Practitioner FAQ

What is the definition of Massage Therapy/Bodywork?

According to the city of Cambridge regulation, "Massage Therapy/Bodywork/Movement Education shall mean the act or technique of moving or manipulating superficial or deep tissues, muscles, joints, or bones by rubbing, kneading, guiding, or the like by manual or mechanical means, or as directed by the practitioner, for the purpose of invigoration, relaxation, education, or an increase in physical and/or emotional health and well-being."

What are the classes and/or certifications I need to acquire a license?

You must complete a 500-hour course of study, and provide documentation that you have passed a national certification exam administered by a certification agency that meets federal guidelines.

Which certification exams qualify?

More than 95% of licensed practitioners in Cambridge have passed the National Certification Exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.com or 800-296-0664). The remaining licensed practitioners have taken the exam administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.nccaom.org or 703-548-9004). The Cambridge Public Health Department may accept an exam administered by another state in lieu of a nationally administered exam. The New York and Washington state exams have been accepted by the health department in lieu of a nationally administered exam.

What do I need to submit with my license application?

You must submit a signed and completed license application, copies of your massage therapy school transcript and diploma, a $50 fee (check or money order only) made payable to the Cambridge Public Health Commission, the appropriate number of forward-facing, passport-sized photos (see next question for details), and proof that you have passed one of the accepted national certification exams. If your certification has expired, you must either recertify or provide evidence that you maintain a membership in a professional organization that provides a code of ethics and requires the continuing education of its members. Examples of accepted organizations include the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA).

How many pictures do I need to submit with my application?

You should submit one picture for each establishment that you will be working at, as well as an additional picture if you will be requesting an off-premises license. For example, if you have jobs at two licensed establishments and are also requesting an off-premises license, you will need to submit three forward-facing passport photos (2" by 2" in size) with your application.

What is a temporary license?

The city of Cambridge will grant a temporary license to any practitioner who has met all the license requirements and has applied to take a national certification exam, but has not yet sat for the exam. Proof of having applied for the exam must be submitted with your license application. A copy of your exam application, along with a copy of the check you submitted to the testing agency, are acceptable as proof of your application. The Cambridge Public Health Department will also accept email or Internet verification, in the event that you applied for the exam online. This temporary license will expire approximately three months from the date of issuance. When you take and pass the certification exam, you will be granted a license that extends to the end of the current calendar year, at no additional charge.

When does my license expire?

All city of Cambridge practitioner licenses expire on December 31 of the year of issuance, regardless of when during that year you received your license. You will receive a renewal application in November to remind you to renew for the next year.

What is a student license and how do I get one?

If you are currently enrolled in a massage therapy program that will give you more than 500 hours, you are eligible for a student license if you have completed at least half of the program's required hours. For example, you must have completed at least 250 hours of a 500-hour program or at least 325 hours of a 650-hour program. Along with the student application, you must submit a current transcript and a letter from your school stating that you have completed at least half of the required hours. You must also submit a letter from your school indicating that is acceptable for you to receive compensation for your services. There is a $25 fee for a student license (check or money order only) made payable to the Cambridge Public Health Commission. Students are only allowed to renew their licenses once, provided that they are still students when they renew.

How long after I apply for my license can I expect to receive it?

The turnaround time between dropping off your application and receiving your license is usually between one and two weeks. Please note that you must either drop off your application in person or pick it up in person so that the health department can verify that you are in fact the applicant.

More Information

If you are interested in becoming a practitioner, please read the city’s massage therapy/bodywork ordinance. If you have questions, please contact Mike Ginieres at 617-665-3848 or mginieres@challiance.org.

Please mail applications and other correspondence to:

Cambridge Public Health Department
Attn: Mike Ginieres
119 Windsor Street, Ground Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139