Delaware Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026

Active Deleware Massage Therapists and Technicians must complete 24 hours of approved CE during each full licensure renewal periods between September 1 and August 31 of even-numbered years (2024-2026, etc.).
The CE must include at least:

• 3 hours in Ethics, which may be taken in a classroom or online
• 9 hours of Core credits – which must be taken in a classroom hands-on setting
• 12 hours of Elective or Core credits which may be taken online

MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00. Delaware automatically approves courses that are approved by NCBTMB, AMTA, or ABMP.

Important: Because Delaware requires 9 hours of Core CE in a classroom, hands-on setting, Delaware massage therapists may complete up to 15 CE hours online (if they are taking their 3 CE hour ethics requirement online. If they are not taking the 3 CE hours of ethics online, Deleware therapists may take up to 12 CE hours online.

You can verify this information or contact the state of Delaware with further questions by visiting the Delaware Board of Massage Therapy.

Suggested Deleware massage therapy CE courses:

• Ethics Refresher - 3 CE hours
• Ethics, Boundaries and Client Relationships - 3 CE hours
• Assessment and Treatment Methods for Massage Therapists - 12 CE hours
• Chair Massage - 12 CE hours
• Evidence Based Massage - 12 CE hours
• Shiatsu Therapy - 12 CE hours

Delaware Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Delaware
Required CE	24 hours
Renewal period	Every 2 years
Ethics	3 hours
Core CE	9 hours classroom, hands-on
Online CE	Up to 12 hours
CE provider approval	NCBTMB, AMTA, ABMP, or Delaware Board approval
First renewal	May be exempt or prorated depending on when licensed
CE carryover	No

How Many CE Hours Does a Delaware Massage Therapist Need?

Delaware massage therapists must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education during each full biennial licensing period. The licensing period runs from September 1 through August 31 of even-numbered years.

The 24 hours must include:

• 3 hours of ethics
• 9 hours of Core CE completed in a classroom, hands-on setting
• 12 additional hours of Core or Elective CE, which may be completed online

The 3 ethics hours may be taken either in a classroom or online.

Delaware CE Provider Requirements

Delaware accepts continuing education courses approved by:

• NCBTMB
• American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
• Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
• The Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork

Courses approved by NCBTMB, AMTA, or ABMP are automatically approved for content under Delaware's rules. Courses that do not have one of these approvals must be approved by the Delaware Board before they can be used for renewal.

MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00.

Can Delaware Massage Therapists Take CE Online?

Yes, but Delaware limits the amount of online CE.

Delaware allows the 12 hours of additional Core or Elective CE to be completed online. The required 3 hours of ethics may also be completed online. However, the required 9 hours of Core CE must be completed in a classroom, hands-on setting.

Therefore, Delaware massage therapists can use MassageTherapyCEU.com online courses for up to 15 hours of their 24-hour requirement when those courses include the required 3 hours of ethics.

The remaining 9 hours must be qualifying classroom, hands-on Core CE.

Does Delaware Require Ethics CE?

Yes.

Delaware requires 3 hours of ethics as part of the 24-hour continuing education requirement. The ethics hours may be completed either online or in a classroom.

What Is Core CE in Delaware?

Core continuing education covers subjects within the practice of massage and bodywork that contribute to the professional competency of the massage therapist or massage technician.

Core courses are intended to maintain, improve, or expand massage therapy knowledge and skills. Ethics is considered a Core course under Delaware's rules.

Delaware requires 9 hours of Core CE in a classroom, hands-on setting during each full renewal period.

Can Delaware Massage Therapists Carry Over CE Hours?

No.

Delaware does not allow excess CE hours earned during one biennial licensing period to be applied toward a future licensing period.

Massage therapists should make sure they complete the required CE during the appropriate renewal period.

Does Delaware Have a Special Requirement for First Renewal?

Yes.

The CE requirement for a first renewal may be prorated or waived depending on when the license was issued.

Under Delaware's current rules:

• If the license was issued more than 12 months before the next renewal date, 24 hours are required.
• If the license was issued less than 12 months before the next renewal date, 12 hours are required.
• If the licensee was first licensed or certified 12 months or less before the renewal date, the licensee is exempt from CE for that first renewal period.

Newly licensed massage therapists should check their individual situation before assuming that the full 24 hours are required.

How to Complete Your Delaware Massage Therapy CE

Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date

Delaware massage therapy licenses are renewed every two years. Check your license and current renewal period.

Step 2: Determine Your CE Requirement

Most active massage therapists will need 24 hours, but first-renewal requirements may be prorated or waived depending on when the license was issued.

Step 3: Complete Your Online CE

You may complete up to 12 hours of Core or Elective CE online, plus the required 3 hours of ethics may also be completed online.

Step 4: Complete Your Hands-On CE

Complete the required 9 hours of Core CE in a classroom, hands-on setting.

Step 5: Keep Your Certificates

Keep documentation of your completed CE courses and certificates for your records.

Step 6: Enter Your CE in DELPROS

Delaware uses the DELPROS online system to track continuing education. Licensees can enter their completed courses and upload documentation through the CE Tracker.

Step 7: Renew Your License

Complete your Delaware massage therapy license renewal through DELPROS and attest that you have completed the required CE and maintained current CPR certification.

Delaware Massage Therapy CE FAQs

How many CE hours does a Delaware massage therapist need?

Most active Delaware massage therapists must complete 24 hours of approved CE every two years. First-renewal requirements may be different depending on when the license was issued.

How many Delaware CE hours can I take online?

You may complete 12 hours of Core or Elective CE online, and the required 3 ethics hours may also be completed online. This means up to 15 hours can be completed through qualifying online courses when the required ethics hours are included.

Can I complete all 24 Delaware CE hours online?

No. Delaware requires 9 hours of Core CE in a classroom, hands-on setting.

Does Delaware require ethics CE?

Yes. Delaware requires 3 hours of ethics during each full renewal period.

Does Delaware accept NCBTMB-approved courses?

Yes. Courses approved by NCBTMB, AMTA, or ABMP are automatically approved for content by the Delaware Board.

Can I use MassageTherapyCEU.com courses for Delaware CE?

Yes. MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00. Qualifying online courses can be used for the online portion of Delaware's CE requirement, subject to the state's category and format requirements.

Does Delaware require CPR certification?

Yes. Active license renewal requires maintaining current CPR certification. Delaware's rules specify qualifying CPR certifications, and CPR certification cannot be obtained solely through an online course.

Complete Your Delaware Massage Therapy CE

Delaware requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including 3 hours of ethics and 9 hours of Core CE in a classroom, hands-on setting.

MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00 and offers convenient online and home-study courses that can be used for the qualifying online portion of Delaware's CE requirement.

Always verify current requirements with the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork before completing your continuing education.