To get licensed in Colorado, massage therapists are required to take a massage exam that covers such subjects as anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Whether you live in Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs or another city or county, the resources below will help you get started on the path to receive your massage license.
Need of a Massage License: A massage therapist needs to be licensed to practice massage therapy in Colorado.
Who Grants a License: Licenses are granted by the Colorado Office of Massage Therapist Registration.
Qualifications to receive a License: A candidate needs to complete a minimum of 500 hours of course and clinical work from an approved massage school. The candidate must also pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
For more information on qualifications, see Application for Original Registration – Massage Therapist.
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 for the License: Candidates must provide the Colorado Office of Massage Therapist Registration the following documents: completed application, with criminal background check and finger printing. The documents should be sent to:
Colorado Division of Registrations
Office of Licensing – Massage Therapy
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7800
Fax: (303) 894-7693
Fees: There are fees to apply to become a licensed massage therapist.
Who administers the test: 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 there is no continuing education requirement.
Insurance Requirement: Massage therapists must carry professional liability insurance in an amount not less than $50,000 per claim with an annual aggregate liability limit of $300,000 for all claims.
Applicable Regulations: Massage therapists in Colorado are regulated by the Massage Therapy Practices Act, Title 12, Article 35.5 and the Colorado Massage Therapy Registration Rules and Regulations, 3 CCR 772-1.
_________________________________
For more information on licensing and exam preparation, go to Tests.com’s MBLEx Test Guide and BCETMB Test Guide.
And take Tests.com’s Massage Therapist Practice Tests:
For massage therapy exam preparation products, such as study guides, flashcards and courses, go to Tests.com’s MBLEx and BCETMB listings.
DWS 0128
