Everything You Need to Know About Renewing Your New Jersey Massage Therapy License
Are you preparing for your New Jersey Massage & Bodywork License Renewal? Every two years, massage therapists in NJ must complete specific requirements to maintain their license — including continuing education (CE) hours and renewal procedures. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know.
📅 When Do I Need to Renew?
All Massage & Bodywork Therapy licenses in New Jersey expire every two years on November 30th of even-numbered years — regardless of your initial licensing date.
📚 Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
To renew your license, you must complete 20 credit hours of CE during each two-year period. This includes:
✅ 2 hours in ethics
✅ A maximum of 6 credit hours may be completed through online or DVD courses
❌ Courses solely focused on business or unlicensed practices do not count toward CE
If you were licensed during the second year of the renewal period:
You only need 10 CE hours, but still must include 2 hours of ethics.
📝 Do I Submit Proof of CE?
No — not unless you’re audited. If you are selected at random for a CE audit by the New Jersey Board, you will be notified and required to provide documentation within 14 days. Otherwise, just keep your CE certificates for four yearsin case they’re ever requested.
✅ Approved CE Providers Include:
You can earn CE credit from courses or programs approved by:
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
The American Red Cross, and other recognized licensing or credentialing boards
💳 Renewal Fees
Active license renewal fee: $120
Inactive license status fee: $60
You may place your license on inactive status, but you cannot practice while inactive.
🔁 Reactivating a License
To reactivate an inactive license, you must:
Submit a reactivation application
Provide proof of CE completion for each missed renewal period
Hold current certifications in:
CPR
First Aid
AED usage
These must be from organizations such as:
American Heart Association
American Red Cross
National Safety Council, etc.
🔗 How to Renew
To renew your license:
Visit the NJ Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy website
Navigate to the Applications tab
Click “CLICK HERE TO START AN APPLICATION”
If you haven’t registered before, follow the instructions to create an account
✨ Pro Tip: Keep Your Info Updated
Make sure your email address and mailing address are always current with the Board. You won’t receive license updates or renewal notices if your contact info is outdated!
Ready to Stay Licensed — or Launch Your Career?
Whether you're renewing your license or looking to begin a rewarding career in massage therapy, continuing your education is key.
Start your career in massage therapy today — train with experts and build your future at the Institute for Massage and Performance. Learn more or enroll now!
— IMP