Minimum training hours
Georgia requires completion of a massage therapy program of at least approximately 500 hours from a board-approved school to qualify for licensure. Programs generally break down into a mix of supervised in-class instruction (covering contraindications, body mechanics, and professional practice), pathology coursework, and ethics/business training, plus supervised clinical practice hours.
Confirm your specific program's approval status with the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy before enrolling — not every massage program nationally is automatically recognized for Georgia licensure, and requirements can change.
The licensing exam
Applicants must pass a recognized licensing exam — commonly the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) — as part of qualifying for licensure.
Additional requirements before you're licensed
Beyond training and the exam, Georgia licensure has generally required:
- Proof of liability insurance.
- A background check, including fingerprinting.
Start your background check and fingerprinting process early — these can take longer to complete than expected and shouldn't be the last step you start before your planned licensure date.
Renewal and continuing education
Georgia's massage therapy board tracks continuing education for license renewal through CE Broker. Confirm your current renewal cycle and required CE hours directly with the board, since these details can change.
If you're opening your own practice
A license lets you practice massage therapy; if you're opening your own space (rather than working for an existing spa or clinic), see our How to Start a Massage Therapy Business in Georgia guide for what else that involves.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MBLEx the only accepted exam? Georgia has historically also recognized the NCBTMB exam in some contexts — confirm which exams are currently accepted directly with the board.
Do I need liability insurance before or after I'm licensed? Requirements have generally required proof of insurance as part of the licensure process itself — confirm current requirements and timing with the board.
