Kentucky Massage Therapist License Exam
To get licensed in Kentucky, massage therapists are required to take a massage exam that covers such subjects as anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Whether you live in Bowling Green, Louisville or another city or county, the resources below will help you get started.
Need of a Massage License: A massage therapist needs a license to practice massage therapy in Kentucky.
Who Grants a License: Licenses are granted by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy.
Qualifications to receive a License: A candidate needs to complete a minimum of 600 classroom hours of supervised instruction in massage therapy from a Board approved education program.
The candidate must also pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
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 Board the following documents: (1) completed application; (2) transcript of completed course of study; and (3) verification of passage of the MBLEx. The documents should be sent to:
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy
PO Box 1360
Frankfurt, Kentucky 40602
Phone: (502) 564-3296
Fax: (502) 564-4818
Official school transcripts and MBLEx results must be forwarded directly to the Board from the respective organizations.
Fees: There are fees to apply to become a licensed massage therapist.
Who administers the Massage Test: The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and Pearson Vue.
License Renewal Requirements: A massage therapist must renew their license every 2 years and complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Applicable Regulations: Massage therapists in Kentucky are regulated by KRS 309.350 et seq. and 201 KAR 42:010 et seq.
