Being a massage therapist can be such a rewarding path in life. As a bodywork and massage professional, you get to help a multitude of patients heal and thrive. But to start your career in this field, after graduating an educational program in massage and bodywork, there’s something you have to do. Pass the MBLEx exam to get your massage and bodywork license.
Once you finish your studies in massage and bodywork, the MBLEx exam is one of the most significant tests you’ll have to take. The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is a requirement in most of US territory for you to be a licensed massage therapist.
The MBLEx measures the massage students’ level of knowledge and attests that these future practitioners are ready to become licensed professionals. It serves to regulate the massage therapy community as an entry-level licensure examination.
This licensure is currently utilized in 46 of 49 jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, U.S., and Puerto Rico territories. Keep in mind, each region might also have additional tests for you to obtain your licensure.
When Did The MBLEx Exam Originate?
The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), which was created in 2005 by the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). Leaders in the massage therapy field put together this federation and exam to ensure that all professionals in the area were competent and knowledgeable in all bodywork fundamentals.
At first, before the ABMP, FSMTB and other associations, the massage therapy field had little to no regulation, which could be detrimental to those professionals who study and strive to provide the best possible service. The MBLEx test created a baseline across most states that every massage and bodywork professional had to meet, instead of each state having different standards, to ensure patients get the proper treatment anywhere.
Who Has To Take The MBLEx?
The MBLEx exam is entry-level licensure that allows you to practice massage and bodywork therapy. Whether you want to start your practice or work at a bodywork establishment as a massage therapist, you’ll need to get your license. Depending on the state you’re in, you might need to take other tests along with the MBLEx to be fully licensed.
What Are The Requirements To Take The MBLEx Exam?
Since 2017, to apply for the MBLEx exam, you must submit a record of your education in a massage therapy program. It must be recognized by the official regulatory agency in your state to be an accepted institution.
Before applying to the MBLEx exam, you can review the content outline of the test to make sure your education and training covered all subjects. Once you apply, you’ll automatically be attesting that you have studied those topics.
Apart from your education in massage therapy, you’ll also need to fill out the application form and pay the application fee.
The FSMTB has the MBLEx Candidate Handbook available on their website which can be helpful for all applicants. (https://www.fsmtb.org/media/1691/mblex-handbook-june2018.pdf)
Fees – MBLEx
Currently, the MBLEx fee is $265 and needs to be paid in full when you submit your application. Many people ask whether the fee is refundable in case they don’t succeed, but unfortunately, it isn’t.
If you don’t pass the exam, you’ll be able to retake it within 30 days, but it will require you to pay the fees again.
Application Process – MBLEx
MBLEx Covered Topics:
The test covers the most relevant topics related to massage and bodywork, such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, techniques and much more.
Here is a breakdown of the covered topics in the MBLEx exam:
When you take the test, 11% of the question will be related to anatomy and physiology, but more specifically to: System structure, System function, Tissue injury and repair, Concepts of energetic anatomy.
Then, 12% of the MBLEx consists of questions about kinesiology, such as components and characteristics of muscles, concepts of muscle contractions, joint structure and function amongst other subtopics.
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A total of 14% of the test focuses on these topics, which are essential when practicing massage therapy.
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The FSMTB assigned 15% of the test to cover this topic, which also goes into an overview of bodywork modalities, types of strokes and application sequence techniques and the psychological benefits of touch.
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This topic, deemed as one of the most important by the federation, takes up 17% of the MBLEx exam. Some of the subtopics are: Client consultation and evaluation, Visual assessment, Range of motion assessment, Clinical reasoning.
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The MBLEx allocates 16% of the questions to ethical behavior, boundaries and the principals of being a massage therapy, which are topics of utmost importance in the field.
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Lastly, 15% of the test is directed to the business practice of massage therapy, as well as care, hygiene, equipment management, and safety practices.
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More About The MBLEx:
The exam is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), which means each question must be answered before you get the next one, and you won’t be able to skip a question to respond later. Each time you answer correctly, the next one will be slightly more difficult. If you get one wrong, the next one will be easier.
You’ll have 2 hours to answer 100 multiple-choice questions. In the end, you’ll receive a pass or fail designation. Unlike earlier tests, the MBLEx no longer provides a score.
Taking the MBLEx is an essential step to start your career in the massage and bodywork field. It might be challenging but having your license will be only the beginning of a fantastic career.
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MBLEx is a trademark of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) that did not produce or endorse this material. 2025 — UGO Prep