Iowa Massage Therapist License Exam
To get licensed in Iowa, massage therapists are required to take a massage exam that covers such subjects as anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Whether you live in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids 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 a license to practice massage therapy in Iowa.
Who Grants a License: Licenses are granted by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy.
Qualifications to receive a License: A candidate needs to complete a minimum of 600 hours of massage therapy education from a Board approved school.
Candidates 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; (3) CPR certification; and (4) verification from the FSMTB of passage of the MBLEx. The documents should be sent to:
Iowa Board of Massage Therapy
Professional Licensure Division
Lucas State office Building, Fifth Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
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 (FSMTB) 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: Licensing of massage therapists in Iowa is regulated by IAC 645-131.
