All people seeking a massage therapy license in Florida must pass a Florida Board-approved exam. This includes those graduating from massage training, completing a Board-approved apprenticeship, and massage professionals transferring to Florida.
Since 2009, the Florida Board of Massage has accepted the MBLEx exam administered by the FSMTB (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards).
When the Florida Board first moved to accept MBLEx exam, a legal battle between the NCBTMB and The Florida Board of Massage ensued. A settlement was reached and the Board accepts the MBLEx exam and the following examinations administered by the NCBMTB (National Certification Board for Massage Therapy and Bodywork):
- NCETMB
- NCETM
- NESL
A common question I receive is from people who think they will need to retake the NCETMB or NCETM to get their Florida license because they are no longer “nationally certified”. Your test scores do not expire, just your NCBMTB certification. There is no need to retake these exams for obtaining a Florida massage license.
The Florida Board of Massage does not accept any State exams. This includes:
- Ohio State Massage Therapy Exam (no longer administered)
- New York State Massage Therapy Exam
- Hawaii State Massage Therapy Exam
- Texas Massage Therapy Exam (no longer administered)
Other exams not approved by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy:
- NACCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine)
- ABTE (Asian Bodywork Therapy Examination)
- AMMANCE (American Medical Massage Association National Certification Exam)
- International/Foreign Massage Therapy Exams [Canadian Exams -AIT (British Columbia), NBMA (New Brunswick), NLMTB (New Foundland & Labrador), OSCE or MSQ(Ontario)]
If you are a massage therapist moving to Florida, please see this page for a step-by-step guide on obtaining a Florida license by examination or endorsement.
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How To Update Your Address With The Florida Board of Massage
Hi ivy,
Does that mean Florida recognizes the MBLEx but I would still have to take another exam?
Thank you,
Deborah
The MBLEx is approved by the Board. The NCETMB and NCETM are no longer offered, but a person can still use their old scores if they are applying to the FL board for a massage license.