Looking for frequently asked questions about obtaining your Georgia Massage License? Not sure where to begin or find the answers? Based on our experience, people looking for information on getting licensed in Georgia fall into one of the following three scenarios:
Scenario #1: Recent Graduation from Massage School
Congratulations on your graduation! If you have recently completed a massage therapy program, it’s time to obtain your massage license so you can begin practicing. Whether you have already passed the MBLEx or are planning to take it soon, you’re almost there!
Scenario #2: Relocating to Georgia or Working Across State Lines
Welcome to Georgia! If you are moving to, or considering a move to Georgia, you need to obtain a massage license in this state to continue practicing legally. Holding an active massage license from another state or an NCBTMB certification isn’t sufficient.
If you hold an active license in another state, you will most likely apply by endorsement. If you do not have an active license or went to school in another country, you can still apply, but you cannot use the endorsement process.
And to answer one of our most common questions, yes, you can hold more than one state massage license.
Scenario #3: Reinstating a Lapsed or Expired Georgia Massage License
Did you take a break from your massage career and are now ready to return? Welcome back! If your Georgia massage license has expired or lapsed, you will need to go through the reinstatement process to resume practicing.
Your Next Steps
Whether you are starting your research or rushing through the application process, let’s help you get the information you need to obtain your Georgia Massage License. Understanding the requirements and application process will make this journey smoother and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Georgia Massage License Application Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Education Requirement | Transcript showing 500 hours of supervised classroom and hands-on instruction. |
| Approved Entry Level Licensing Exam | Exam Report showing passing of an approved entry-level exam, such as the MBLEx or NCETMB, is mandatory. |
| Fingerprint Background Check | The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy requires a fingerprint background check on all applicants. |
| Application Fee | Non-refundable application fee of $125. If applying online, there is an additional $5.00 processing fee. |
| Other Application Requirements | • Background Consent Form • Secure & Verifiable Document • Affidavit of Citizenship • Proof of Liability Insurance • Proof of Military Service (if applicable) • Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable) |
Step 1: Get Familiar with the GOALS Website
This is important for those starting the licensing journey in Georgia. Recently, the Georgia Secretary of State rolled out the new GOALS (Georgia Online Application Licensing System) website for applications and license management for many licensed professions in Georgia.
Through this website, applicants can:
- Submit Applications Online: Apply for initial licensure, renewals, and reinstatements conveniently through an online portal.
- Track Application Status: Monitor the progress of their application in real-time.
- Pay Fees: Pay application, renewal, and reinstatement fees securely online.
- Update Personal Information: Keep contact details and other personal information current.
Additionally, license holders will use the Georgia GOALS website to renew their licenses (which is October 31st of even years) and pay renewal fees.
Step 2: Find the Correct Application
If you Went to School in Georgia or Have an Expired Massage License Outside of Georgia
Check out the “Massage Therapist” application. The board website states this is for “If you have never held a massage therapy license in Georgia or have an expired massage therapy license in another state or U.S. territory, submit this application and fee.” If you are coming from out of state and have an expired license, do not use the endorsement application.
If you have an Active Massage Therapy License in Another State
You are most likely going to use the endorsement application. If you have an active license in another state (where the minimum education is 500 hours and a “national” licensing exam is required), you can apply for licensure by endorsement. Endorsement allows you to obtain a license in Georgia based on your existing credentials without needing to retake educational courses or licensing exams, provided you meet the state’s remaining requirements.
If you had a Georgia Massage License, but it Expired
Reactivating a License
If a Georgia massage license has been expired for two years or less, applicants need to submit evidence of completion of 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education obtained within one year of the date of the reinstatement application.
Reinstating a License
If a Georgia massage license has been expired for over two years, applicants need to submit evidence of completion of 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education obtained within one year of the date of the reinstatement application, and possibly retaking the MBLEx.
The application states, “Some applicants for reinstatement may be required to take and pass one of the recognized exams before licensure reinstatement is considered/granted by the Board.”
Step 3: Send Transcripts
The minimum education requirement for a Georgia massage license is 500 hours. Official school transcripts: To validate your education, contact your massage school and request they send an official transcript to the Georgia Massage Board.
Foreign Education
Applicants educated outside the U.S. must provide an original credential evaluation report in English from International Consultants of Delaware, Inc., including a certified and translated transcript.
Step 4: Request Exam Report
Approved Exam Completion: In addition to 500 hours of education, passing an approved entry-level exam is mandatory. Accepted exams include:
- NCBTMB Exams: NCETM, NCETMB
- FSMTB Exam: MBLEx
If you’ve already passed one of these exams, request an official score report sent to the Georgia Board from the NCBTMB or FSMTB.
If You Haven’t Taken an Exam
If you were licensed in another state without taking an approved entry-level licensing exam, you will need to pass an approved exam to qualify for a Georgia license. Currently, the MBLEx is the only available entry-level exam. Massage Exam Academy offers MBLEx prep resources to help you pass the exam and get licensed.
Step 5: Verify Your Other License(s)
License Verification: If you hold a massage license in another state, obtain verification from the state agency or board and have it sent to the Georgia Board.
Step 6: Complete Background Check
Background Check: A background check via Georgia COGENTS/GAPS is required for all applicants. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has contracted Gemalto to provide the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS), which facilitates the electronic submission of fingerprints. There are many GAPS throughout Georgia. The Federal/State criminal history results will be available to the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy within 48 hours after the applicant’s fingerprints are received by the GBI’s Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).
Additional background check information can be found here.
Application Processing Time
After you have submitted your application, the Georgia Board FAQ states processing can take up to 20 business days, with potential delays due to criminal history, disciplinary history, or incomplete applications.
Conclusion
Best of luck on your journey to becoming a licensed massage therapist in Georgia! The process can seem daunting, but with careful attention to each step, you can navigate it successfully and begin your new career.
Georgia Contact Information
Georgia Board of Massage Therapy237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217-3858
Customer Service Phone Number: (478) 207-2440
Fax: (866) 888-1308
For more information, visit the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy website.
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