Moving To North Carolina As A Massage Therapist?
North Carolina does not “transfer” licenses the way some states do, and it does not have massage license reciprocity with any state.
Instead, North Carolina uses a process called Licensure By Endorsement. It’s straightforward once you understand it, but the terminology and paperwork can feel intimidating at first.
This guide walks you through the process, explains what to expect, highlights common obstacles, and shows you simple ways to move forward.
North Carolina Has No Reciprocity
Many therapists search for NC massage license reciprocity. Still, the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy is very clear that there is no reciprocity agreement with any other state.
That does not mean you have to start over. It means North Carolina reviews your education, exam history, and license status to determine whether you meet its standards. That review process is called Licensure By Endorsement, and it’s how every out-of-state massage therapist becomes licensed in NC.
“Licensure By Endorsement” Defined
Licensure By Endorsement is North Carolina’s way of saying: “Show us that your background meets or exceeds our requirements, and we’ll license you.”
There are two endorsement paths, and which one applies depends on whether your previous state regulated massage therapy.
If you were licensed, certified, or registered in another state or jurisdiction, you’ll almost always apply under Endorsement A. If you practiced in a state that did not regulate massage therapy at the time, you’ll use under Endorsement B.
Most relocating therapists fall into Endorsement A.
Before You Do Anything Else, Request The Application
North Carolina requires you to submit an Application Request first. This is a small administrative step that triggers access to the online application system.
You submit the request, pay the $20 application request fee, and then receive login instructions by email. Once you’re in the system, you can save progress, upload documents, and check your application status online.
Nothing moves forward until this step is completed.
Endorsement A
If you currently hold a massage license in another state and it’s in good standing, you’ll apply under Licensure By Endorsement A.
North Carolina will ask you to document who you are, where you trained, that you passed a recognized competency exam, and that you’re practicing legally and ethically in your current state.
This includes a completed (and notarized) application, an official transcript from your massage school, verification of your current license, proof of age and education, a photograph, and four statements of moral character and professional competence. You’ll also complete fingerprinting and consent for a criminal history records check.
The Board reviews whether your prior state’s requirements are substantially equivalent to or higher than North Carolina’s. This determination is handled internally; you don’t need to make the case yourself.
Endorsement B
Endorsement B exists for therapists who practiced in a jurisdiction that did not regulate massage therapy at the time.
In addition to many of the same personal and educational documents required under Endorsement A, applicants under Endorsement B must submit proof of passing an approved competency assessment, such as the MBLEx or NCETMB.
Applicants must also provide more detailed school documentation, including the school’s catalog, curriculum, and proof that the program was legally authorized to operate.
This pathway can take longer, but it exists specifically to ensure experienced therapists are not excluded simply because their former state did not regulate the profession.
Fees To Expect And When You’ll Pay Them
North Carolina publishes a clear fee schedule, which helps plan for these costs in advance.
You should expect to pay $20 to request the application, $150 for the initial license, and $40 for the required SBI criminal history records check.
Once licensed, renewal currently costs $100, with a late fee if you miss the deadline.
The application request can be purchased online using a credit card. If you use an older mail-in request form, payment methods are more limited, so it’s important to follow the instructions exactly.
The Jurisprudence Learning Exercise
All applicants must complete North Carolina’s Jurisprudence Learning Exercise (JLE).
This is a 30-question, multiple-choice exercise covering North Carolina’s massage laws and rules. You must score 100%, but there is no limit on attempts and no fee to take it.
Most therapists complete the JLE after reading through the Practice Act and Board rules. It’s best thought of as a confirmation that you understand how massage therapy is regulated in North Carolina.
How Long Does the Process Really Take?
Once your application is complete, meaning all required documents have been received from you and any third parties, North Carolina’s review process moves fairly quickly. The Board doesn’t cause most delays, but missing or late paperwork does, which is why timing and preparation matter.
Here’s what out-of-state massage therapists should realistically expect:
- License issuance usually takes 1–2 weeks once your application is complete, but missing transcripts, delayed license verifications, incomplete fingerprint submissions, or missing moral character statements can delay processing.
- You cannot legally practice while your application is pending, and North Carolina no longer issues provisional licenses, so it’s important to plan around your move and start date.
- When your license is approved, you’ll receive a certificate and wallet card, along with orientation materials from the Board outlining your responsibilities as an NC licensee.
- Licenses expire on December 31 and have specific CE requirements, including 24 total CE hours for a full two-year renewal period (with at least 3 ethics hours). Beginning with renewals ending December 31, 2024, and beyond, at least 12 hours must be completed in a classroom.
Our Best Honest Advice
If you’re an out-of-state massage therapist planning a move to North Carolina, don’t wait until you arrive to start the licensing process. The earlier you begin, the smoother your transition will be and the less time you’ll spend waiting to practice.
It’s also smart to plan for continuing education that meets North Carolina’s in-person requirements. Lining that up early makes your first renewal easier and helps you connect with the local massage therapy community faster.
Transferring your massage license to North Carolina isn’t about jumping through hoops; it’s about documentation, accuracy, and timing. While the state doesn’t offer reciprocity, it does provide a clear endorsement pathway for qualified therapists.
If you’d like help understanding the process, planning CE, or figuring out your next steps after relocating, reach out to our team at NC Massage School. We’re happy to answer questions, point you in the right direction, and help you feel confident about practicing in North Carolina.
