When filling out a state licensing application, you see on a requirement to provide “An Official School Transcript.” Not only that, but the “Transcript must be sent directly from the school to the Board office.”

Sometimes there are other requirements, like:

• Sealed in Envelope
• Counterfeit-Proof Paper
• Embossed Stamp
• On School Letterhead

However, you have one big problem with all of those requirements; your massage school has closed or been sold.

What do you do now? Who do you contact? Will your personal transcript copy be accepted by the state board?

The first thing I want to tell you is that massage schools close all the time.

All. The. Time.

Your situation is not uncommon.

The good news is that in helping thousands of people obtain massage licenses in other states, I have only talked to a handful who have never been able to track down their massage school transcript.
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Looking for information to obtain a massage license, or get certified, in California?

Legally working as a massage therapist in California is different than any other state. Whether you are a current massage therapist moving to California, or a resident looking for a massage program, sorting through regulations can be challenging and time-consuming.

I am going to cover the current regulations in California and break down the requirements into simple steps. Soon, you will know everything you need to do, or not do, in order to work as a massage professional in the state.

Licensing vs Certification

The first thing we need to cover is…

California does not license massage therapists, instead it certifies qualified massage therapists.

What’s the difference?

Certification and licensing are not interchangeable terms. It is very important to know the difference between the two before you start the certification process.

Licensing

Licensing is a non-voluntary, or mandatory, requirement. A government agency (board or department) regulates the profession. Passage of a massage licensing law or act makes it illegal for anyone to engage in that occupation within without a license. Over 40 states issue massage therapy licenses.

Certification

According to the American Massage Therapy Association:

“Professional certification is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental professional organization grants recognition to an individual who has met certain qualifications.”

Certification in California is voluntary, like the NCTMB/BCTMB certification. This certification has intended benefits for the public and massage profession in California, which I will discuss in a moment.

Certification in California is obtained through CAMTC, California Massage Therapy Council.

What is CAMTC?

CAMTC is not a state board. However, it was created by the California legislature and began taking applications for massage certification in 2009. CAMTC is a private non-profit corporation.

The CAMTC Board of Directors, like other state massage boards, are volunteers. Each volunteer is appointed by California cities, counties, law enforcement, massage schools, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and professional massage associations. For state massage boards, members are often appointed by the governor.

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