Need license to join as CPP?
Yes.

Titles

  • Licensed Massage Therapist
  • Master Massage Therapist
  • Instructor

Licensing requirements

  • 500 hours
  • MBLEx or NCBTMB
  • Additional requirements for Master and Instructor

License renewal

  • 1st of month preceding birth month, every 2 years
  • 18 hours CE every 2 years
    • Maximum of 6 hours online CE

    • No online CE for hands-on techniques - these must be done in a live classroom

    • No animal massage

Practitioners exempt from licensing (rules/regs)

  • Practices involving only light touch in the administration of energetic principles or spiritual healing.

State board contact details

Dept of Health
4815 W Markham Street, Slot #8
Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501-683-1448
Fax: 501-682-5640
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/massage-therapy

Establishment registration requirements, human trafficking awareness signage obligations, and expectations for business owners may impact how you maintain compliance and manage day-to-day operations. The Department of Health's Division for Health Protection is accepting comments though March 2.

The Arkansas legislature added massage businesses to the list of establishments that must display National Human Trafficking Hotline information. Find a copy of the approved poster in our blog.

Arkansas joins Nevada and Ohio as an official IMpact-participating state.

ABMP supports the MBLEx, and if you feel it is a disservice to Arkansas students to take a state exam that will limit them, make sure to reach out to your representatives before this bill moves in the legislature.

Write a letter to your representatives to support a license that allows you to leave your home state and practice in another.

Arkansas massage therapists must now report any suspected child maltreatment, abuse, or death in accordance with House Bill 1729.