NEW YORK MASSAGE THERAPY LICENSE EXAMINATION
2026 COMPLETE (110) CURRENT TESTING QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES.
MASSAGE
Prepare for the New York Massage Therapy License Examination with this
comprehensive practice resource designed to support your licensing exam
preparation. It features exam-style questions covering anatomy and physiology,
massage techniques, pathology, ethics, professional standards, client assessment,
and New York massage therapy regulations. Use it to reinforce essential concepts,
assess your knowledge, and build confidence before test day. An excellent study aid
for candidates preparing for the New York Massage Therapy License Examination.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
NYS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS & REGULATIONS (Questions 1–20)
Question 1: According to New York Education Law, which state agency is
responsible for issuing massage therapy licenses?
A. NYS Department of Health
B. NYS Education Department, State Board for Massage Therapy
C. NYS Division of Licensing Services
D. County Board of Health
Correct answer: B. NYS Education Department, State Board for Massage
Therapy
Rationale: NYS Education Law Article 155 gives the NYS Education
Department, which oversees the State Board for Massage Therapy, the
authority to issue licenses. The Office of the Professions administers this.
Question 2: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a massage
therapy license in New York State?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old
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C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
Correct answer: C. 18 years old
Rationale: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a
professional massage therapy license in NYS.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of education hours required for a
massage therapy program in New York?
A. 500 hours
B. 750 hours
C. 1,000 hours
D. 1,500 hours
Correct answer: C. 1,000 hours
Rationale: 8 NYCRR 78.4 requires at least 1,000 hours of approved study,
including specific coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and
massage theory.
Question 4: How many total questions are on the New York State Massage
Therapy Examination?
A. 100
B. 120
C. 140
D. 160
Correct answer: C. 140
Rationale: The official examination blueprint, effective March 2025, specifies
a total of 140 items.
Question 5: What is the minimum passing score on the New York State
Massage Therapy Examination?
A. 70.0
B. 75.0
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C. 80.0
D. 85.0
Correct answer: B. 75.0
Rationale: The passing score on the licensing examination is 75.0 as
determined by the State Board for Massage.
Question 6: How long is a massage therapy license valid before it must be
renewed (registration period)?
A. Every 1 year
B. Every 2 years
C. Every 3 years
D. Every 5 years
Correct answer: C. Every 3 years
Rationale: A massage therapist must register with the State Education
Department every three years to practice in New York State.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a requirement for initial NYS
massage licensure?
A. Be at least 18 years of age
B. Completion of a 1,000-hour approved program
C. 100 hours of supervised clinical internship
D. A current CPR certificate
Correct answer: C. 100 hours of supervised clinical internship
Rationale: NYS requires 1,000 hours total, but does not mandate a specific
“100-hour clinical internship” as a separate category. The requirements
include age, education, CPR certification, and good moral character.
Question 8: A massage therapist who is licensed in another state and wants
to practice in NY may be eligible for licensure by endorsement. What is one
requirement for this pathway?
A. Passing the NYS practical exam
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B. At least 2 years of post-licensure professional experience
C. Being at least 25 years of age
D. A recommendation from their previous employer
Correct answer: B. At least 2 years of post-licensure professional
experience
Rationale: If you are licensed in another state, have practiced for at least two
years, and meet other requirements, you may be eligible for licensure by
endorsement. This pathway requires a demonstration of acceptable
professional experience to address any deficiencies in the exam's scope and
content compared to the NYS exam.
Question 9: A limited permit holder in New York must work under what kind of
supervision?
A. General supervision by a physician
B. Personal, on-site supervision by a licensed massage therapist
C. Remote supervision via telehealth
D. No supervision required after the first 100 hours
Correct answer: B. Personal, on-site supervision by a licensed massage
therapist
Rationale: The limited permit holder must work under the personal, on-site
supervision of an individual who is licensed and currently registered to
practice massage therapy in NYS.
Question 10: A limited permit in New York is valid for a period of not more
than:
A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 3 years
Correct answer: B. 1 year
Rationale: A limited permit is valid for not more than one year or until the