map Trades license portability

Massage Therapist license reciprocity by state

Massage Therapist licenses are broadly portable across the US — 40 of the 50 states and DC offer direct recognition or licensure by endorsement, though endorsement often still requires a state-specific law or business exam. Each row below links to the state's official licensing board and lists the specific reciprocal states where we have them.

check_circle 1 states recognize assignment_turned_in 39 via endorsement edit_note 8 require exam block 2 not recognized remove_circle_outline 1 no license required

Reciprocity tier legend

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Recognized

Existing license or national cert accepted directly.

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Endorsement

Apply for a new license — paperwork, fees, no re-exam.

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Exam required

Must retake the state exam or complete state-specific training.

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Not recognized

No reciprocity pathway. Satisfy state requirements from scratch.

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No license required

State does not license this profession.

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Unclear

State policy ambiguous or silent. Contact licensing board.

All 50 states + DC

Each row links to the full massage therapist profile for that state — exam costs, application fees, licensing board contact, and the source language behind the tier classification.

State Reciprocity tier Summary Detail
Alabama assignment_turned_in Endorsement Alabama offers reciprocity for applicants licensed in other states with equal or greater requirements.
Reciprocal states: Alabama offers reciprocity to applicants licensed in other states with equal or greater requirements (650 hours of education, passing an approved exam like MBLEx or NCBTMB, and $1,000,000 personal liability insurance).
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Alaska assignment_turned_in Endorsement Alaska offers reciprocity with specific states, requiring a current license and substantially equal requirements.
Reciprocal states: Alabama, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Must have a current, active, unrestricted license in good standing in one of these states with substantially equal or greater requirements than Alaska (625 hours of education and a board-approved national competency exam).
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Arizona assignment_turned_in Endorsement Arizona offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent standards or NCBTMB certification.
Reciprocal states: Arizona offers reciprocity for applicants licensed in another state with substantially equivalent standards for at least two of the last five years, or for those holding current NCBTMB certification with at least 500 hours of education.
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Arkansas edit_note Exam required Arkansas offers licensure by endorsement, but applicants must pass the state's Massage Therapy Law examination.
Reciprocal states: Arkansas offers reciprocity if the applicant holds a substantially similar license from another U.S. jurisdiction with equivalent or greater requirements (500 hours of training). The applicant must also pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination. Arkansas does not offer direct license transfers, but rather licensure by endorsement.
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California block Not recognized California does not have reciprocity with any other state for massage therapists.
Reciprocal states: CAMTC does not have reciprocity with any other state. However, out-of-state education is evaluated for equivalency to California's 500-hour requirement.
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Colorado assignment_turned_in Endorsement Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent standards and practice requirements.
Reciprocal states: Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for massage therapists licensed in other jurisdictions with equivalent standards. Verification of all out-of-state licenses and proof of active practice (400 hours in 12 of the past 24 months) or 24 hours of continuing education in the past 24 months are required.
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Connecticut assignment_turned_in Endorsement Connecticut offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting practice, exam, and state requirements.
Reciprocal states: Connecticut offers licensure by endorsement for applicants licensed in another state who have practiced for at least one year, passed the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam, and meet current Connecticut requirements. The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) is also being considered to simplify interstate practice.
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Delaware assignment_turned_in Endorsement Delaware offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent standards, national exam, and practice.
Reciprocal states: Delaware offers reciprocity to applicants who are currently licensed in another jurisdiction, have practiced continuously for at least two years, and have passed a national examination (MBLEx or NCBTMB). The other state's requirements must be equivalent to or exceed Delaware's standards.
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District of Columbia assignment_turned_in Endorsement DC offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees with comparable requirements and an approved exam.
Reciprocal states: The District of Columbia offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold a license in good standing in another state or territory with comparable requirements and have passed an approved examination. Verification of licensure from all other jurisdictions is required.
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Florida assignment_turned_in Endorsement Florida offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees with practice, national exam, and a Florida laws course.
Reciprocal states: Florida offers licensure by endorsement through the MOBILE Act for those holding an active, unencumbered license from another state, D.C., or a U.S. territory, who have actively practiced for 3 of the last 4 years, passed a national exam, and complete a 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course.
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Georgia assignment_turned_in Endorsement Georgia offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent education and board-approved exam requirements.
Reciprocal states: Georgia offers licensure by endorsement for applicants licensed in other states with equivalent or greater requirements, including a 500-hour program and a board-approved exam (MBLEx or NCBTMB).
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Hawaii edit_note Exam required Hawaii has no reciprocity; out-of-state licensees must meet Hawaii's education and examination standards.
Reciprocal states: Hawaii does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Applicants licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement and meet Hawaii's education and examination standards.
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Idaho assignment_turned_in Endorsement Idaho offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees with equivalent or higher standards and good standing.
Reciprocal states: Idaho offers licensure by endorsement for applicants holding a current, active license in another state with substantially equivalent or higher licensing requirements, provided the license is in good standing and there have been no disciplinary actions. Applicants must also be of good moral character and have no drug offense convictions. A copy of the other state's licensing laws and regulations is required.
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Illinois assignment_turned_in Endorsement Illinois offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees with substantially equivalent requirements at issuance.
Reciprocal states: Illinois offers licensure by endorsement for applicants licensed in another state with substantially equivalent requirements (600 hours) at the time their license was issued. Proof of certification and successful completion of an approved program must be provided.
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Indiana assignment_turned_in Endorsement Indiana offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent education, exam, and character requirements.
Reciprocal states: Available by endorsement for applicants licensed in another state with equivalent or stricter requirements, who are at least 18 years old, of good moral character, have at least 600 hours of instruction, and passed an approved exam (FSMTB or NCBTMB). Proof of fingerprint processing is also required.
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Iowa assignment_turned_in Endorsement Iowa offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting similar or exceeding education and exam standards.
Reciprocal states: Iowa allows licensure by endorsement for applicants from other states or the District of Columbia if their licensure requirements are similar to or exceed Iowa's standards (600 hours of education). Applicants must provide official license verification from all states where they have been licensed, including issue date, expiration date, status, and any disciplinary actions, and official transcripts. Proof of passing an approved national examination (MBLEx or NCBTMB) is also required.
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Kansas block Not recognized Kansas has no statewide reciprocity; therapists must meet local municipality requirements.
Reciprocal states: No statewide reciprocity; therapists must adhere to local municipality requirements.
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Kentucky assignment_turned_in Endorsement Kentucky offers reciprocity/endorsement for out-of-state licensees with equivalent or stricter standards.
Reciprocal states: Kentucky offers licensure by reciprocity for individuals holding an active license in another state with equivalent or stricter standards. For those from states with lower standards, the Board may grant a license by endorsement if their education, experience, and credentials are deemed equivalent.
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Louisiana assignment_turned_in Endorsement Louisiana offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent standards and national exam, or via Welcome Home Act.
Reciprocal states: Louisiana offers reciprocity to applicants who hold a current, active license for at least one year in another state with equal or greater educational requirements (500 hours) and have passed a national exam (MBLEx or NCBTMB). The 'Welcome Home Act' may allow for licensure for those with an active out-of-state license and proof of Louisiana residency, even if they haven't taken a national exam.
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Maine assignment_turned_in Endorsement Maine offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting similar or exceeding education and exam standards.
Reciprocal states: Maine allows licensure via endorsement for therapists holding an active license in another state, provided their educational and examination standards are similar to or exceed Maine's requirements (500 hours).
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Maryland edit_note Exam required Maryland offers endorsement, but requires passing a state-specific Jurisprudence Examination.
Reciprocal states: Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for applicants licensed in states with equal or greater requirements (at least 600 hours of education). Applicants must pass the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination, undergo a criminal background check, and provide proof of a board-approved national exam and official transcripts.
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Massachusetts assignment_turned_in Endorsement Massachusetts offers reciprocal licensure for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent standards and national exam.
Reciprocal states: Massachusetts does not currently have a process in place for direct reciprocity (transfer) of out-of-state massage licenses. A new application must be submitted. However, the board may issue reciprocal licensure to applicants holding an active license in good standing from another state with reasonably equivalent licensing standards. Applicants must provide proof of a passing score on an accepted national certification exam (MBLEx), proof of at least 500 hours of specific training, official transcripts, verification letters from other states where licensed, and proof of malpractice insurance.
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Michigan assignment_turned_in Endorsement Michigan offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees whose credentials align with state standards.
Reciprocal states: Michigan may grant licensure by endorsement to applicants licensed in other states if their training and credentials align with Michigan's standards (625+ hours). If licensed for less than 5 years, applicants must meet Michigan's educational requirements. If licensed for more than 5 years, applicants need to provide proof of high school graduation/equivalency and passing an approved exam. Official verification from all states where the applicant has held a massage therapist license is required.
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Minnesota remove_circle_outline No license Minnesota has no statewide license, so reciprocity is handled at the municipal level.
Reciprocal states: Minnesota does not have statewide reciprocity due to the absence of a state license. Reciprocity would be handled at the municipal level, if offered.
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Mississippi edit_note Exam required Mississippi requires out-of-state licensees to pass the Mississippi State Law Exam.
Reciprocal states: Must be licensed in a state with equal or greater requirements (minimum 500 in-class education hours) and have at least three years of work experience as a massage therapist. Must pass the Mississippi State Law Exam.
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Missouri assignment_turned_in Endorsement Missouri offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
Reciprocal states: Missouri offers licensure by reciprocity for applicants who hold a valid massage license in good standing from another state with substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
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Montana assignment_turned_in Endorsement Montana offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent or greater requirements and good standing.
Reciprocal states: Montana offers reciprocity to applicants licensed in other states with equivalent or greater licensing requirements (500 hours of education and a passing score on an approved exam). The out-of-state license must be active and in good standing, and the applicant must submit official verification of licensure and a copy of the licensing requirements from the credentialing state.
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Nebraska assignment_turned_in Endorsement Nebraska offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees demonstrating 1,000 hours of education/training.
Reciprocal states: Nebraska offers reciprocity. Applicants licensed in other states must demonstrate 1,000 hours of education and training, which can include credit for work experience (100 hours per year of full-time experience) and continuing education (up to 100 hours). A temporary license may be issued for those who meet all requirements except the national exam and will be supervised.
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Nevada edit_note Exam required Nevada's compact is inactive; out-of-state licensees must currently meet Nevada's education and examination requirements.
Reciprocal states: Nevada has enacted the Interstate Massage Compact, but it is not yet active. Currently, applicants licensed in another state must meet Nevada's requirements, including education and examination, and provide a certified statement from their previous licensing agency. Some states are considered 'substantially equivalent' as of August 14, 2024.
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New Hampshire assignment_turned_in Endorsement New Hampshire offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with similar requirements, including work experience alternatives.
Reciprocal states: New Hampshire offers reciprocity for applicants who hold an active license in good standing from another jurisdiction with substantially similar licensing requirements. If the applicant's education hours are between 500 and 749 hours, they must have worked as a massage therapist for one year for every 50 hours of education less than 750 hours.
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New Jersey assignment_turned_in Endorsement New Jersey offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees with similar requirements and practice experience.
Reciprocal states: New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement for applicants licensed in other states with substantially similar education and examination requirements. Applicants must have been practicing for at least three years within the five years prior to application and provide documentation that their license is in good standing.
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New Mexico edit_note Exam required New Mexico has no reciprocity; out-of-state licensees must meet all New Mexico licensure requirements.
Reciprocal states: New Mexico does not currently have a reciprocity agreement with other states. Applicants licensed in other states must meet all New Mexico licensure requirements.
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New York edit_note Exam required New York has no true reciprocity, requiring out-of-state licensees to pass the New York State exam.
Reciprocal states: New York does not have true reciprocity. Licensed massage therapists from other states may apply for licensure by endorsement if their credentials meet New York's standards. This typically requires a current license in good standing, at least two years of practice experience (or five years for reduced education requirements), a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship or legal residency, passing the New York State Massage Therapy Examination, proof of good moral character, and CPR certification within the last three years. Out-of-state applicants with fewer than 1000 hours of education may receive a deficiency letter and need to complete additional coursework.
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North Carolina assignment_turned_in Endorsement North Carolina offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees, despite no direct reciprocity.
Reciprocal states: North Carolina does not have reciprocity with any state, but offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees.
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North Dakota assignment_turned_in Endorsement North Dakota offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with similar requirements, practice, and exam.
Reciprocal states: North Dakota offers reciprocity to applicants licensed in other states or jurisdictions with substantially similar or higher requirements, provided they have actively practiced for at least two of the last three years, passed an acceptable examination, and have a license in good standing. A criminal history record check is required.
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Ohio assignment_turned_in Endorsement Ohio offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees meeting specific education, practice, and national exam requirements.
Reciprocal states: Ohio offers reciprocity to applicants who have held a current license in another U.S. state or Canada for at least five consecutive years, completed a massage education program of at least 750 hours (or 600 hours if enrolled before December 31, 2005) from an approved school, and passed the MBLEx. The program must cover specific areas like anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage theory, practical application, ethics, business, and law. Out-of-state schools must be authorized by an agency comparable to the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools Registration or the Ohio Board of Regents.
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Oklahoma assignment_turned_in Endorsement Oklahoma offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees whose qualifications meet or exceed state requirements.
Reciprocal states: Oklahoma offers reciprocity for applicants who hold a valid license in another state or territory, provided their educational and examination qualifications meet or exceed Oklahoma's requirements. An additional $15 fee applies for reciprocity applications.
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Oregon assignment_turned_in Endorsement Oregon offers endorsement/reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent requirements; exam may be waived.
Reciprocal states: Oregon may license by endorsement or reciprocity if the applicant is licensed in another state, territory, or country with equivalent or greater requirements (625 hours). The Board will determine if an examination is necessary based on education, other exams, work experience, and years of practice. A credentialing review with an additional $250 fee is available for out-of-state applicants who have legally practiced for many years and may not meet traditional education requirements.
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Pennsylvania assignment_turned_in Endorsement Pennsylvania offers reciprocity/endorsement for out-of-state licensees with substantially equivalent requirements.
Reciprocal states: Pennsylvania offers licensure by reciprocity/endorsement for applicants licensed in other states with substantially equivalent requirements. Act 41 of 2019 provides an additional option for case-by-case consideration.
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Rhode Island assignment_turned_in Endorsement Rhode Island offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equal or greater requirements and national exam.
Reciprocal states: Rhode Island may issue a license by endorsement to applicants licensed in another state or territory with equal or greater requirements. The applicant must have completed at least 800 hours of education (effective January 1, 2026) and passed a national certification examination such as the MBLEx. A grace period of 45 days from the application fee receipt date is allowed for out-of-state licensees to meet Rhode Island's requirements.
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South Carolina assignment_turned_in Endorsement South Carolina offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equal or greater standards and national exam.
Reciprocal states: South Carolina offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold a current license in another state with substantially equal or greater licensing standards (including 650 hours of education and passing the MBLEx or equivalent exam). A criminal background check and proof of English language proficiency may also be required.
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South Dakota assignment_turned_in Endorsement South Dakota offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equal or greater requirements.
Reciprocal states: South Dakota does not have a reciprocity application. Applicants licensed in another state with equal or greater requirements (500 hours of training and a national exam) must apply for licensure by endorsement, providing verification of education, exam scores, and licensure from other states.
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Tennessee assignment_turned_in Endorsement Tennessee offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent standards, plus a state-specific course.
Reciprocal states: Tennessee offers licensure by reciprocity to applicants licensed in other states or countries with equivalent or more stringent standards. Applicants must complete a 5-hour course on Tennessee massage statutes and regulations and have 10 hours of ethics instruction. Temporary licenses may be granted to out-of-state licensees while applying for reciprocity.
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Texas edit_note Exam required Texas offers endorsement, but requires passing the Texas Jurisprudence Exam for out-of-state licensees.
Reciprocal states: Texas offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state applicants. Requirements include official transcripts of 500+ hours of education, license verification from the current state board, proof of passing the MBLEx, and passing the Texas Jurisprudence Exam (if MBLEx was taken). If the original state required fewer than 500 hours, TDLR evaluates credentials individually.
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Utah assignment_turned_in Endorsement Utah offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent requirements, national exam, and practice.
Reciprocal states: Utah offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states, provided their credentials meet or exceed Utah's requirements. This typically involves a minimum of 500 hours of education, passing the MBLEx, and at least three years of practice as a licensed massage therapist. A background check is also required.
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Vermont check_circle Recognized Vermont does not require specific education or exams; out-of-state licensees can register via verification.
Reciprocal states: Vermont does not offer reciprocity in the traditional sense as it does not require specific educational hours or examinations for registration. However, applicants holding a license in good standing from another U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction can register by submitting a verification of licensure.
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Virginia assignment_turned_in Endorsement Virginia offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees meeting equivalent education and examination standards.
Reciprocal states: Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for massage therapists with a current license in good standing from another state, provided their education and examination meet Virginia's standards. Virginia has also passed the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), joining Arkansas, Nevada, and Ohio as participating states. However, at least three more states must pass the IMpact bill before a multistate license becomes available.
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Washington assignment_turned_in Endorsement Washington offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees, requiring a jurisprudence exam and equivalent education.
Reciprocal states: Washington offers licensure by endorsement for applicants holding an active and unrestricted massage license in a state or foreign jurisdiction with substantially equivalent education and training requirements. Applicants must also pass the Washington State Massage Therapist Jurisprudence Exam. If requirements are not substantially equivalent, a transfer program may be utilized to fulfill additional education.
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West Virginia assignment_turned_in Endorsement West Virginia offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent requirements and a national exam.
Reciprocal states: West Virginia offers reciprocity for out-of-state applicants with equivalent requirements. Applicants must provide a copy of their active massage license, continuing education if licensed for over two years, and proof of passing a national exam like the MBLEx.
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Wisconsin assignment_turned_in Endorsement Wisconsin offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent requirements, including national certification or exam.
Reciprocal states: Wisconsin offers reciprocity to applicants who hold a current, similar license in another U.S. state or territory or another country, provided the requirements are substantially equivalent to Wisconsin's. This includes certification by the NCBTMB or another NCCA-accredited organization, or passing an approved examination (like MBLEx or BCETMB) along with at least 500 classroom hours of instruction.
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Wyoming assignment_turned_in Endorsement Wyoming may grant a license without examination to out-of-state licensees in good standing.
Reciprocal states: Wyoming may grant a license without examination to applicants who hold a current license in good standing from another state or territory of the U.S. and submit a certified statement from that licensing authority demonstrating proper credentialing.
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verified_user How this was compiled · Last updated 2026-07-21

Reciprocity tiers and summaries are compiled from each state's licensing board and department of professional regulation — linked per row above — and reviewed against public board guidance. Licensing rules change frequently and often depend on your license class (for example journeyman vs. master) and the specific states involved. Always confirm current requirements directly with the destination state's board before making a career or relocation decision. This page is informational and is not legal or licensing advice.