Local Massage Schools

At the time of this writing, there is no state massage licensing or certification in California. Instead, it is considered a Freedom of Access State.

California relies on their local City or County governments to regulate massage therapy through massage permits and/or zoning laws.

According to the AMTA California chapter, they recommend that you contact the City or County Clerk for the area in which you wish to practice and inquire directly with them about their massage permit requirements.

If you intend to be self-employed, or work as an independant contractor, you will also need check on any zoning regulations, other requirements, or fees to obtain a business license to practice massage.

And if you are planning to work out of your home, check whether zoning regulations permit this in your area.

So what is required to become an accredited California Massage School?

California does in fact regulate massage schools. Schools can be approved with a minimum 100-hour curriculum. California-approved massage schools can provide a certificate to their graduates indicating that they have fulfilled their curricular requirements.

California does not recognize the national certification for therapeutic massage and bodywork (NCTMB) at this time.

In both 2003 and 2004, legislation was introduced to create a state licensure. Both times, the efforts were unsuccessful.

What’s my suggestion?

Look for an accredited California Massage School that offers a training program similar to other licensed states. Try to find a program with a minimum of 500 hours of training, if possible. That way, if and when a state license is passed, you probably will not be asked to take additional training at your local massage school just to continue the career you love.

Official Title: None
Type of Massage Credential: State License is not required. Municipal requirements may apply.
California Massage School Required Education: Specified Prohibitions of Activity, Written Disclosure Statement, Record Keeping
Written or Practical Exam Requirements: None
NCTMB Used: No
License Renewal Fee: None
CEUs Required For License Renewal: N/A