January 14, 2026 | British Columbia

Becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in British Columbia is a rewarding career path, but it also involves one of the most rigorous licensing processes in Canada. Whether you are currently in massage therapy school or considering enrolling, understanding the CCHPBC RMT Registration Examination is essential. 

This guide explains how RMT exams work across Canada, what makes the British Columbia exam unique, and what candidates can expect from the College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia (CCHPBC) examination process. And how a recognized program can help prepare you for success. 

RMT Exams in Canada: A National Overview 

Massage therapy in Canada is provincially regulated, meaning there is no single national licensing exam. Instead, regulatory colleges in each province oversee education standards, registration requirements, and entry to practice exams. 

Massage therapy is currently regulated in: 

• British Columbia 
• Ontario 
• New Brunswick 
• Newfoundland and Labrador 
• Prince Edward Island 

Each regulated province administers its own registration exam, but all exams are built around shared national entry to practice competencies. These competencies ensure new RMTs can practice safely, ethically, and effectively. Most provincial exams include: 

• A written knowledge exam 
• A practical or clinical skills assessment 
• A law and ethics or jurisprudence exam 

British Columbia’s exam, now administered by CCHPBC, is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive in the country. 

The CCHPBC RMT Registration Examination: An Overview 

To practice as an RMT in British Columbia, candidates must pass the CCHPBC Registration Examination. Passing this exam is mandatory before you can legally use the RMT title or practice massage therapy independently in the province. 

The examination consists of three required components: 

• Clinical Knowledge and Theory (CKT) Exam 
• Law, Ethics and Professionalism (LEP) Exam 
• Performance Based Assessment (PBA) 

All three components must be successfully completed to qualify for registration. 

Eligibility: Who Can Take the Exam? 

To be eligible for the CCHPBC exam, candidates must graduate from a recognized massage therapy education program that meets British Columbia’s entry to practice standards.  

This is where program selection matters. Enrolling in a recognized program, such as CDI College’s Registered Massage Therapy Diploma Program in British Columbia, ensures your education aligns with regulatory expectations and allows you to apply directly for the registration exam after graduation. 

Applicants trained outside British Columbia or in unregulated jurisdictions may need to complete a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to demonstrate equivalency. RMTs already licensed in other regulated provinces typically only need to complete British Columbia’s law and ethics requirements. 

Exam Structure: The Three Components Explained 

Clinical Knowledge and Theory (CKT) Exam 

The CKT is a computer based written exam that includes: 

• 150 multiple choice questions 
• A 3 hour time limit 

This exam evaluates your understanding of foundational and clinical sciences and often uses case based scenarios. Questions assess your ability to apply knowledge in clinical situations rather than recall facts in isolation. 

Core subject areas include: 

• Anatomy and physiology 
• Pathology 
• Kinesiology and biomechanics 
• Orthopedic assessment 
• Treatment planning and massage techniques 
• Hydrotherapy and remedial exercise 
• Contraindications and client safety 

Law, Ethics and Professionalism (LEP) Exam 

The LEP component evaluates your understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities of practicing as an RMT in British Columbia. 

It includes: 

• A self paced online learning course with seven modules 
• Mandatory completion of all module quizzes 
• A 90 minute proctored exam 

Topics covered include: 

• Scope of practice 
• Professional boundaries 
• Informed consent 
• Confidentiality and record keeping 
• CCHPBC bylaws and standards of practice 

A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass the LEP exam. 

Performance Based Assessment (PBA) 

The PBA is the hands on practical exam and is often considered the most challenging component of the registration process. 

It is conducted in person at a designated exam facility in the Lower Mainland and involves: 

• Simulated clinical scenarios 
• Standardized patients 
• Observation by experienced RMT examiners 

Candidates are assessed on: 

• Client interviews and assessments 
• Palpation and muscle testing 
• Massage techniques and treatment delivery 
• Professional communication 
• Safety, draping, and infection control 

The PBA is designed to confirm real world clinical readiness. Unsafe or unethical practice results in an automatic failure. 

Scoring, Results, and Rewrites 

Each exam component is evaluated independently on a pass or fail basis. Candidates must pass all three components within three years of their first exam attempt. 

• Results are typically released approximately six weeks after the final exam component 
• Failed components may be retaken individually 
• Additional attempts may require approval or evidence of remediation 

Exam Fees and Timing 

The full CCHPBC registration exam fee is approximately $1,970 CAD per attempt. Partial fees apply if only one exam component needs to be rewritten. 

The exam is generally offered twice per year, with application deadlines several months in advance. Early planning is essential, both academically and financially. 

What to Expect on Exam Day 

Candidates should expect a formal and professional testing environment. 

Important reminders include: 

• Bring valid government issued photo identification 
• Arrive early to allow time for check in 
• Electronic devices and study materials are not permitted 
• Dress professionally for the practical exam 
• Maintain professional conduct throughout all components 

For the PBA, massage tables, linens, and lotion are provided. Candidates may bring a pen and a lotion holster if desired. 

How Education Choice Impacts Exam Readiness 

The CCHPBC exam is designed to assess entry level competence, not advanced specialization. This means your massage therapy education plays a significant role in how prepared you feel. 

Programs that align closely with British Columbia’s regulatory competencies, such as CDI College’s Registered Massage Therapy Diploma Program, are structured to cover the same subject areas tested on the exam, including: 

• In depth anatomy and assessment training 
• Extensive hands on clinical practice 
• Professional and ethical standards 
• Real world client care experience 

Choosing a recognized program supports both exam eligibility and confidence going into the examination process. 

Final Thoughts 

The CCHPBC RMT Registration Examination is demanding, but it exists to protect the public and ensure new RMTs enter the profession with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism required for safe practice. 

Understanding the exam structure, expectations, and requirements early, ideally before enrolling in school, can make the journey far less stressful. With the right education, preparation, and mindset, passing the exam is an achievable milestone. 

If you are considering a career as a Registered Massage Therapist in British Columbia, beginning with a recognized education program such as CDI College’s Registered Massage Therapy Diploma Program, is an important first step toward exam readiness and long-term professional success.