Frequently Asked Questions
MBLEx FAQ Updated for 2026
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx)
The MBLEx is the FSMTB Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam. It is the test that massage therapists take in order to get a license to practice therapeutic massage in the United States (at least in most states). In addition to taking the massage licensing exam, therapists must also apply for their massage state license directly at the massage board or other regulatory agency in the state in which they wish to practice. The license itself is issued by the individual state. Currently 49 U.S. states and territories regulate massage therapy. Of these, 46 jurisdictions use the MBLEx as part of their licensing process.
The MBLEx is an entry-level licensure examination. This means that the questions are limited to the core content that beginning massage therapists need to know to do their job. Even though there are no questions that require advanced specialty training, the MBLEx is still considered by many new therapists to be a challenging exam. This is because it is a comprehensive exam and covers a large volume of content.
The purpose of requiring massage therapy license applicants to pass the MBLEx is to ensure that they meet or exceed the minimum standards of knowledge in order to provide safe, competent and effective therapeutic massage services to the public.
According to the FSMTB 2025 Annual Report (covering July 2024 – June 2025), 17,160 MBLEx candidates were tested. The first-time pass rate was 70.4%. The retake pass rate was 37.8%.
|
Exams Taken |
Percent Passed |
|
|---|---|---|
|
First Exam Attempt |
– |
70.4% |
|
Repeat Attempt |
– |
37.8% |
|
All Candidates |
17,160 |
– |
The FSMTB does not publish the exact number of first-time vs. repeat candidates or an overall combined pass rate in the 2025 Annual Report. The retake pass rate (37.8%) comes from the FSMTB 2025 MBLEx School Performance Report.
The first-time pass rate has remained fairly consistent in recent years. The prior year (July 2023 – June 2024) had a first-time pass rate of 70% with 17,742 candidates tested.
If you did not pass the MBLEx on your first attempt, see Question 30 for advice on preparing to retake the exam.
Currently, 46 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico use the MBLEx as part of their massage therapy licensing process. For initial licensure or “license by examination,” the MBLEx is required in these jurisdictions. There may be other procedures for licensing in some states, including license by endorsement or reciprocity, if you are already licensed and practicing in another state. Learn more about getting a massage therapy license in your state.
As of 2026, the two regulated states that do not use the MBLEx are New York and Hawaii. Both states have their own massage licensing exams — the New York State Massage Therapy Examination and the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam. Three states — Kansas, Minnesota, and Wyoming — do not regulate massage therapy at the state level, so the MBLEx is not applicable there.
You will find out your MBLEx results immediately after you finish taking the massage exam. After you leave the testing room, the proctor will hand you a paper with your results. The test report will simply say Pass or Fail. There are no numeric scores on the MBLEx, so there is no way to find out your exact MBLEx score or what the passing score is. This has been in effect since July 1, 2017. According to the FSMTB, since the MBLEx is a computer adaptive test (CAT), numeric scores have the potential to be misleading or misinterpreted. CAT exam performance is calculated differently because of the different levels of difficulty of the questions.
If you failed the MBLEx, your test report will include additional information about your performance in each of the 7 content areas. The description of your performance in each MBLEx content area will be limited to Good, Borderline, or Low. This will give you some guidance on where to focus your study so that you will pass next time. You will not receive this performance report if you pass.
A computer-adaptive test (CAT) is a type of exam designed to adjust the difficulty of questions based on your performance as you take the test. CAT is a well-established testing method used by many professional licensing exams, including the MBLEx. Computer-adaptive tests are able to assess your abilities more precisely, and often with fewer questions than a traditional fixed-form exam.
During the MBLEx, when you answer a question correctly, the computer will follow up with a more difficult question. If you miss a question, the computer will present you with an easier one. The algorithm that determines question difficulty continues this process throughout the exam to measure your understanding of the subject.
MBLEx CAT scoring is based on both the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of those questions. This is why the MBLEx does not provide a numeric score — a raw count of correct answers would not accurately reflect your performance on an adaptive exam.
It is unlikely that taking a computer-adaptive exam will feel any different from taking a traditional exam. Some questions will seem harder and some will seem easier, depending on your own knowledge base and gaps. Furthermore, it is better to study from non-adaptive practice exams (like those on MBLExGuide) because you can repeat them at a later date to measure your improvement. You cannot retake a CAT exam the same way because it changes based on the answers you choose.
The MBLEx application fee is $265, paid directly to the FSMTB at the time you submit your application. Payments may be made by credit card, certified check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted. The FSMTB does not issue refunds. It generally takes the FSMTB about 5 business days to process a completed application.
In addition to the $265 application fee, Pearson VUE charges a $20 testing fee when you schedule your exam appointment. This brings the total cost of taking the MBLEx to $285.
If you do not pass and need to retake the MBLEx, you will have to pay the full $265 application fee and the $20 testing fee again for each attempt. There is no discounted retake fee. This is one of the reasons it is important to prepare thoroughly before taking the massage licensing exam — each failed attempt costs another $285 total.
To be eligible to take the MBLEx, you must be enrolled in or have graduated from an approved massage therapy education program. Your program must cover all 7 content areas tested on the MBLEx. You can apply before graduating — see the next question for details on that.
The MBLEx application requirements include:
- Submit a completed MBLEx application to the FSMTB
- Have your massage school verify your education records directly with the FSMTB through their Education Verification Center (EVC)
- Review the MBLEx Content Outline and Candidate Handbook
- Acknowledge that you agree to all FSMTB examination policies and procedures
- Pay the $265 application fee
The FSMTB does not finalize your application until they have received both your payment and your school’s education verification. Once your application is complete, it takes about 5 business days to process.
Yes. According to the MBLEx Candidate Handbook issued by the FSMTB, you do not need to graduate from your massage therapy education program before applying for the MBLEx. As long as your school is approved and you have received education and training in each of the 7 content areas on the MBLEx Content Outline, you are eligible to apply.
The current MBLEx Candidate Handbook (effective July 2025) states under the Massage Education Policy that applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
“Enrollment in and having received education and training in all subject areas of the MBLEx Content Outline from an approved massage therapy education program” OR “Graduation from an approved massage therapy education program”
You must still complete all application requirements, including having your massage school verify your education records directly with the FSMTB. Keep in mind that once you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter by email, you must take the MBLEx within the time frame listed on your ATT.
And depending on your state, you will likely still need to graduate from your massage therapy training program before you can apply for your massage therapy license. Passing the MBLEx is just one step in the licensing process — your state board may have additional requirements.
In most states, you are required to obtain a massage therapy license in order to practice legally and offer massage therapy to the public for compensation. Currently, 49 U.S. states and territories regulate massage therapy, and 46 of those jurisdictions use the MBLEx as part of their massage therapy licensing requirements. This includes 44 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
New York and Hawaii have their own state-specific massage licensing exams and do not use the MBLEx. California has a voluntary certification system that does not require a licensing exam.
There are three states where massage therapy is not regulated at the state level: Kansas, Minnesota, and Wyoming. However, many cities and other local jurisdictions in these states still require some form of license or permit to practice. This may include requiring that applicants have passed the MBLEx.
Some states still accept the massage licensing exams that were previously offered by the NCBTMB, if they were taken by applicants back when those exams were available. Those exams included the NCETMB, NCETM, and NESL, and they were discontinued in February 2015.
Here is a summary of the MBLEx application and testing process:
- Apply for the MBLEx online through the FSMTB Exam Service Center at fsmtb.org. You will need to create an FSMTB Examination Account. Mail-in applications are also accepted.
- The FSMTB receives and processes your application, payment, and education verification from your massage school. This takes about 5 business days.
- Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter by email. You must take the MBLEx within the time frame listed on your ATT (currently 120 days from the date of approval).
- Schedule your testing appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center, either online or by phone.
- Receive a test appointment confirmation by email from Pearson VUE.
- Take the MBLEx and receive your unofficial results at the testing center immediately after completing the exam. You will see a pass or fail message on-screen when you finish, and you will also receive a printed results summary before you leave. The FSMTB will send your official results to your designated state licensing board within five business days.
Once your MBLEx application, payment, and education verification have been received and processed by the FSMTB, you will receive an email containing your Authorization to Test (ATT). The ATT will be attached as a PDF. Print this document and keep it in a safe place — you will need to bring it with you to the Pearson VUE testing center on exam day.
Be sure to review your ATT carefully to make sure that everything is correct, especially the spelling of your name. The name on your ATT must exactly match the name on the two forms of identification you bring to the testing center. If you notice an error, contact the FSMTB immediately at mblex@fsmtb.org before scheduling your exam.
Your ATT will show a start date and an expiration date. You must take the MBLEx within this 120-day window. The FSMTB will not extend the expiration date of an ATT. If your ATT expires before you take the exam, you will be required to reapply and pay the application fee again.
To schedule your MBLEx appointment, you can use the Pearson VUE online scheduler or call their customer service line at (888) 790-4892 (Monday–Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM Central Time). You will need to create a separate Pearson VUE account to schedule — this is different from your FSMTB Examination Account. Schedule your exam as soon as possible after receiving your ATT so that you get the date, time, and testing location of your choice.
The MBLEx is offered year-round at Pearson VUE Professional Centers located across the United States, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Depending on the location, testing centers are open six or seven days a week. There are hundreds of Pearson VUE testing locations throughout the country, so there is a good chance there is one in your city or a nearby area.
The MBLEx cannot be taken online. You must take the exam in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.
To find a testing center near you and schedule your exam appointment, visit the Pearson VUE online scheduler at pearsonvue.com/fsmtb or call (888) 790-4892 (Monday–Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM Central Time).
Once you are approved to take the MBLEx, you will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter by email. Your ATT will include a start date and an expiration date. You currently have 120 days from the date of approval to take the exam. You must schedule and complete the MBLEx before the expiration date listed on your ATT.
If your ATT expires before you take the exam, you will be required to reapply and pay the full application fee again. The FSMTB will not extend the expiration date of an ATT for any reason.
The FSMTB recommends that you schedule the MBLEx as soon as possible after receiving your ATT in order to get the test date, time, and location that you want.
Plan to arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive late, you may be turned away and considered absent — and your ATT may expire as a result.
During check-in, you will need to present your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter and two forms of identification. Acceptable forms of ID will be listed on your ATT. The testing center will also take a digital photograph and may use biometric security procedures such as palm vein recognition as part of the check-in process.
After checking in, you will be given a small locker and key to store your personal belongings. You must empty your pockets before entering the testing room. When it is your scheduled time, the staff will call you back to take your massage licensing exam.
Before entering the testing room, they will confirm your identification and verify that your pockets are empty. You will be offered earplugs in case you need them, and you will be given a piece of scratch paper and pencil, or a small whiteboard, for notes during the exam.
You will take the MBLEx at a small cubicle with a computer. You have 110 minutes to complete 100 multiple-choice questions. There are no scheduled breaks, but you may use the restroom if needed — just keep in mind that the exam clock does not stop.
When you finish the exam, a pass or fail message will appear on your screen. The test proctor will then guide you out and provide you with a printed results summary. If you did not pass, your results will include a diagnostic report showing your performance in each of the 7 MBLEx content areas. Then you can collect your belongings from the locker, and you’re done!
You will need to bring your MBLEx Authorization to Test (ATT) letter and two forms of identification. The name on both forms of ID must exactly match the name on your ATT and your MBLEx application.
Your primary form of identification must be government-issued, include your photograph and signature, and must not be expired. Acceptable primary IDs include:
- U.S. state or territory driver’s license
- U.S. state or territory government-issued ID
- U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization
- Military ID
Your secondary form of identification must include your signature and must not be expired (a photograph is optional). Acceptable secondary IDs include:
- U.S. Social Security card
- Signed employee ID, work badge, or school ID
- Signed bank-issued credit card, ATM, or debit card
- Military ID with chip or bar code (if not used as primary)
- Any ID from the primary list above
Temporary or renewed driver’s licenses, digital licenses, and digital state IDs are not accepted.
You do not need to bring any study materials, pencils, or scratch paper. The testing center will provide you with scratch paper or a small whiteboard, as well as earplugs if you need them. All personal belongings including your phone must be stored in a locker provided at the testing center before you enter the exam room
Your total MBLEx exam appointment is scheduled for 2 hours (120 minutes). During this time, you will have up to 5 minutes to read and sign the security and confidentiality agreement, and 5 minutes to complete a brief survey. That leaves you 110 minutes to complete the 100 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
This works out to about 1 minute and 6 seconds per question. It is important to pace yourself and keep an eye on the time. If you do not complete all 100 questions within the 110-minute time limit, the exam will be scored as a fail.
The MBLEx only has multiple-choice questions. Most questions have four answer options, though some may have three. Only one answer is correct. You will not be allowed to skip questions or go back and review previous answers. Once you select your answer and move on, that question is final.
If you do not complete all 100 questions within the 110-minute time limit, the exam will be scored as an automatic failure. Since the exam would be incomplete, no diagnostic report will be generated — meaning you will not receive feedback on which content areas you need to improve.
There is no penalty for guessing on the MBLEx. An incorrect answer is always better than an unanswered question. If you find yourself running low on time and will not be able to read and answer the remaining questions carefully, it is better to skim and make your best guess than to leave any questions incomplete.
To avoid running out of time, pace yourself throughout the exam. With 110 minutes to answer 100 questions, you have roughly one minute per question. If a question is taking too long, choose your best answer and move on.
The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) contains 100 multiple-choice questions from 7 content areas. The topics and level of difficulty are based on what an entry-level massage therapist needs to know to provide safe and effective therapeutic massage treatments to the public.
The MBLEx content areas and their approximate breakdown are:
|
Content Area |
% of Exam |
Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
Anatomy & Physiology |
11% |
11 |
|
Kinesiology |
12% |
12 |
|
Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations |
14% |
14 |
|
Benefits & Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue |
15% |
15 |
|
Client Assessment, Reassessment, & Treatment Planning |
17% |
17 |
|
Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations |
16% |
16 |
|
Guidelines for Professional Practice |
15% |
15 |
As you can see, the three largest content areas — Client Assessment, Ethics, and Benefits & Physiological Effects — make up nearly half of the exam. Knowing how the MBLEx is weighted can help you prioritize your study time and focus on the areas that carry the most questions.
The FSMTB publishes a detailed MBLEx Content Outline that lists the specific subtopics within each content area. You can find it on the Exam Content page at fsmtb.org.
You will receive your MBLEx results immediately after completing the exam, before you leave the Pearson VUE testing center. When you finish the exam, a pass or fail message will appear on your screen. The test proctor will also provide you with a printed results summary.
The results will only indicate PASS or FAIL. If you did not pass, your printed results will include a diagnostic report showing how you performed in each of the 7 content areas of the exam. Each content area will be rated as Good, Borderline, or Low. The purpose of this diagnostic report is to help guide your study plan so that you can focus on your weak areas and improve your performance on your next attempt.
The FSMTB will send your official exam results to the state licensing board that you designated on your MBLEx application within five business days. For security reasons, the FSMTB does not post MBLEx results online. If you need your results sent to an additional state, you can request a Result Transfer through your FSMTB Examination Account.
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) is a nonprofit organization established in 2005. The FSMTB developed and maintains the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), which is the national licensing exam used by most U.S. states and territories as part of their massage therapy licensing process.
The FSMTB currently has 46 member boards representing states and territories that regulate the massage therapy profession. The organization is governed by a board of directors and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The mission of the FSMTB is to support its member boards in their work to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public safely and competently.
In addition to administering the MBLEx, the FSMTB operates the Education Verification Center (EVC) used by massage schools, the FSMTB CE Registry for continuing education providers, and the REACH platform for state-sponsored continuing education courses. The FSMTB is also leading the development of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), which allows licensed massage therapists to practice across state lines in participating states.
No. Once you pass the MBLEx, your exam result is valid permanently. There is no expiration date and no requirement to retake the MBLEx at any point in your career, as long as your massage therapy license remains in good standing.
Keep in mind that while your MBLEx result does not expire, your state massage therapy license does. Most states require you to renew your license every one to two years, which typically involves completing continuing education requirements. Be sure to check with your state licensing board for specific renewal requirements.
If you move to a different state and need to get licensed there, you can request that the FSMTB send your MBLEx results to the new state by submitting a Result Transfer Form through your FSMTB Examination Account. If you already hold a massage license in another state, you will likely be applying through a process called license by endorsement. Each state has different requirements and processes for this, so be sure to research the massage board’s website for any state you are planning on moving to.
No. Passing the MBLEx is an important step, but it is just one part of the massage therapy licensing process. The FSMTB does not issue massage licenses — your license is issued by the state regulatory board or agency in the state where you plan to practice.
Most states have several additional requirements beyond passing the MBLEx, which may include:
- Completion of an approved massage therapy education program (hour requirements vary by state)
- Submitting a state license application and paying the state licensing fee
- Background check
- CPR or first aid certification
- State jurisprudence exam
- Letters of reference
- Health certificate or TB test
- Practical exam
Requirements vary from state to state, so be sure to check with the massage licensing board in the state where you plan to practice. You may not legally practice massage therapy or advertise yourself as a licensed massage therapist until you have received official licensure notification from your state board.
No. The MBLEx is a licensing exam, not a certification exam. These are two different things in the massage therapy profession.
A licensing exam like the MBLEx is required by most states as part of the process to become a licensed massage therapist. Passing a licensing exam demonstrates that you have met the entry-level competency standards needed to practice massage therapy safely and effectively. You cannot legally practice without a license in most states.
A certification exam, on the other hand, is voluntary. Certification tests your proficiency in advanced or specialized training beyond entry-level practice. Some massage therapists choose to become certified in specialties such as sports massage, medical massage, lymphatic massage, trauma massage, cancer massage, equine massage, or infant massage. Getting certified can help demonstrate increased competency, credibility, and commitment to your profession — but it is not required to practice.
One of the most well-known certification organizations in the U.S. is the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The NCBTMB used to offer licensing exams, but as of February 2015, they stopped offering them and currently focus on a voluntary board certification exam.
This licensing vs. certification distinction exists in most healthcare professions. For example, a physician graduates medical school and obtains a medical license. They may then pursue specialized training in a field like orthopedics or neurology and pass a board certification exam to become a board-certified specialist. The MBLEx serves the same function as the physician’s licensing exam — it is the entry point into the profession.
Currently, the MBLEx is used as a licensing requirement in 46 of the 49 regulated jurisdictions in the U.S. where the practice of massage therapy is regulated.
The MBLEx and the NCBTMB exam serve different purposes in the massage therapy profession.
The MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) is a licensing exam developed and administered by the FSMTB. It is required by most states as part of the process to become a licensed massage therapist. Passing the MBLEx demonstrates that you meet the entry-level competency standards needed to practice massage therapy safely and effectively. If your state requires the MBLEx, you must pass it in order to get your massage therapy license.
The NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) is a separate organization that offers a voluntary board certification exam. NCBTMB certification is not required to practice massage therapy in any state. It is an optional credential that some massage therapists pursue to demonstrate advanced knowledge and professional commitment. Some employers or insurance panels may prefer or require NCBTMB certification, but it is not a substitute for state licensure.
The NCBTMB used to offer licensing exams — the NCETMB, NCETM, and NESL — that were used by states before the MBLEx became the national standard. Those exams were discontinued in February 2015. Some states still accept those older exam results for licensure if they were taken before that date.
In short: the MBLEx is required for licensure in most states, while NCBTMB certification is voluntary. Most new massage therapists only need to take the MBLEx.
No. There is no way to find out your MBLEx score. The MBLEx does not provide a numeric score, and the FSMTB does not disclose a specific passing score. Your results will simply indicate PASS or FAIL.
This has been the case since July 1, 2017. Because the MBLEx is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your performance throughout the exam. A raw score of how many questions you answered correctly would not accurately reflect your ability, since the difficulty level of those questions varies from one test-taker to another. This is why the FSMTB moved to a pass/fail-only results format.
If you did not pass, you will receive a diagnostic performance report that rates your performance in each of the 7 MBLEx content areas as Good, Borderline, or Low. This report is intended to help you identify your weak areas and structure your study plan before retaking the exam.
For security reasons, the FSMTB does not post MBLEx results online. You will receive your results at the Pearson VUE testing center immediately after completing the exam.
How long you should study for the MBLEx depends on several factors, including:
- How long and rigorous was your massage therapy education program?
- How well did you do on your exams in school?
- Did you have good study habits in school, or did you cram for tests the night before?
- How long ago did you graduate from massage school?
- How many hours per day are you planning to commit to MBLEx preparation?
- Are you planning on using resources like study guides and practice tests, or are you going to rely on re-reading your textbooks and school notes?
These are just a few things to consider when building your MBLEx study plan. The content on the exam is entry-level — it does not require advanced specialty knowledge. However, the MBLEx is a comprehensive exam that covers a large volume of information across 7 content areas, which is what makes it challenging for many test-takers.
As a general guideline, a recent massage school graduate who commits to studying at least 1 hour every day should be able to prepare for the MBLEx in about 1 to 3 months. If you graduated a while ago or are retaking the exam after a failed attempt, you may need more time to review material that is no longer fresh.
One of the most effective ways to prepare is through repeated practice testing. Research shows that taking practice exams is one of the best study methods for retention and recall. Combine this with a technique called spaced repetition — studying in shorter, consistent daily sessions rather than long marathon cram sessions — and you will be well prepared for the massage licensing exam.
The best way to prepare for the MBLEx in 2026 is to take a structured approach. Here are the key steps:
- Learn what’s on the exam. Start by reviewing the MBLEx Content Outline published by the FSMTB. This outlines the 7 content areas and the specific subtopics you will be tested on. Understanding the scope of the exam will help you build a focused study plan rather than trying to review everything from massage school.
- Gather your study resources. This should include your notes and textbooks from massage school, along with a dedicated MBLEx study guide. The FSMTB offers the Official MBLEx e-Study Guide for $35 (available in English and Spanish at fsmtb.org). This guide gives you a breakdown of all major content areas and includes a 100-question practice exam. However, the FSMTB study guide tells you what you need to know — it does not go into the content itself. For example, it will list that you need to understand common conditions of the circulatory, lymphatic, and immune systems, but it does not teach you about those conditions. For a resource that actually teaches the material, the MBLExGuide Complete MBLEx Prep Course covers all 7 content areas across 30 structured lessons, so you can study the content in an organized sequence rather than jumping between textbooks.
- Take practice tests — as many as you can. Research shows that repeated practice testing is one of the most effective study methods for improving retention and recall. Take full-length practice exams as well as shorter quizzes focused on individual content areas. After each test, take the time to review every question you got wrong or had to guess on, and look up the correct answer. This is where the real learning happens.
- Use spaced repetition. Rather than cramming in a few long marathon study sessions, study in shorter daily sessions and give your brain time to absorb and process the information between sessions. Consistency is more effective than intensity when preparing for a comprehensive exam like the MBLEx.
- Test yourself under realistic conditions. When you feel you are getting close to being ready, take a full-length 100-question practice exam with a timer set to 110 minutes. This simulates the actual MBLEx experience and helps you identify any remaining weak areas before test day. MBLExGuide offers 30 full-length simulated MBLEx exams, 120 mini exams, and 350+ content-area quizzes with answer explanations — all designed to prepare you for the real thing.
If you are sick on test day and cannot make it to your scheduled MBLEx appointment, you have two options depending on how much notice you can give.
If you know in advance that you will not be able to make your appointment, you can reschedule or cancel through Pearson VUE. Appointment changes can be made up to 24 hours before your scheduled exam time. You can reschedule online through the Pearson VUE scheduler or by calling (888) 790-4892 (Monday–Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM Central Time). Pearson VUE may charge a fee for rescheduling or cancellation — contact them directly for current fee details.
If you miss your exam appointment without rescheduling in advance, the consequences are more serious. According to the FSMTB, if you miss your appointment for any reason, your Authorization to Test (ATT) will expire. You will be required to reapply for the MBLEx and pay the full $265 application fee again.
This is why the FSMTB recommends arriving at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you wake up feeling ill on exam day, it is generally better to reschedule as soon as possible rather than simply not showing up.
This question could refer to two different situations — rescheduling an upcoming appointment, or retaking the MBLEx after a failed attempt.
If you need to reschedule an upcoming exam appointment, you can do so through Pearson VUE up to 24 hours before your scheduled exam time. Visit the Pearson VUE online scheduler or call (888) 790-4892. Pearson VUE may charge a fee for rescheduling — contact them directly for current details.
If you failed the MBLEx and need to retake it, the FSMTB requires a 30-day waiting period from your previous exam date before you can test again. You can submit a new MBLEx application right away, but you will not be able to schedule your next exam appointment until the 30-day period has passed. You will need to pay the full $265 application fee and the $20 Pearson VUE testing fee again for each retake attempt.
The purpose of the 30-day waiting period is to give you adequate time to study and prepare for the content areas where you need improvement. Use the diagnostic report you received after your exam to identify the areas rated as Borderline or Low, and focus your study plan on those areas before your next attempt.
First of all, don’t panic. Failing the MBLEx can feel frustrating and may delay your short-term plans, but it is just a setback — not the end of the road. Many people do not pass on their first attempt. The current retake pass rate is 37.8%, which means that retaking the exam requires serious, focused preparation. But with the right study plan, you absolutely can pass the MBLEx.
Start by looking at the diagnostic report that you received after taking the exam. It shows how you performed in each of the 7 content areas, rated as Good, Borderline, or Low. Focus your attention on the areas rated Borderline or Low — these are where you need the most improvement. There may only be a couple of areas holding you back.
Then create an organized study plan that targets those weak areas. Commit to studying consistently — ideally at least one to two hours every day. Use practice tests to measure your progress and identify any remaining gaps. After each practice test, review every question you got wrong and make sure you understand why the correct answer is correct. This kind of active review is far more effective than passively re-reading your notes.
Keep in mind that you must wait at least 30 days from your previous exam date before you can retake the MBLEx. You will also need to submit a new application and pay the $265 application fee and $20 Pearson VUE testing fee again. Use the 30-day waiting period productively — it is your opportunity to prepare thoroughly so that you pass on your next attempt.
The FSMTB does not limit the number of times you can take the MBLEx. If you do not pass, you are allowed to retake the exam as many times as you need to. However, your state licensing board may impose its own limit on the number of attempts allowed, so check with your state board to find out if any restrictions apply in your state.
Each time you retake the MBLEx, you must submit a new application and pay the full $265 application fee and $20 Pearson VUE testing fee. There is also a mandatory 30-day waiting period between attempts, which gives you time to study and prepare before your next exam.
At $285 per attempt, it is worth investing the time to prepare thoroughly so that you can pass the MBLEx with as few attempts as possible. Use the diagnostic report from your previous attempt to identify your weak content areas and build a focused study plan around them.
No. It is extremely unlikely that you will receive the same questions if you retake the MBLEx. There are two reasons for this.
First, the FSMTB maintains a large pool of exam questions and rotates them regularly to maintain exam security. This means the specific questions on your exam will be different from one attempt to the next. Before each exam, you are required to sign a security and confidentiality agreement, and sharing or attempting to memorize exam content is a violation of FSMTB policy.
Second, the MBLEx is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means the questions you receive are selected in real time based on your performance. If you answer a question correctly, the next question will be more difficult. If you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier. Because the sequence of questions adapts to your individual responses, no two exams are exactly the same — even for the same person.
This is why trying to remember specific questions from a previous attempt is not an effective retake strategy. Instead, focus on genuinely learning the material in the content areas where your diagnostic report showed Borderline or Low performance. Strong understanding of the underlying concepts will prepare you for any question the exam presents, regardless of how it is worded.
The MBLEx consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Each question will have either three or four answer options, with most having four. Only one answer is correct. You will have 110 minutes to complete the exam, which works out to about 1 minute and 6 seconds per question.
The 100 questions are divided across 7 content areas. The approximate number of questions from each content area is as follows:
- Anatomy & Physiology (11 questions)
- Kinesiology (12 questions)
- Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations (14 questions)
- Benefits & Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue (15 questions)
- Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning (17 questions)
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations (16 questions)
- Guidelines for Professional Practice (15 questions)
The three largest content areas — Client Assessment, Ethics, and Benefits & Physiological Effects — account for 48 of the 100 questions. Knowing this breakdown can help you prioritize your study time and allocate more preparation to the areas that carry the most weight on the exam.
The MBLEx consists of 100 multiple-choice questions delivered in a computer-adaptive test (CAT) format. You will see three or four answer options per question — most have four. Only one answer is correct.
Because the MBLEx is a computer-adaptive test, the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your performance as you take the exam. When you answer a question correctly, the next question will be more difficult. When you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier. This means that every test-taker receives a unique set of questions tailored to their ability level.
You cannot skip questions on the MBLEx or go back to review previous answers. Once you select your answer and move to the next question, it is final. This is an important part of the CAT format — the exam needs your answer to each question in order to determine which question to give you next.
The questions are straightforward and are not designed to trick you. Many questions present a clinical scenario that tests your understanding of safe and effective massage therapy practice. For example, you may be given a description of a client’s condition and asked how it should affect your treatment plan.
Your total exam appointment is 2 hours. Before the exam begins, you will have up to 5 minutes to read and sign a security and confidentiality agreement and 5 minutes for a brief survey, leaving 110 minutes for the exam itself.
No. You cannot skip questions on the MBLEx, and you cannot go back to review or change previous answers. You must answer each question before the next one is presented.
This is because the MBLEx uses a computer-adaptive test (CAT) format, which selects each new question based on how you answered the previous one. The exam needs your response to every question in order to determine what to ask you next.
If you encounter a difficult question and are unsure of the answer, do your best to eliminate any answer options that you know are incorrect and make your best choice from the remaining options. Do not spend too much time on any single question — remember that you have about one minute per question, and leaving questions unanswered at the end of the exam will result in an automatic failure. It is always better to make an educated guess and move on than to run out of time.
The questions on the MBLEx are based on what an entry-level massage therapist needs to know to provide safe and effective treatment for the public. The questions are straightforward and are not designed to trick you. According to the FSMTB, the exam does not contain trick or ambiguous questions.
How hard the questions feel will depend on how well you know the material. Because the MBLEx is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your performance. When you answer correctly, the questions get harder. When you answer incorrectly, they get easier. This means that many test-takers walk out of the exam feeling like it was very difficult — which is actually a sign that they were performing well. If the questions felt consistently challenging, the exam was likely pushing you to a higher difficulty level.
The FSMTB also acknowledges that because massage and bodywork training varies across programs, there may be a small number of questions that fall outside your specific training. However, these questions are not significant enough to prevent a well-prepared candidate from passing.
The current first-time MBLEx pass rate is 70.4%, which means the majority of candidates who prepare adequately do pass on their first attempt. For a more in-depth look at what makes the exam challenging and how to prepare, read our detailed guide: How Hard Is The MBLEx?
No. Every test-taker receives a different set of questions on the MBLEx. The exam draws from a large pool of questions, and the specific questions you see are determined by the computer-adaptive test (CAT) format. As you take the exam, the computer selects each new question based on whether you answered the previous question correctly or incorrectly. This means your exam continuously adapts to your individual performance, and no two exams are exactly alike.
This also means that you cannot prepare for the MBLEx by asking someone who recently took the exam what questions they saw. Even if they could share that information — which is a violation of the FSMTB’s security and confidentiality agreement — the questions on your exam would be different.
Although every candidate receives different questions, the exam is still fair. The MBLEx uses criterion-referenced scoring, which means all candidates are measured against the same standard of entry-level competency regardless of which specific questions they receive.
If you are a massage therapy instructor or program director, there are several things you can do to help your students prepare for the MBLEx.
Start by reviewing the MBLEx Content Outline published by the FSMTB, which lists all 7 content areas and the specific subtopics tested on the exam. Make sure your school’s curriculum covers all of the content areas on the outline. The Content Outline is available on the Exam Content page at fsmtb.org, and the full MBLEx Candidate Handbook is also available for download on the FSMTB website.
The FSMTB offers a School Performance Report that shows how candidates from your school performed on the MBLEx. This report breaks down results by content area, which can help you identify where your students are struggling and adjust your curriculum accordingly. You can learn more about this on the FSMTB Education page.
Your school should also be registered with the FSMTB’s Education Verification Center (EVC), which is how you verify your students’ education when they apply for the MBLEx. Currently, 974 massage schools are registered with the EVC.
Many schools find it helpful to offer test prep workshops or dedicated review sessions during the final months of their program. You can also direct your students to a MBLEx test prep resource like MBLExGuide.com, which offers a structured 30-lesson prep course, hundreds of practice quizzes, and full-length simulated MBLEx exams to help students prepare for the massage licensing exam.
The Anatomy & Physiology content area makes up 11% of the MBLEx (approximately 11 questions). It covers the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the body systems listed on the FSMTB MBLEx Content Outline:
- Cardiovascular
- Digestive
- Endocrine
- Integumentary
- Lymphatic & Immune
- Musculoskeletal
- Nervous
- Reproduction
- Respiratory
- Sensory
- Urinary
In addition to the body systems, the A&P content area also covers tissue injury and repair, and concepts of energetic anatomy. You should understand both the basic structure and the primary functions of each body system, as well as how they relate to massage therapy practice. For a better idea of the type of anatomy and physiology questions you will see on the MBLEx, review our A&P flashcards.
Questions about muscle origins, insertions, and actions fall under the Kinesiology content area of the MBLEx, which makes up 12% of the exam (approximately 12 questions). You should have a strong understanding of the muscular system, including how muscles work together to produce movement.
According to the Official MBLEx Study Guide, you will not be required to name the attachment sites, innervation, and action of every muscle in the body. However, since you will not know in advance which specific muscles the exam will ask about, you should know the major muscles at a minimum. Focus on the primary movers of each major joint, the major muscles of the trunk, and the muscles of the upper and lower extremities.
You are less likely to see questions about smaller muscles, such as the intrinsic muscles of the hands and feet, or muscles of facial expression and swallowing. That said, having at least a basic familiarity with these smaller muscle groups can help if one does come up.
Keep in mind that this is a multiple-choice exam with three or four answer options. You do not need to memorize every detail from scratch — you need to learn the material well enough to recognize the correct answer when you see it. This is an important distinction that can reduce the stress of studying muscle origins and insertions.
You do not need to have in-depth knowledge of Asian theory or energy work for the MBLEx. There are no modality-specific questions on the exam related to the application of Asian bodywork techniques. According to the FSMTB, since the MBLEx is an entry-level exam, no detailed or advanced questions relate to Asian theory.
You may, however, see a question or two that ask about key terminology related to these topics. These questions are presented in a big-picture format, with little chance for confusion as long as you have a basic understanding of Asian theory and energy work concepts. For example, you may see questions like:
- “What are meridians in Asian theory?”
- “What does Chi refer to in energy-based bodywork?”
- “What bodywork modality uses points on meridians called Tsubos?”
You will NOT see questions like, “What meridian has pressure points used to treat emotional imbalance and headache?”
On the MBLEx Content Outline, the only mention of topics related to Asian theory is “Concepts of Energetic Anatomy” in the Anatomy & Physiology content area. A basic familiarity with key terms like meridians, chi (qi), tsubos, and the general principles of energy-based bodywork should be sufficient preparation for this portion of the exam
The Kinesiology content area makes up 12% of the MBLEx (approximately 12 questions). According to the FSMTB MBLEx Content Outline, this section covers the following topics:
- Skeletal muscle components and characteristics
- Concepts of skeletal muscle contractions
- Proprioceptors
- Skeletal muscle locations, attachments (origins, insertions), and actions
- Joint structure and function
- Range of motion (active, passive, and resisted)
Kinesiology is one of the more challenging content areas for many MBLEx candidates because it requires you to know specific muscles, where they attach, what movements they produce, and how joints function. Focus your study time on the major muscles and their actions, the different types of muscle contractions, and understanding how to assess range of motion.
To get a better idea of the kind of questions you will see in this MBLEx content area, check out our free kinesiology flashcards.
The full name of this content area is Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations. It makes up 14% of the MBLEx (approximately 14 questions). According to the FSMTB MBLEx Content Outline, this section covers the following topics:
- Overview of pathologies
- Contraindications (site specific, pathology related, special populations, tools, and special applications)
- Areas of caution
- Special populations
- Classes of medications
In practical terms, you should be prepared to:
- Recognize common pathological and contagious conditions of the skin
- Understand common musculoskeletal conditions such as sprains, strains, and trigger points
- Understand concepts of pain, including acute, chronic, somatic, and referred pain
- Be familiar with common pathologies related to the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and other body systems — such as multiple sclerosis, stroke (CVA), Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, COPD, arthritis, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders
- Understand how these conditions affect a massage therapy treatment plan, including when massage is contraindicated or when modifications are needed
- Know the areas of caution where massage is more likely to cause injury
- Understand the considerations for working with special populations such as elderly clients, pregnant clients, and clients with chronic illness
- Have a basic familiarity with common classes of medications and how they may affect a massage session
To get a better idea of the kind of questions you will see in this content area, check out our free pathology flashcards.
The full name of this content area on the FSMTB MBLEx Content Outline is Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation. It makes up 15% of the MBLEx (approximately 15 questions), making it one of the larger content areas on the exam. According to the Content Outline, this section covers the following topics:
- Physiological effects of soft tissue manipulation
- Psychological effects of soft tissue manipulation
- Effects of soft tissue manipulation for specific client populations
- Soft tissue techniques (types of strokes, sequence of application)
- Hot/cold applications
- Overview of massage/bodywork modalities
In practical terms, you should be prepared to:
- Understand the physiological effects of massage on each system of the body, including how normal soft tissue responds to palpation and the effects on adhesions and abnormal tone
- Be familiar with the psychological effects of massage and touch, basic pain theory as it relates to massage, and the effects of chronic stress on the body
- Understand how massage and bodywork affects specific client populations, including elderly, pregnant, and ill clients
- Know the basic concepts behind common soft tissue techniques such as Swedish massage, myofascial release (MFR), deep tissue massage, and craniosacral therapy
- Understand the effects and appropriate use of different massage strokes, including effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, and compression
- Understand the principles of hot and cold applications in massage therapy
- Have a general overview of the various massage and bodywork modalities practiced in the field
To get a better idea of the kind of questions you will see in this content area, check out our Benefits & Effects flashcards.
The answers provided on this FAQ page are based primarily on information published by the FSMTB, including the FSMTB website (fsmtb.org), the MBLEx Candidate Handbook, and the FSMTB Annual Reports. Our goal is to provide convenient, accurate, and up-to-date information to assist you in the massage licensing process. FSMTB policies and procedures may change at any time, so MBLEx applicants are encouraged to visit the FSMTB website or contact the FSMTB directly at mblex@fsmtb.org for the most current information. MBLExGuide is not affiliated in any way with the FSMTB, any state massage boards, or any other regulatory or licensing agencies.