MBLEx Test Guide

The MBLEx Test Summary
What: The exams are used to ensure candidates for licensure are qualified to practice massage therapy.
Who: Students of massage therapy who wish to become licensed must take the exam.
Where: Both exams are offered at Pearson VUE.
When: Both offered year-round. Approved NCBTMB exam applicants will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) with information on how to make an exam reservation and when. Approved MBLEx exam applicants will receive a Notice to Schedule, which serves the same purp
How: Via computer.
Type: Both are computer-based, multiple-choice exams.
Why: Massage therapists must be licensed.
Time: NCBTMB candidates have two hours and forty minutes.
Language: Both are offered in English. However, NCBTMB is offered in Spanish as of July 1, 2009.
Preparation: A variety of test preparation materials are available.
Cost: The NCBTMB exam fee is $225, while the MBLEx exam fee is $195.

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) administers the Massage and Bodywork Licenisng Examination (MBLEx), which is designed to provide a standard exam for massage students to guarantee safe and effective massage therapy and bodywork practices.

Potential examinees must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for the examination:

Must gain approval from the state licensing board or FSMTB, which typically includes reviewing the exam content and verifying education
Must agree in writing to abide by FSMTB policies
Must pay an exam fee

The computer-based exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, which examinees have two and a half hours to complete. Unscheduled restroom or food breaks are allowed, but the clock does not stop. Eight subject areas are covered:

Client assessment and treatment plans (20-22 questions)
Benefits and effects of techniques (20-22 questions)
Pathology with contraindications and cautions (15-17 questions)
Massage history (5-7 questions)
Ethics, boundaries and laws and regulations (15-18 questions)
Guidelines for professional practice (11-13 questions)
Kinesiology (12-15 questions)
Anatomy and physiology (16-18 questions)

The MBLEx is scored on a scale from 300-900 with 630 as a minimum passing score for a massage therapist. The results are available at the testing center immediately after the exam. There is no limit to the number of times candidates may retest. Those that fail the examination and wish to retake it must submit a Retake Application Form.

The exam is offered year-round at Pearson Professional Centers throughout the US. A Notice to Schedule (NTS) will be sent to candidates that have been approved to test so they may register for a particular test date and location. The NTS will have possible exam dates listed for which examinees may register within a 90-day period. Candidates may register online at the Pearson VUE website or by calling customer service toll-free at 888-790-4892. There is an exam fee.

Once scheduled, candidates will receive more information in the mail about the date, reporting time and directions to the test site. Examinees are advised to bring their registration confirmation notice with them to the testing center. Candidates should allow themselves plenty of time to get to their test site and arrive at least 30 minutes before their appointment to sign in. Part of the check-in procedure includes getting a digital photograph and fingerprint taken.

Two current forms of identification are required at check-in. Primary identification must include a photograph and signature. The name that appears on the identification must match the application and NTS.

Are you ready to start preparing for the MBLEx? Please visit the MBLEx Test Directory.