The MBLEx is a required massage licensing exam in most states and covers core topics like anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, and business practices. Preparing effectively involves reviewing the FSMTB content outline, creating a study schedule, and tailoring study methods to your learning style. Using practice tests to deepen understanding of broader systems and concepts is highly recommended. Test-taking strategies such as trusting your instincts, eliminating wrong answers, and focusing on the safest option can improve performance.
Key Takeaways
- The MBLEx is the primary massage licensing exam in most states and tests fundamental knowledge needed for general practice.
- Reviewing the FSMTB content outline and building a balanced, personalized study schedule is essential for effective preparation.
- Tailoring study methods to your learning style—visual, auditory, or kinesthetic—can significantly improve retention.
- Practice exams help identify weak areas and guide deeper study of related body systems and concepts.
- Strong test-taking strategies, such as eliminating wrong answers and focusing on the safest response, can boost exam performance.
The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) was created in 2005 under the guidance of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). The MBLEx is now a requirement for massage licensure in 43 states. A massage therapist applies to take the exam directly through the FSMTB application process. Once the application is approved, the therapist will contact Pearson Vue testing company to schedule and complete this exam. The exam only needs to be completed once, and there are no specific requirements to maintain completion of this exam or any special status.
The Exam Itself
In 2005, the National Certification Board of Massage & Therapeutic Bodywork (NCBTMB) had the monopoly on massage licensing examination administration with the majority of states accepting their exam for massage licensure. The Federation of State Massage Boards was created to offer an alternative to the NCBTMB in serving the needs of therapists. The MBLEx was created through the efforts and volunteers of the FSMTB.
The MBLEx is comprised of 100 multiple-choice questions. There is an exam content outline free to download at the FSMTB’s website. This article will provide tips and perspectives to help a massage therapist pass this exam.
Perspective on the Exam
When massage therapists ask me questions about preparing for the MBLEx, I first suggest downloading the exam content outline from the Federation of State Massage Board website. This outline indicates general content categories for exam questions. A therapist can scan this outline to ascertain knowledge level and confidence with each category.
The MBLEx itself is a fair exam when one sees the categories of questions. As a massage therapist, our ability to understand anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology helps us comprehend the effects of diseases and musculoskeletal imbalances upon the body. Understanding the benefits of soft tissue techniques and utilizing client assessment skills will help a therapist create proper treatment plans for clients. Having sound ethics and strong business practices will ensure success as a private practitioner. These categories encompass the fundamentals of success as a general practitioner in massage.
Suggestions for Preparation
The first suggestion I have is to create a calendar with dates and times designated to review MBLEx content. Download the exam content outline from the FSMTB website. Evaluate the above-mentioned categories from the outline. Devote more dates and times to subjects with which you feel less confident.
Ensure balance as you create your study plan. Avoid scheduling seven consecutive days of studying. Try to limit study time daily to three hours maximum. You have other life commitments; be sure to ensure all important aspects of life are managed.
You are allowed up to a four-month period of time to schedule and complete your exam with PearsonVue testing company. If school was fairly easy, a month of study preparation is likely sufficient. If school was moderately difficult, two months will likely suffice. If school was challenging with many trying moments and learning difficulties, give yourself the full four-month window to prepare for the exam.
The second suggestion I have ponder what type of learning mode works best for you. There are online evaluations as well as on-site evaluations through most schools to determine your learning style. Certainly, we may be a combination of all three learner types, yet one usually stands out predominately.
Are you a visual learner? If so, it will be important you take notes on paper. Rewrite your notes often. If possible, convert notes into images. For example, draw a picture of the structure you are learning on the same page as notes are taken. Use varying colors of highlighters and writing utensils to keep your visual cortex stimulated. Watch videos on topics you are learning.
Are you an auditory learner? If so, it will be important to locate audio sources of information. If possible, record lectures of content. Listening to videos while driving will be helpful. Create notes for yourself using a speech-to-text software cause as SpeechTexter. If you do need to take notes on paper, listen first then write second. Speak your notes aloud so you hear yourself dictate the content. Speak to other people as verbally explaining the content will help you retain information. Find podcasts about the content to listen to as well.
Are you a kinesthetic learner? If so, it will be important to incorporate movement and activities while studying. Drawing muscles with washable markers upon a body will help you study muscles. Performing joint muscles via dance or movement exercises will help study kinesiology. Acquire large butcher paper and draw entire body systems upon this very large paper. Practice palpation skills and posture assessment on people willing to allow you to assess them. Role-play ethical scenarios with a fellow therapist. Take a walk while you review notes. Teach someone else the content. Practice different massage techniques upon a body to feel how their bodies respond to varying touch.
The third suggestion I have is to utilize practice exams. Many organizations including ABMP and AMTA will have online practice items. Keep in mind the practice questions will NOT be on the actual MBLEx. It would be illegal to divulge any actual test questions. As you utilize practice quizzes and tests, review answers to learn about the subject being tested upon.
For example, with a practice question about the stomach organ (whether you answer correctly or incorrectly) take the time to study the entire digestive system. Because the stomach organ is a part of the digestive system, the practice question is guiding you to study that system. Review all body systems with locations and functions of each organ involved with this example.
Accommodations are Available
Also, remember that test-taking accommodations can be requested from FSMTB. Guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act need be honored for test takers with both cognitive and physical disabilities. Test takers need to formally request any accommodations in writing with detailed documentation of any necessary accommodations along with supporting evaluations. Ensure ample time for Pearson Vue to prepare adequately, as this company will need time to arrange staff to offer assistance.
General Test Taking Tips
Here are general test-taking tips for multiple-choice exams:
- Trust your instincts. If an answer option continues to return to the forefront of thought, it is likely the right answer.
- Remember, the MBLEx is seeking the best answer. Two answers may appear correct. If this occurs, consider which answer option provides the most safety and security for both therapist and client.
- For longer questions, first determine the main point of the question. Often, superfluous information can be eliminated to determine the main point being asked.
- Cover the answer options while reading the question. Think of the correct answer. Find that answer amongst the answer options.
- Often, if two answer options appear opposite, one is correct.
- Look at the answer options first. Read the question along with each answer option. Ask yourself which statement combining question with answer option reads most correctly.
- The average test taker finishes multiple choice exams fairly quickly. Take your time to read questions carefully. You will most likely have time to read each question a second and third time.
- Eliminate answer options which are obviously incorrect first.
- Be cautious with answer options containing absolutes such as “always” and “never”. Rarely are situations “always” or “never” true to one condition so these answer options are rarely correct on an exam.
Conclusion
As one prepares to complete the MBLEx, keep in mind the exam is designed to test knowledge in general massage practice. There is nothing inherently unfair about the exam. Surely, some people online may share their frustrations openly offering their subjective experience. As you prepare, do not let the opinions of others sway your view of the exam, as the MBLEx is simply a step to complete in order to work in the field. As one takes emotion out of the test preparation process, one will study with the clarity and acuity needed to comprehend massage therapy principles and practice.
About the Author
Jimmy Gialelis, LMT, BCTMB, is the owner of Advanced Massage Arts & Education in Tempe, Arizona. He is a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork-approved provider of continuing education, and teaches “Gua Sha: Chinese Scraping Method” and many other CE classes.
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