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Continuing education (CE) is a cornerstone of professional growth for massage therapists, ensuring skills remain sharp, relevant, and aligned with evolving healthcare standards. Most U.S. states require licensed massage therapists to complete CE hours for license renewal, with specific rules that can vary widely.
Many states recognize courses approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB), a trusted national provider that sets quality benchmarks for CE. Understanding your state’s CE requirements helps you stay compliant and confident in your practice, while also expanding your knowledge to better serve clients.
This guide outlines state-by-state massage CE requirements, NCBTMB acceptance, and renewal cycles. Each state sets its own standards, so checking your location matters. Below is a summary of 10 key states. The full 50-state table is available as a downloadable resource.
| State | CE Hours Required | Renewal Cycle | NCBTMB Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California (CA) | N/A | 2 yrs (voluntary CAMTC) | Conditional | CE not required for CAMTC certification. Many therapists still pursue CE for skill-building or license mobility. |
| Florida (FL) | 24 hrs | Every 2 yrs | Yes | Must include Ethics, FL laws/rules, Human Trafficking, Medical Errors. Up to 12 hrs online. |
| New York (NY) | 36 hrs | Every 3 yrs | Yes | All hours may be online from NYS-approved sponsors. Reiki, Feldenkrais, and business-only courses excluded. |
| Texas (TX) | 12 hrs | Every 2 yrs | Yes | Includes 1 hr Human Trafficking Prevention. Technique hours must be in person. |
| Washington (WA) | 24 hrs | Every 2 yrs | Conditional | Requires Ethics, Health Equity, current CPR. At least 8 hrs must be in person. |
| New Jersey (NJ) | 20 hrs | Every 2 yrs | Yes | Ethics, NJ law, max 6 hrs online; rest must be live. |
| Illinois (IL) | 24 hrs | Every 2 yrs | Yes | Includes Ethics, Sexual Harassment Prevention, and Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault awareness. |
| North Carolina (NC) | 24 hrs | Every 2 yrs | Yes | Requires Ethics. Max 12 hrs distance learning. |
| Oregon (OR) | 25 hrs | Every 2 yrs | Conditional | Must include Ethics, Cultural Competency, Pain Management. At least 8 hrs live. |
| Virginia (VA) | 24 hrs | Every 2 yrs | Yes | 24 hrs CE or maintain NCBTMB certification. At least 1 hr Ethics. |
Most U.S. states require 12 to 24 continuing education hours every 2 years. New York is a notable outlier, requiring 36 hours every 3 years.
The majority of states follow a biennial renewal cycle (every 2 years).
Many states accept NCBTMB-approved providers. However, reciprocity across states is not guaranteed.
Most U.S. states require continuing education (CE) for massage therapy license renewal, but a few (such as California) have voluntary certification without CE mandates.
The typical requirement is 12 to 24 hours every two years. New York stands out with a 36-hour requirement every three years.
Live CE typically means in-person or synchronous training where learners can interact with the instructor in real time. Some states allow livestreamed online CE to count as live.
Most states accept CE from NCBTMB-approved providers, but acceptance can depend on the course topic and delivery method. Always verify with your state board.
Many states allow some or all CE hours to be completed online, though limits may apply. Florida and North Carolina, for example, cap online CE at 12 hours.
Consequences vary by state. Some allow a grace period or reinstatement with penalties; others require reapplication or re-examination. Always check with your board immediately.
Search your state board’s website for approved CE providers or use nationally recognized databases like NCBTMB’s. You can also check course approval statements on provider websites like Pinpoint Education.
Yes, most states mandate CE in ethics, laws, or professional practice. Courses on trauma-informed care are also increasingly accepted, especially when delivered by credentialed instructors.
Pinpoint is building a smarter way to match CE courses with your licensing requirements. For now, browse the full course catalog here.