(a)
In order to obtain certification as a massage therapist, an applicant shall submit a written application and provide the council with satisfactory evidence that he or she meets all of the following requirements:
(1)
The applicant is 18 years of age or older.
(2)
The applicant has successfully completed the curricula in massage and related subjects totaling a minimum of 500 hours, or the credit unit equivalent, that incorporates appropriate school assessment of student knowledge and skills.
(A)
Of the 500 hours, a minimum of 100 hours of instruction shall
address anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health
and hygiene, and business and ethics.
(B)
All of the 500 hours shall be from schools approved by the council.
(3)
The applicant has passed a massage and bodywork competency assessment examination that meets generally recognized psychometric principles and standards and that is approved by the council. The successful completion of this examination may have been accomplished before the date the council is authorized by this chapter to begin issuing certificates.
(4)
The applicant has successfully passed a background investigation pursuant to Section 4606, and has not violated any of the provisions of this chapter.
(5)
All fees required by
the council have been paid.
(6)
The council may issue a certificate to an applicant who meets the qualifications of this chapter if he or she holds a current and valid registration, certification, or license from any other state whose licensure requirements meet or exceed those defined within this chapter. If an applicant has received education at a school that is not approved by the council, the council shall have the discretion to give credit for comparable academic work completed by an applicant in a program outside of California.
(b)
A certificate issued pursuant to this chapter and any identification card issued by the council shall be surrendered to the council by any certificate holder whose certificate is suspended or revoked.