The Interstate Massage Compact

Simplifying Licensure & Supporting Therapist Mobility

The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact™) makes it easier for licensed massage therapists to practice across state lines. A multistate license reduces administrative hurdles, supports career flexibility, and increases access to massage therapy nationwide.

As more states join the IMpact, your voice matters now more than ever — take the survey to demonstrate where the profession stands, send a letter of support to your legislators, and share your story to help show why professional mobility is important for both therapists and the public they serve.

Help Make Multistate Licensure a Reality

Take Action Today!

Complete the IMpact Survey of the Profession

Send a Letter to Your Legislators

Share Your Story

Send a Letter to Your Legislators

Click your state on the map to see current IMpact activity and send a personalized letter to your elected officials.

Compact Map

IMpact Adopted

Active IMpact Legislation

No IMpact Legislation

Currently Ineligible

Share Your Story

How would licensure mobility impact you?

Your unique story puts a human face on the need for the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) and the circumstances affecting massage therapists and the profession. (Examples: military, travel, teaching, supporting out-of-state parents or children, etc.) We appreciate you sharing your story. Together we can make a difference.

Share Your Story

Complete the IMpact Survey of the Profession

Share your voice and help shape the future of licensure mobility. Your feedback guides legislators, informs IMpact development, and strengthens support across the profession.

Complete the IMpact Survey of the Profession

Licensed Massage Therapists

Freedom to Work Where Life Takes You

The IMpact empowers massage therapists to practice across state lines without repeating licensing processes — making it easier to follow your opportunities, clients, and calling.

Work in multiple states under one multistate license.
Reduce duplicate fees and application processes, saving time and money.
Maintain professional credibility through consistent standards of education, examination, and background requirements.
Support military families and mobile professionals who relocate frequently.
Focus on care, not bureaucracy — spend more time practicing massage, less time navigating red tape.

Complete the IMpact Survey of the Profession Send a Letter to Your Legislators Share Your Story

Frequently Asked Questions for Massage Professionals

Can continuing education count toward the 625-hour requirement?

Yes. Documented continuing education can be applied toward the total when determining equivalency, subject to Commission rules.

How do I apply for a multistate license?

Once the Compact Commission is operational the application procedure will be published. Until then, therapists can prepare by maintaining their home-state license in good standing, verifying or attaining 625 hours of education, and ensuring they have passed the national licensing exam.

How does the IMpact benefit massage therapists?

Work in multiple states without redundant licenses.
Reduce duplicate fees and paperwork.
Improve career flexibility and mobility.
Support military and mobile professionals.
Maintain consistent standards for public protection.

How much will the multistate license cost?

Fees will be determined by each state and the Commission. They are expected to be comparable to current single-state renewal fees.

My state requires fewer than 625 hours of education. Am I still eligible to get a multistate license?

Yes. The 625-hour education requirement applies to individual therapists seeking a multistate license, not to state education requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must:

Hold an active, unencumbered home-state license.
Have 625 hours of massage education or substantial equivalent.
Pass the MBLEx or equivalent national exam.
Complete a background check.
Have no disqualifying criminal or disciplinary history.

What can I do now to prepare for the Compact?

Send a letter of support to your legislators
Take the IMpact: Survey of the profession
Maintain your massage license in good standing
Confirm your education and pull together your school transcript and CE certificates
Confirm passage of either the NCBTMB licensing exam or the MBLEx
Keep an eye on the progress of IMpact on massagecompact.org

What if I was licensed before my state required an exam or specific hour threshold?

The Commission will define “substantial equivalence” to ensure qualified long-practicing therapists can participate while maintaining safety standards.

What if my multistate license expires or becomes inactive?

You must reactivate your home state license first and reapply for multistate privileges as directed by Commission rules.

What is the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)?

Like a driver’s license, the IMpact allows qualified massage therapists to practice in multiple member states with one multistate license — enhancing mobility and reducing administrative barriers.

Why does the Compact require 625 hours of education?

The Entry-Level Analysis Project (ELAP) identified 625 hours as the minimum number of hours required for a basic massage therapy education. This standard reflects empirical data, national consensus, and public input.

Will I need to complete continuing education in every state I practice?

No. Therapists meet their home state’s CE requirements but must follow each remote state’s laws and scope of practice.

The Interstate Massage Compact

Send a Letter to Your Legislators

Compact Map

Share Your Story

Complete the IMpact Survey of the Profession

Freedom to Work Where Life Takes You

Frequently Asked Questions for Massage Professionals

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