How to Become a Massage Therapist in Newfoundland and Labrador
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador to work as a massage therapist in Newfoundland and Labrador or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“All massage therapists must be registered with the College in order to practice massage therapy in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
From cmtnl.ca/our-purpose/board-of-directors, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 5 steps, listed one-time fees $1,400 (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Licensed in another province: 8 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 5 done
- Listed one-time fees: $1,400
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 1.4 to 1.8 months (only 1 of 5 steps state a time)
-
The applicant pays the examination fee for the OSCE and the MCQ, and a non-refundable administrative fee is charged once payment is processed.
- OSCE examination fee: $850
Source
“The examination fee for the OSCE is $850 and for the MCQ is $550”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl - MCQ examination fee: $550
Source
“The examination fee for the OSCE is $850 and for the MCQ is $550”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl - Non-refundable administrative fee: $150 (charged once payment is processed)
Source
“Once payment is processed Candidate is charged a $150 non-refundable administrative fee.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl
Source
“The examination fee for the OSCE is $850 and for the MCQ is $550 Once payment is processed Candidate is charged a $150 non-refundable administrative fee.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl - OSCE examination fee: $850
-
The applicant takes the registration examination, using the Exam Candidate Handbook and exam dates and deadlines for information.
Source
“Step 3: Take the registration examination. See Exam Candidate Handbook for information about the registration examination. See Exam Dates & Deadlines for dates/times of the next registration examination, and the application deadline.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl -
The applicant receives official notification of results approximately six to eight weeks after the final component of the examination is complete.
Time: 6 to 8 weeksTime source
“Applicants receive official notification of results approximately six to eight weeks after the final component of the examination is complete.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnlSource
“Applicants receive official notification of results approximately six to eight weeks after the final component of the examination is complete.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl -
After passing all components of the registration examination, the applicant applies for active registration with the CMTNL within two years of completing the examinations.
Source
“After successful completion of all components of the registration examination, applicants can apply for active registration with the CMTNL. You must apply within two years of completing your registration examinations.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl -
The applicant completes the NLMTA new membership application and submits payment, noting that membership fees include liability insurance.
Source
“Click New Membership Application Complete Application then hit Submit (bottom of page) Payments Accepted: E/transfer, certified cheque or money order”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $1,400
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | $1,400 | 100% |
| One-time total | $1,400 | 100% |
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 8 done
- 8 steps without a listed fee
-
The transferring RMT fills out the transfer registration application.
Source
“Fill out the registration application Transfer Registration 2025-26”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces -
The applicant downloads and completes Newfoundland and Labrador's jurisprudence self study exam.
Source
“Download and complete the Newfoundland and Labrador’s Jurisprudence Self Study Exam”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces -
The applicant provides a valid first aid certification.
Source
“Provide a valid First Aid certification”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces -
The applicant provides a valid vulnerable sector check and criminal record check dated within six months.
Source
“Provide a valid vulnerable sector check and criminal record check dated within 6 months”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces -
The applicant obtains a letter of good standing from their current or previous College.
Source
“Have letter of good standing from current/previous College (CMTBC, CMTO, CMTNB, CMTPEI)”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces -
The applicant provides documentation of graduation from an approved massage therapy program.
Source
“Have documentation of graduation from an approved Massage Therapy program”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces -
The applicant holds current membership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Massage Therapist Association, ensuring professional liability insurance is up to date.
Source
“Have current membership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Massage Therapist Association, ensuring your professional liability insurance is up to date.”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces -
The applicant pays the required fee based on the pro-rated fee schedule.
Source
“Pay the required fee based on the pro-rated fee schedule.”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador
8 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Late renewal fee: $25 (charged after March 15th, 2026)
Source
“After March 15th, 2026, a late fee of $25 will be charged.”
cmtnl.ca/registration-renewal-application
Requirements
Education
Applicants must have completed a massage therapy diploma from a recognized school or an approved program.
Source
“If you apply outside of the two years, you will be required to redo the massage therapy diploma from a recognized school or complete a refresher course approved by CMTNL.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl
Police check
Applicants must provide a Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Code of Conduct.
Source
“Provide a Vulnerable Sector Check & Criminal Code of Conduct (see below)”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl
Insurance
Applicants must be members of the NLMTA, which provides the professional liability insurance legally necessary to practice massage therapy in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Source
“As per the Massage Therapy Act, 2005, all applicants must be members with the Newfoundland and Labrador Massage Therapy Association. The NLMTA provides professional liability insurance to its members which is legally necessary to practice massage therapy in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl
Other
Applicants must provide proof of entitlement to work in Canada.
Source
“Provide proof of entitlement to work in Canada (see below)”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnlApplicants must provide a current first aid certificate.
Source
“Provide a current first aid certificate (see below)”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnlApplicants must apply for registration within two years of completing their registration examinations or redo the diploma or complete an approved refresher course.
Source
“You must apply within two years of completing your registration examinations. If you apply outside of the two years, you will be required to redo the massage therapy diploma from a recognized school or complete a refresher course approved by CMTNL.”
cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnlTransferring RMTs must have a letter of good standing from their current or previous College.
Source
“Have letter of good standing from current/previous College (CMTBC, CMTO, CMTNB, CMTPEI)”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provincesTransferring RMTs from BC who have not had training in breast massage may not provide that treatment modality until they complete appropriate training through an approved professional development course.
Source
“Therapists from BC who have not had training in breast massage will not provide this treatment modality to the public until they have completed appropriate training through an approved professional development course.”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
RMTs transferring from other regulated provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island) complete a transfer registration application, jurisprudence self study exam, first aid certification, vulnerable sector and criminal record checks, a letter of good standing, graduation documentation, NLMTA membership and the pro-rated fee, without retaking the entry-to-practice examination. Source
“RMT’s transferring from other regulated provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island) must complete the following steps to achieve registration in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces
Fill out registration application
Source
“Fill out the registration application Transfer Registration 2025-26”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provincesComplete jurisprudence self study exam
Source
“Download and complete the Newfoundland and Labrador’s Jurisprudence Self Study Exam”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provincesProvide first aid certification
Source
“Provide a valid First Aid certification”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provincesProvide criminal record checks
Source
“Provide a valid vulnerable sector check and criminal record check dated within 6 months”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provincesObtain letter of good standing
Source
“Have letter of good standing from current/previous College (CMTBC, CMTO, CMTNB, CMTPEI)”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provincesProvide graduation documentation
Source
“Have documentation of graduation from an approved Massage Therapy program”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provincesMaintain NLMTA membership
Source
“Have current membership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Massage Therapist Association, ensuring your professional liability insurance is up to date.”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provincesPay required fee
Source
“Pay the required fee based on the pro-rated fee schedule.”
cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador
Exams
-
registration examination (Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ))
Source
“The CMTNL registration examination consists of two components, a Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and an Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Candidates must successfully pass both components in order to apply for registration in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
cmtnl.ca/massage-therapy-exams -
registration examination (Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE))
Source
“The CMTNL registration examination consists of two components, a Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and an Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Candidates must successfully pass both components in order to apply for registration in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
cmtnl.ca/massage-therapy-exams -
Online Jurisprudence Exam
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador
Canadian experience
Applicants must have Canadian citizenship, landed immigrant status, or a valid employment authorization from Immigration Canada. Source
“Have Canadian citizenship, landed immigrant status, or a valid employment authorization from Immigration Canada.”
cmtnl.ca/registration-renewal-application
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | — | $36,400 | — | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $32,867 | $32,867 | $62,400 | — |
Wages by region and job outlook in Newfoundland and Labrador
Massage therapists in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Board of Directors – College of Massage Therapists cmtnl.ca/our-purpose/board-of-directors · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apply for New Member Registration with CMTNL – College of Massage Therapists cmtnl.ca/apply-for-initial-registration-with-cmtnl · fetched October 10, 2026
- RMT’s Transferring from Regulated Provinces – College of Massage Therapists cmtnl.ca/registration/rmts-transferring-from-regulated-provinces · fetched October 10, 2026
- Registration Renewal Application 2026-27 – College of Massage Therapists cmtnl.ca/registration-renewal-application · fetched October 10, 2026
- Exams – College of Massage Therapists cmtnl.ca/massage-therapy-exams · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a massage therapist in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador is required to practise in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Which exams are required?
registration examination (Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ)), registration examination (Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)), Online Jurisprudence Exam.
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