas licensure.1

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Uniformed service members stationed in Arkansas, veterans and spouses who hold a license in good standing with a similar scope elsewhere get automatic licensure on paying the license fee; deployed members' licenses are extended 180 days after return.3

Who needs a Massage Therapist (LMT) license

Treatment of soft tissue (skin, fascia, muscle) for therapeutic purposes, including massage techniques, hydrotherapy, heliotherapy, electrotherapy, hot/cold packs, spa preparations and cupping.1

Work that does not need this license:

  • Massage therapy is not regulated under these rules in clinics directed by a licensed physician or in licensed hospitals.3

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Physicians, osteopaths, podiatrists, physical therapists, PAs, nurses, PTAs, acupuncturists, midwives and chiropractors working within their own license.1

Requirements for a Massage Therapist (LMT) license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Education or training
At least 500 clock hours2
Diploma from an ADH-accepted massage therapy school (or equivalent institution) with in-classroom instruction over at least four months1
Who may teach it: ADH-licensed massage therapy school (curriculum: 175 h anatomy/physiology/pathology/contraindications, 225 h technique, 25 h each hydro/electro/heliotherapy, hygiene and infection control, law/business/ethics, related subjects).1
Alternative: A U.S. Office of Apprenticeship-approved massage therapy apprenticeship program (completion certificate sent to ADH).1
Exam
MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB national exam3
Given by: Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (MBLEx); National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETM/NCETMB)2
Exam
Arkansas Massage Therapy Law Exam2
Given by: Arkansas Department of Health (online)2
When you can take it: After the application and background checks are approved.2
Retakes: $25 per retake, paid before retesting.2
Social Security number
Valid photo ID and a Social Security card in the applicant's name.1
Also required
Students enrolling on or after January 1, 2024 must first hold a massage therapy learning permit.1

How much a Massage Therapist (LMT) license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$251Arkansas Department of HealthArkansas law exam. Not refundable
Exam retake fee$252Arkansas Department of HealthNot refundable
Massage therapy learning permit application fee$751Arkansas Department of HealthStudents enrolling in a school or apprenticeship on or after January 1, 2024 (paid at enrollment, before licensure). Not refundable
Fee for placement on the inactive list$801Arkansas Department of HealthInactive status, per biennium. Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Get a massage therapy learning permit before enrolling (required for students starting on or after January 1, 2024), then complete at least 500 classroom hours at an ADH-licensed school or an approved apprenticeship.1
  2. Pass the MBLEx or an NCBTMB exam.4
  3. Mail the notarized Certificate of Training and Initial Licensure packet (hours certification, copy of diploma, national exam proof, $105 payment) to the ADH Massage Therapy Section.2 Form (PDF, healthy.arkansas.gov)5
  4. Your school sends your transcript directly to ADH (you may not submit it yourself).1
  5. Complete the state and federal fingerprint background check using the packet ADH mails you, at a local police station.4
  6. Take the online Arkansas law exam when ADH emails you the link; your license is issued after you pass.2
Temporary or provisional license
Reciprocity applicants receive a 90-day temporary license on filing the application, fee and documents (see out-of-state pathways).3

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Arkansas Massage Therapist (LMT) license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Arkansas with a license from another state

These are the routes the Arkansas Department of Health publishes for the Massage Therapist (LMT) license. The other massage therapist licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Reciprocity (Act 1011 of 2019) for holders of a substantially similar license (500+ classroom hours) in good standing; applicants still pass a national exam and the Arkansas law exam.3
Conditions
Three letters of recommendation from former employers, educators or clients.3
Letters of good standing from every state where licensed; no revoked, suspended or probationary license.3
Applicants from states that do not give Arkansas residents similar reciprocity must complete 500 classroom hours at an accepted school.3
Fee
$751
Route
Temporary license or permit
What the board says
A 90-day temporary license is issued immediately on receipt of the reciprocity application, fee and required documents.3
Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Applicants from states that do not license massage therapy may qualify by passing a comparable exam and the Arkansas law exam, with three recommendation letters and 500 hours of schooling.3
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Uniformed service members stationed in Arkansas, veterans and spouses who hold a license in good standing with a similar scope elsewhere get automatic licensure on paying the fees ($155: $75 application + $80 license, per the ADH military application); deployed members' licenses are extended 180 days after return.3
Fee
$1557

Massage Therapy Learning Permit

Required before enrolling in a massage school or apprenticeship; schools may not enroll students without it, and permit holders may practice only as students until licensed.1

Requirements

Social Security number
Valid photo ID and Social Security card in the applicant's name.1
Also required
The school or apprenticeship must send ADH a copy of the enrollment contract or equivalent confirmation.1
Also required
Students cannot be credited with hours earned before the permit is issued.4

How to apply

  1. Before enrolling, file a notarized learning-permit application with ADH with proof of age, ID and Social Security card, a background check and the $75 fee; the school sends your enrollment contract.1

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
Not applicable: the permit is for students enrolling in Arkansas schools or apprenticeships.1

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 2 and group 3 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Massage Therapy Instructor (MTI)

Practise massage therapy; instruct ADH-approved CE and basic curricula in a registered massage therapy school.1

Requirements

Experience
At least 3 years1
Active, practicing licensee registered as a master massage therapist for at least 3 years, with 250 hours of practical experience4
License you must hold first: Arkansas master massage therapist license1
Experience
At least 250 hours1
At least 250 hours of ADH-approved continuing education as a licensed master massage therapist (no repeated classes)1

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 4 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Master Massage Therapist (MMT)

Practise massage therapy; instruct ADH-approved CE; instruct basic curricula in a massage school as directed by a massage therapy instructor.1

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years1
Active, practicing Arkansas massage therapist for at least 2 years, with 250 hours of practical experience4
License you must hold first: Arkansas massage therapist license1
Substitute: Since July 1, 2023: 12 months as an active licensee plus 300 hours of advanced massage coursework within an accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in massage therapy.1
Experience
At least 125 hours1
At least 125 hours of ADH-approved continuing education (no repeated classes)1

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 4 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a massage therapist in Arkansas, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Arkansas is on the Arkansas license lookup page.

File a complaint
healthy.arkansas.gov8

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • January 1, 2024: Learning permit required for anyone enrolling in a massage school or apprenticeship on or after January 1, 2024.1

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Massage Therapist (LMT) license in Arkansas?

The rules set at least 500 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my massage therapist license to Arkansas?

The Arkansas Department of Health publishes these routes for the Massage Therapist (LMT) license: license by endorsement3, temporary license or permit3 and exam waiver3. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Massage Therapist (LMT) license in Arkansas?

Every 2 years3. Continuing education: at least 18 hours1. The renewal fee is $806.

Massage therapist licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Arkansas State Board of Health Massage Therapy Laws 2025 (Ark. Code 17-86)Arkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Certificate of Training and Initial LicensureArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Rules for Massage Therapy in ArkansasArkansas Department of HealthDated September 5, 2024Checked November 8, 2026
  4. Massage Therapy Frequently Asked QuestionsArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Massage Therapy Forms & MilitaryArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Instructions and Application for License RenewalArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Military Reciprocity Requirements and Application (Massage Therapy)Arkansas Department of HealthChecked November 8, 2026
  8. Massage Therapy - Arkansas Department of HealthArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 5, 2026