The massage industry has a lot of letters associated with its professional titles and designations (LMT, RMT, CMT, CMP) — enough that it can start to feel like a bowl of alphabet soup.
Learn what they mean, how they differ, and why you need massage therapy insurance regardless of your letters.
LMT vs RMT vs CMT vs CMP: Key Differences at a Glance
| Title | Stands For | Region | Education Requirements | Key Feature | Insurance Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LMT |
Licensed Massage Therapist |
Most states |
500+ hours |
Issued and regulated by the state |
Yes |
|
RMT |
Registered Massage Therapist |
Canada, some states |
~2,200 hours
|
Primarily used in Canada |
Yes |
|
CMT |
Certified Massage Therapist |
CA, some states |
500+ hours |
Issued by independent board or state authority |
Yes |
|
CMP |
Certified Massage Practitioner |
CA |
250 hours |
Less training, CA specific
|
Yes |
LMT vs CMT vs RMT: Why Massage Therapist Titles Vary
Massage Therapist Title Acronyms
LMT = Licensed Massage Therapist
RMT = Registered Massage Therapist
CMT = Certified Massage Therapist
CMP = Certified Massage Practitioner
Why are there so many massage therapist titles? The simplest answer: different regional laws. Massage therapy is not a nationally regulated profession, so there is no universal process for qualifying therapists.
Where each title is the most common:
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT): United States
- Certified Massage Therapist (CMT): California and other non-licensed states
- Certified Massage Practitioner (CMP): California
- Registered Massage Therapist (RMT): Canada
What training, certification, and title you need to legally practice massage therapy will depend on the state (and sometimes city) you live and work in.
What Is an LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist)?
An LMT is a massage therapist who has met their state’s professional licensing requirements. Licensing typically involves providing proof of your qualifications to a state board.
The most common requirements for massage licenses include:
- 500+ hours of education
- Passing an accredited exam
- Liability insurance
- A background check
- A completed application form
- Application fees
Pro tip: Licensing is compulsory, meaning by law you must have a license to practice massage. So in states that require a license, it does not matter what other qualifications you have; no license = no work.
Most states have licensing laws, which means you must be an LMT in order to work in most states.
The only states that do not require a massage license are:
- California
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Vermont
- Wyoming
But! (There’s always a but…) some cities or counties within these states still have specific requirements, like a minimum number of education hours or proof of passing a national exam.
What Is an RMT (Registered Massage Therapist)?
RMT most often refers to qualified massage therapists in Canada, where the “Registered” title is used for people in regulated healthcare professions.
It may also refer to therapists who are registered with a private professional body, like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) or Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). These organizations may have their own requirements for registering with them.
Occasionally, states that do not require a license for massage therapy will instead require you to register with the state. Whether you can promote yourself as an RMT in this case also depends on local laws.
What Is a CMT (Certified Massage Therapist)?
You are not legally required to get a certification to practice massage therapy. However, most states with licensing laws require a certification (aka a passing exam score) from an accredited organization like the MBLEx or NCBTMB.
In states without license regulations, massage therapists may need proof of certification to get hired. This is why the CMT title is most often used in no-license states like California.
California also has the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), which issues a voluntary certification to therapists who meet their requirements. Though it’s not a state mandate, some cities, counties, or individual employers may list a CAMTC certification as a job requirement.
What Is a CMP (Certified Massage Practitioner)?
Pro tip: CMT vs CMP. A CMT needs at least 500 hours of formal education and training in massage therapy. A CMP needs between 250 to 499 hours of massage therapy training.
Know Your Title, Protect Your Practice
Each state has its own title and licensing rules for massage therapists. This is crucial to remember if you work in different states or plan to move to another state and still practice massage.
One thing that stays constant across every state and professional title is the need to protect your practice. Even if your state doesn’t require liability insurance (some do), the risk of a client getting injured is always there.
In the event a claim is brought against you for injuries or damages, massage therapist liability insurance is there to act as your financial safety net. Protect your career and your investment for as little as $9.99/month today with Beauty and Bodywork Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapist Titles
Do All States License Massage Therapists the Same Way?
Can I Get Massage Liability Insurance if I’m Only Certified, Not Licensed?
Yes. As long as you meet your state’s requirements for practicing massage, you are eligible for massage liability insurance.
Does My Title Affect the Type or Cost of Insurance I Need?
No! Regardless of your official title, you need general and professional liability insurance to protect yourself from the cost of common claims and lawsuits. Your state may dictate the minimum amount of insurance you need, but that is based on state law and not necessarily your title.
With BBI, the cost of massage therapist insurance is only $9.99/month or $96/year no matter your title.
