How to check a physio’s diploma in Morocco

In short

To practise, a physio needs a diploma the law accepts and an authorisation from the Ministry of Health.
The plaque at the practice shows the diploma, where it comes from and the authorisation reference.
Practising without a diploma or authorisation carries 3 months to 2 years in prison.
On Kinero, the team checks each physio’s diploma before their page goes live.

In May 2025, Moroccan physiotherapists warned in Le Matin about a rise in fake practitioners. This page explains which diplomas and which authorisation Law 45-13 requires of a physio. It lists what you can see at the practice and what you can ask. It also covers the penalties and where to report a problem.

Law 45-13 requires a diploma and an authorisation

Physiotherapy in Morocco is governed by Law No. 45-13, enacted by the dahir of 9 August 2019. Its article 20 makes practice conditional on an authorisation from the administration. Decree No. 2.20.874 of 4 February 2021 gives that power to the Minister of Health or a delegate.

The application goes to the provincial office of the Ministry of Health. It includes a copy of the diploma, and the office may ask for the original. A foreign diploma is sent to the foreign affairs authority.

The law also asks for a medical certificate of fitness. It excludes people convicted of certain crimes or offences (article 49). The authorisation states the commune, the practice address and the form of practice (article 21).

Four kinds of diploma open the profession

Article 20 lists the accepted diplomas. For a physio, it is one of the following. A qualification recognised as equivalent is also accepted.

For a transition period of up to four years, the law also accepts the specialised technician diploma. It must come from an authorised private vocational school (article 54).

The State diploma of paramedical studies, medical massage or physiotherapy section, from a Ministry of Health institute
A bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation from a higher institute of nursing and health techniques, or a public university
A diploma from an authorised private higher-education institution, after at least three years of study after a science baccalaureate
A diploma from an authorised private vocational school, with the same minimum length

The profession describes fake physios trained in a few days

In May 2025, Le Matin reported a warning from the independent national union of private-sector physiotherapists. Its secretary general, Abdellatif El Mantaji, described pseudo-therapists trained in a few days. In his account, they then call themselves physiotherapists.

He named social media as the place where these impostors promote themselves. He also regretted that no professional council regulates the field. Several points in the law help you spot a doubtful case.

A training of a few days presented as enough
No practice address, although the authorisation is tied to a specific address
A borrowed name, although the law forbids practising under a pseudonym
A refusal to say which diploma they hold and where it is from

At the practice, the plaque and the fees must be on display

Article 33 requires a plaque at the practice entrance. It shows the physio’s name, diploma and its origin, and profession. It also shows the reference of the authorisation to practise.

The same article requires the fees to be displayed clearly in the waiting room. Article 34 requires the physio to hold professional liability insurance.

You can ask the physio which diploma they hold and which school issued it. You can also ask for their authorisation reference. For a home visit there is no plaque, so ask before the session.

The law also provides for a public list. Under article 21, the administration publishes the list of authorised private practitioners each year in the Official Bulletin.

The law punishes illegal practice and misuse of the title

Article 40 covers anyone who performs physio acts without a diploma. It also covers anyone who does so habitually without an authorisation. Students acting under their supervisors’ responsibility are not covered.

Article 41 punishes both cases with 3 months to 2 years in prison. The fine is 10,000 to 50,000 MAD. For a repeat offence, article 52 doubles the fine and the prison term. The prison term is then at least 6 months.

Using the title without the diploma is the offence of usurping the title (article 48). It carries the penalties of the penal code.

A problem can be reported to the Ministry of Health

According to Hespress in April 2025, the Ministry of Health runs a complaints platform, Chikayasante.ma. It lets citizens report a breach of their health rights. The minister said every complaint would be handled seriously.

On Kinero, the team checks each physio’s diploma before their page goes live. Writing to a physio is free, so you can ask your questions before booking. The directory opens city by city: Find a physio.

If your sessions need a prescription, read what the law says about physio without a prescription. It covers who writes it and what CNOPS asks for.

Common questions

How do I check a physiotherapist’s qualifications in Morocco?

Look at the plaque at the practice: the law requires the diploma, its origin and the authorisation reference. You can also ask the physio for this information.

What diploma does a licensed physiotherapist in Morocco need?

Article 20 of Law 45-13 accepts a State paramedical diploma or a public bachelor’s degree. It also accepts an authorised private diploma of at least three years after the baccalaureate, or an equivalent.

What does a fake physio risk in Morocco?

Practising without a diploma or authorisation carries 3 months to 2 years in prison. The fine is 10,000 to 50,000 MAD (article 41).

Can a foreign physiotherapist practise in Morocco?

Yes, under conditions set by article 20. They must live in Morocco legally and meet another criterion, such as being married to a Moroccan citizen.

A physio near you

Physios whose diploma Kinero has checked, city by city. Writing is free.

Find a physio

Sources

This guide informs. It does not replace the advice of your doctor or of your physio.

Checking a physiotherapist’s diploma in Morocco: what Law 45-13 requires