Let’s learn more about the most recent Washington massage license renewal requirements for Washington Massage Practitioners, or LMPs.
First, you may be wondering if there have there been any changes since your last massage license renewal.
Yes. There have been some minor rule changes. The rules changes were effective September 1, 2021. They can be found in their entirety here: WAC 246-830-475.
Here is a little more about those changes and a few of the most frequently asked questions about Washington license renewals.
How many total hours of continuing education do I need to renew my Washington massage license?
All Washington massage practitioners need to complete 24 hours total of continuing education to renew a Washington massage license.
(1) To renew a license, a massage therapist must complete twenty-four hours of continuing education every two years, as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7.
How many hours of hands-on education do I need to complete as part of my 24 hours?
(a) A minimum of eight hours must be in person and directly supervised involving the participation of the direct application of massage therapy as defined in RCW 18.108.010
How many hours can I take online?
Up to 16 of your 24 hours can be completed in an online format.
Are there any specific courses that I am required to take?
Yes. A minimum of four hours must be in professional ethics, client or patient communication, professional roles and boundaries, or Washington state massage laws and rules. Two of the four hours may be met by attending board of massage meetings in person. A maximum of one hour is allowed per board meeting.
*NEW*
Maintenance of certification in American Heart Association CPR or equivalent. A maximum of four hours is allowed per reporting period.
Does the Washington board of massage approve continuing education providers?
246-830-475 (1) says that continuing education must be provided by an individual who has at least three years of professional experience in the subject area being taught. Massage therapists have a duty to ensure the continuing education they complete meets the requirements in this section.
Do you report courses to the Washington Massage Board?
No. Washington does not currently have a continuing education reporting system like some other states. In the case that you are audited at the time of your renewal, you will need to submit proof of completing your continuing education (transcripts or completion certificates)
What if I am audited by the board?
Once you renew your license, the board may randomly select you to provide them with proof, or documentation, that you completed your continuing education. Below are acceptable forms of documentation according to WAC 246-830-475.
(4) A massage therapist must provide acceptable documentation of continuing education upon request or audit. Acceptable forms of documentation include, but are not limited to:
(a) Transcripts;
(b) A letter from the course instructor or the organization providing the continuing education;
(c) Certificate of attendance or completion; or
(d) Other formal documentation that includes the following:
(i) Participant’s name;
(ii) Course title;
(iii) Course description;
(iv) Date or dates of course;
(v) Number of hours;
(vi) Indication of being an in-person course, self-study as referenced in subsection (3)(c) of this section, or distance learning as referenced in subsection (3)(f) of this section;
(vii) Instructor’s name or sponsor organization name or names;
(viii) Instructor or sponsor contact information; and
(ix) Signature of the program sponsor or course instructor. The self-study allowed in subsection (3)(c) of this section is exempt from this requirement.
What is the renewal fee for my Washington massage license?
The renewal fee is $166. Current fees can be found here: Washington Massage License Renewal Fees.
Once your continuing education is completed, you can renew your license below:
Renew My Washington Massage License
Are there any CE waivers due to COVID-19?
Covid did affect previous license renewals and the hands-on requirement. This Board page appears that this order may run through June of 2022. Please contact the Washington Massage Board office if you have questions about current waivers.
What if I do not currently live in Washington?
246-830-475 (5) states that Massage therapists who maintain an active status Washington state massage license must meet all continuing education requirements regardless of whether they reside or practice in Washington state.