What is the difference between certified and licensed massage therapy?

Question

What is the difference between certified and licensed massage therapy?

Answer 1

Certified means that they have gone through a course/institution to learn the skills of massage therapy and have passed the examination. They are fit to conduct the massage therapy. Licensed means the government recognises and allows them to practice their skills on the general public.

Answer 2

More specifically - anyone can give you a certification when you complete their training requirements.

Some states require that you get nationally certified by the NCBTMB to be licensed to do massage in that state. (National certification does not mean you can do massage in any state once you take the exam.  You still have to fulfill each states requirements which are often different.) Other states may be using the MBLEX exam offered by the Federation of Massage Boards.

Professional Licensing is handled by a state agency usually the board of health.  

In order to practice you  may also need a city and/or state business license to practice massage which is different from a professional license.

Answer 3

One Ho has given the answer.