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Columbus, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Certification
National Certification Examination required
Accreditation
One of six named bodies
Citation
UDO § 3.2.45
Jurisdiction
Columbus Consolidated Government, Muscogee County

Summary

Columbus, Georgia requires every massage therapist to pass the National Certification Examination and hold accreditation from one of six named professional bodies before operating.

A.Certification. Massage therapists shall have successfully completed the National Certification Examination.B.Licensure and Operation. Massage therapists shall be licensed with and operate the business in accordance with the requirements of one of the following:1.The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology; ... 5.The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation of the American Massage Therapy Association; or 6.The Integrative Massage and Somatic Therapies Accreditation Council of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).

Full Breakdown

UDO § 3.2.45 requires a therapeutic massage establishment in Columbus (the consolidated Columbus-Muscogee County government) to employ therapists who have successfully completed the National Certification Examination and who are licensed under one of six specified accrediting organizations, including the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation of the American Massage Therapy Association and the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Beyond that credentialing requirement, the establishment must comply with all other applicable requirements of the city code and the UDO, including the standard business licensing process administered by the City's Revenue Division.

Violations & Fines

Operating a massage establishment with uncertified or unaccredited therapists violates § 3.2.45(A)-(B) and can result in denial or revocation of the required business license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Columbus, Georgia license massage therapists locally?
The UDO requires massage establishments to employ therapists holding the National Certification Examination plus accreditation from a listed body, under § 3.2.45; the business itself also needs a City license.
Which accrediting bodies satisfy Columbus's massage therapy rule?
Six are listed, including the American Massage Therapy Association's Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation and the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, under § 3.2.45(B).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbus

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPawnbrokersSignificant RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSome RestrictionsSecondhand DealersSome RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterLight Restrictions

All Columbus rules

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