*Important Announcement!*
The NCBTMB announced that as of 11/1/2014, it will no longer administer an entry-level licensing exam. This means the MBLEx will be the only licensing exam available in most states. Please refer to the below link for more information on taking the MBLEx.
For the most up-to-date information on preparing for the MBLEx (including study guides and practice tests), click here.
Yes, the NCBTMB does offer the BCETMB now, but it is not an entry-level licensing exam, like the MBLEx. It is a board certification exam (which is usually voluntary). I will not be updating the below post to reflect the BCETMB and NCETMB changes. However, you can learn a little more about why the MBLEx is now the preferred exam below.
Here is the NCBTMB press release here.
Bonus: How to Avoid the #1 MBLEx Study Mistake – Free Lesson and Practice Quiz
One of the final hurdles, or steps, between you and your massage career is the massage licensing exam. There were two entry-level massage licensing exams for most people to choose from.
The MBLEx – Given by the FSMTB
The NCETMB or NCETM – Given by the NCBTMB
If you live in New York or Hawaii, you do not have a choice, as you have your own state board exam. Here is where you can read about Hawaii massage license and New York massage license exams.
The rest of you have a decision to make.
Which exam is best for you?
The exam that is best for you may not be the best one for the next person to visit this post, the one your massage instructor took ten years ago, or the one for your classmate looking to move home after school.
First, it is important to know why you need to take a massage licensing exam.
Quite simply, most of you need this exam to get a massage license in your state. That is it.
Most states require proof that you have completed a massage licensing exam approved by their state board along with the minimum hour of education. Once the State receives your license application, forwarded exam scores, school transcripts, and any other requirements (i.e. background checks), they typically will issue your license.
Second, you need to pick an exam that is accepted by the state board(s) where you want to practice.
If your state accepts both exams, let me quickly introduce the choices you have so that you can move on with your decision.
The NCETMB and NCETM
Years ago, the NCETMB was the only licensing/credentialing exam available. It was “the exam”.
This exam helped massage therapists obtain licenses in states that licensed massage therapists and in states without massage regulations, it helped trained massage professionals show that they were a trained professional by adding extra letters after their name (NCTMB) when they could not use LMT, RMT, or CMT.
Now, 46 states have massage licensing/regulation of some sort. As the number of states with massage regulation has grown, the need for an optional/extra massage credential (NCTMB) has become less desired/necessary.
And for this reason, the NCBTMB organization is struggling.
If you want to read more about it, Laura Allen wrote a great post here. It is essential for new and old massage therapists to read.
While trying to find its new role in the massage field, the NCBTMB has proposed a lot of different exams (AP exams and board certification), retired the National Certification credential and NESL exam, and quasi-regulated massage continuing education.
The NCETMB and NCETM can still be used as entry-level licensing exams.
The MBLEx
The MBLEx was first offered around 2005/2006. It is given by the FSMTB; a board established in 2005 and made up of representatives from each member state board.
Not much has changed with the MBLEx since it was established, and has quickly become the preferred licensing exam in the massage community.
The exam is reasonably priced, easy to sign up for and it is accepted most states with regulation. A few states, such as Ohio and North Carolina are now MBLEx only states.
NCETMB vs MBLEx FAQ
I think I need to take the NCETMB. I plan on moving, so I want to be “nationally certified”.
If you think being nationally certified will allow you to work in every state, it won’t. “Nationally Certified” is an outdated term, even the NCBTMB retired it this year when it switched to relabeling the NCETMB and NCETM as licensing exams.
Being “nationally certified” does not allow you to move to a different state and work without a license. You need a massage license in each state you practice in to do that. And to get a massage license, you need to take a licensing exam accepted by that state.
One of the goals of the FSMTB is to simplify the reciprocity process by having a standard of education agreed on between state boards (such as the FSMTB). Doing this should make moving from state to state easier for massage professionals.
If you plan to move after taking your licensing exam, you will likely need to have your exam scores forwarded to the state you are moving to. Here is the mobility form from the MBLEx.
You can contact the NCBTMB to have your exam scores forwarded to the state you are moving to, or login to your account on their website to find the score request form.
What is the difference between the NCETM and NCETMB Exams?
“The main difference between the two exams is the NCETMB includes questions about bodywork assessment and application. There also are slight variations in the weighted percentages of the content areas. For a comprehensive breakdown of content area percentages and a detailed list of publications used to develop the exams, see License Reference List and Content Breakdown Percentages.” ~ NCBTMB website
Which is exam cheaper?
The MBLEx is currently $265. A $70 increase happened in 2020.
Which exam is easier?
I answer that here.
What happened to the NESL?
The NESL, which was given by the NCBTMB, was retired/discontinued in 2013.
Which states do not regulate massage?
Kansas
Minnesota
Oklahoma
Vermont
Wyoming
Do you like charts?
Me too. I made this one so you could look at the two exams side by side.
| MBLEx | NCETMB / NCETM | |
|---|---|---|
| Given By | Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSTMB) | National Certification Board for Therapeutic Masssage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) |
| Website | fstmb.org | ncbtmb.org |
| States that accept the exam | States Accepting MBLEx | States Accepting NCETMB |
| Cost | $265 | $185 |
| Number of Questions | 100 Questions | 125 Questions |
| Time Limit | 2 hours | 2 hours and 5 minutes (plus 10 minutes for tutorial and 10 minutes for comments following the exam) |
| Eligiblity | You can take the MBLEx at anytime. Before, during or after massage training. However, proof of massage education is required. | You may take an exam prior to finishing your massage training, but the FSMTB will not release your score until they receive a copy of your school transcript. |
| Fail Limit? | No, but you must wait 30 days between attempts. | Yes, after failing 3x, you must retake 100 hours of school. Fail 5x, you must retake 500 hours. Fail 8x, you may no longer retest. |
| Where is the exam given? | Pearson Vue Testing Centers Find one near you |
Pearson Vue Testing Centers Find one near you |
| Online Application | MBLEx Application | NCETMB Application |
| Paper Application | MBLEx Application | Not Available |
| Handbook | Candidate Handbook | Candidate Resources |
| Retake Application | Not Available | Not Available |
| Continuing Education Requirements | None at this time. | There are no longer requirements. Previously there were for renewing a NCTMB credential/ “national certification”. The NCBTMB is phasing out the “national certification” for the new “board certification” |
| Category Percentage Breakdown | MBLEx Breakdown | NCETMB Breakdown NCETM Breakdown |
| Language Availability | English and Spanish | English |
| Reference Texts | MBLEx Reference Texts | Download Reference List |
How about an infographic?
A few more states accept the MBLEx since this was made.
Got a question?
If you have a special situation, or maybe a question not addressed above, please leave me a comment below.
I’d be happy to help!
I’m currently licensed in my state and have been for 10 years. I took the NCBTMB exam originally in 2012 and it has expired in 2019. I would like to become licensed in other states. Do I need to take this exam over? Will the new states accept it even though it expired? Or should I just take the MBLEx?
Most states still accept old NCETMB scores (a small number do not). It does not matter that your certification has expired, your exam scores do not.
Hello I graduated massage school in Las Vegas Nevada and passed my NCBTMB in 2006, which has expired. I currently reside in Idaho and was looking to practice massage again. Since reading your very informative and great article. I think I would like to take the MBLEx. However, would I be able to use my 2005 academic transcripts, which includs 100 clinical hours, since these don’t expire? Or will I have to attend a credited massage school again to submit to FSMTB? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I do not see why you would not be able to take the MBLEx and use your prior education.
However, I believe Idaho would accept your NCETMB scores too (Remember, those do not expire either).
I graduated in 2007. I’m reside in Illinois and due to constant life changes I failed the first try and missed the second scheduled exam. I am interested in getting my massage therapy license now. I’m so confused which is the test I should take. I hear there are different ones and don’t understand which is the best one to take. Please advise. Thank you.
You need to take an exam that is accepted by your state. In this case, for Illinois, I would look at taking the MBLEx.
I graduated in 2007. I’m reside in Illinois and due to constant life changes I failed the first try and missed the second scheduled exam. I am interested in getting my massage therapy license now. I’m so confused which is the test I should take. I hear there are different ones and don’t understand which is the best one to take. Please advise. Thank you.
I graduated massage therapy in 2008 in Wisconsin, took my national exam right away (NCETMB) passed no problem. Then met a man moved 3hrs south and the county regulations confused me so much I never moved on to the state license. Then I had a baby and needless to say looking back into either acquiring credits back to earn my associates degree or work part time as a massage therapist. Any help is appreciated!
I sent you a message, Kaylani! Let me know if you did not get it.
I did not get it, my email is makael01@gmail.com thank you for your time. I am now running into problems with finding the credits from my exam as the WTC where I went to college does not hold the record of the exam because it was taken in Madison WI lol! It was so long ago I don’t remember where I took it!
The school would not have a record of your exam. You would need to contact the NCBTMB to get your score request sent to the state.
Hi. I found your page very helpful. I took my ncbtmb test and passed it. I let that lapse because it was being phased out. I am currently licensed in Florida and Certified in Ca. I have applied to a job at the Naval Hospital in Ca. They are requiring the ncbtmb. But the wording on the document states that they are looking for my license to be recognized by ncbtmb. My question is my Fl license is still recognized by ncbtmb correct? I have been a therapist for 14 yrs. I would assume with my experience they are ok with it. But trying to explain how I am already licensed and that ncbtmb test is no longer given is being a difficult task. Thanks.
Hi Nelsa!
I have never heard it worded that way – “looking for my license to be recognized by ncbtmb”. The NCBTMB does not recognize licenses. At this point I would explain to them that the NCETMB was an approved entry-level exam you took to get your state license in Florida and you are Certified in California. The CAMTC, or California certification, should be all that you would need. You may just need to do some educating to the employer. They may just have outdated information.
Hi Ivy! I live in MN, one of the few non-regulated stated. I had my NCBTMB certification and let it lapse, as my FT job was most of my work. I am doing more massage these days, and started to look into getting “National” certification again–and I found you, thankfully. I went to school in WI, a regulated state. I have no plans to move, but if I do, it sounds like the MBLEx would be the better test to take. Thankfully, the school I went to almost 20 years ago is still open. I have my Certificate from them, and a fair amount of continuing education. Aside from studying, do you know if I will have any problem with the application to take the MBLEx? I assume there are places here in MN to do it, since we have the NCLEx for Nursing, and I took the NCBTMB test in this state long ago, too. Thanks!
I would not anticipate any issues, but I cannot promise anything. If you took the NCB, I would think that is a good sign you had enough education.
Any advice here? I went to school in MS in 2004 and moved to NC right after. Took NCTMB and got licensed in NC. Stopped practicing and my license lapsed in 2007. I now live in GA. What all do you think I’d need to do to get a license again? I think my MS program was 650 hrs. That school has since closed. Thanks!!
I would review the GA requirements and ask the board office if you have any specific requirements. They likely have seen many in your situation. Most boards are familiar with neighboring state transfers.
Hello Ivy, I completed my Massage Therapy Program back 2008. I failed my Exam for licensing and never retook it. I’d love to get licensed as a massage therapist in the State of FL. Will I have to retake the program all over again or can I take a new exam? What steps do you recommend I take.
Great question. Florida is actually one of my strong points (I have a license there and teach a laws and rules class there).
You should only need to complete the exam, possibly a 10 hour law and rules course if you only took the 4 hour course years ago, and a background check.
Here is my other website about Florida Massage Licenses, including the 10 Hour Florida Laws and Rules Course.
Hi Ivy, I found this page after reading more about the NCETMB. I recently passed the MBLEX and I am licensed to practice in CO. On the NCETMB website. they refer to themselves at the ONLY certifying body for massage and bodywork therapy. I don’t understand how they can make this claim.
Also, your post, which is a terrific resource, may need to be revised because there is out-of-date info listed. For example, there are 100 questions on the MBLEX, and it is 120 min long. The NCETMB test info is also out of date if you look at their current FAQs. I am trying to determine if it is prudent to take the NCETMB test as well, and have both accreditations? My school is not an NCETMB provider, as it turns out. In fact, I could not find any NCETMBN approved schools in CO.
Hi Nicole,
If you read the top, the NCETMB is no longer given. The NCBTMB now has a new exam – the BCETMB – which is not a licensing exam and I do not have updated in this post. Here is why… It is a board certification exam (which is usually voluntary). The MBLEx is an entry-level licensing exam, which is usually mandatory. Most states use the MBLEx. Very few use the BCETMB, but most accept the old NCETMB
I am not interested in taking the BCETMB, but that is just me. My state massage license is currently (and what I think for the foreseeable future) the most important thing for me to focus on. If I want to spend more money, I would choose a really good CE class in a niche I am interested in. Again, just me.
I just put a little more at the top of the post so people know that this is historical info and where to go for updated info on the MBLEx (www.massageexamacademy.com).
I live in Pa, I was grandfathered into the license for massage. Now I’m relocating to AZ. Do I now have to take the MBLEX test to get a license there?
These days, many states require an exam even if a person was grandfathered. I would contact the state board office in AZ and ask them their Rule on this matter.
Hi,
I am just waiting on my transcripts to come from Tn. I passed the school and exam at the school there. Is that the only exam I needed at this point was the one at the school or is there a different one? I’m so confused…I am trying to get a license here in Tx and am not sure if I am going to have to take another test to do this or just the “prudence” whatever exam that is as of Nov.1 2017. Please help lol thanks
Which exam did you take in TN? I would assume that it would work for TX. You will just need to contact the FSMTB or the NCBTMB and have them forward your scores to TX.
The Texas Jurisprudence test is an online test of Texas laws and rules. It is not something to stress over. I have taken it and it is just to help get you familiar with their laws and rules.
Hello, Is it possible for a chiropractor to take the exam? Would clinical hours in chiropractic school crossover or would it be necessary to attend a massage therapy program? I do a substantial amount of soft tissue work. I teach CE courses with many massage therapists in attendance. I am an approved CE provider wit NCBTMB. I believe it would be advantageous to obtain a massage license in various states that I travel.I know many DCs that have had their massage license prior, but not sure of any DCs obtaining after. 🙂
I will most likely call FSMTB and NCBTMB and ask, but I found this page and thought I would ask.
Thank you
Dr. Shay
Hi Dr. Shay!
My first thoughts and opinion is that you should be able to take the MBLEx without issue. They are changing a few things July 1st, but that is for people that lack very basic education. The new BCETMB is not a licensing exam in most states. If you decide to get a license, I do no recommend that one for portability purposes.
My second thought is that I would think that most states allow chiropractors under their scope of practice to perform soft tissue manipulation without the need for a massage license. Do you agree? I guess I am not sure if a massage license would be all that necessary in most states if you already have a chiro license in that state. That is why you may not hear of chiros getting a MT license after their other license.
If you decide to move forward, you will find every state is different for massage licensing. I would think most would find your education to exceed their minimum requirements, but you may a limited few that may be a problem.
Hello
I have a question. I graduated massage school in 1994 when there was only licensure in florida. Took the NCTMB test and passed it but did not continue with the continuing ceu. Is it still good or should I take the mblex in florida. I will be changing my residence to florida in june.
Second question- I want to become a continuing education provider for all over the us. Do I need to be licenced in every.state or just florida where my residence is
Thanks for your assistance
Your NCETMB scores do not expire, thankfully. If you have not renewed your FL license, you will need to apply for a new license there and complete the remaining requirements. You will not need to retake another exam before applying for a Florida license.
You can apply as just a FL provider through CE Broker. If you plan to offer classes all over the US, you likely should look at applying to the NCBTMB as an approved provider.
Hello! I completed my Massage Therapy Program 2005. I failed my Exam for licensing and never retook it. It’s now 2016 and I’d love to get licensed as a massage therapist in the State of Il. Will I have to take the program all over again? Or may I just apply to take the new exam? What steps should I take? I have no one to talk to about this and no direction. Thank you so much for your time.
As long as IL has not changed their education requirements (added more hours than you had), then you simply can apply to take the MBLEx and complete the other IL requirements.
Here is their application that includes the requirements- http://www.idfpr.com/Renewals/apply/FORMS/mt.pdf
Board of Massage contact page – https://www.idfpr.com/profs/Email/prfGrp01.asp
Question: What is the difference between the MBLEx & The National exam?
The NCETMB was called “the national exam”. I think it got that name because it was used to credential massage therapists before most states had licensing. Then it was used as the state licensing exam by many states. It is no longer available to be taken. And it never allowed people to work anywhere in the US. Many just thought that. The NCBTMB now has different exam, the BCETM, which is not a state licensing exam.
The MBLEx is used by most states for a licensing exam at this time. If you take that exam, you can use your scores if you decide to move to another state.
Hi, i went to massage school in 2008 and failed state board twice but i want to go after a dream one more time but it’s been 8years can im i eligible in taking it again? I live in miami fl.
I cannot think of a reason you cannot take the MBLEx. It does not have a time limit on getting out of school currently- Just a 30 day wait between attempts. The only thing I can think of that you may need to do additionally is take 10 hour FL law. It was around that time FL went from 4 to 10 hours. You should Here is my Florida license checklist – https://21qr1i1wt67w353bpm2e12r2-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/florida-examination-checklist.pdf
I graduated in Dec 2011, passed by mblex a few months after. I never turned in my licensing papers or anything after I took my test. Do the mblex scores ever expire? Can I still turn them in to get my license?
It depends on the state. Most states will allow you to apply and use those scores. You likely will need to fill out a mobility/score request on the FSMTB website and pay $20.
Only one state I can think of, Louisiana, requires that if you do not hold an active license in another state, you must have taken your exam within the past 2 years.
The easiest thing would be to look at the state laws and rules under exam requirements or to call the state board. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I live in the state of Illinois and I graduated from MTI. It has been a few years since I tested. I was wondering what exam to take? I called ncbtmb to get a direct answer for what test to take, they gave me another number to call. Last I checked, once a person was certified in IL they were automatically licensed.
Hi Sharee,
Illinois closed its grandfathering a few years ago, so there is not automatically licensed path. If you did not pass your exam previously, the MBLEx is the only exam you can take for licensing in IL currently. If you had previously taken and passed the NCETMB, you could still “reuse” those scores and have them sent to the Board as the NCETMB is still an accepted exam. It is just not an exam that is given anymore by the NCBMTB. They have a new board certification exam (BCETM), but I do not see it listed as an accepted exam in IL.
You can sign up for the MBLEx here- http://www.fsmtb.org.
You can find the study materials for the MBLEx on this site. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Here is the rule:
Section 1284.30 Application for Licensure
a) Any applicant for a massage therapy license shall meet all of the following requirements:
1) The applicant is at least 18 years of age and of good moral character;
2) The applicant has successfully completed an approved massage therapy program in accordance with Section 1284.20 or a substantially similar massage therapy program from another jurisdiction and passed the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork’s (NCBTMB) examination or the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Hi Ivy,
I have a question I graduated from massage school August of 2015 passed my MBLEX in the state of Ohio, I worked for a massage company for about 4 months. I recently relocated to Arizona I’m confused as to what examination I need to take or not take?!?!
Thanks for your help
Shawna
Hi Shawna
You need to go to the FSMTB website and fill out a mobility form after you apply to AZ (if you meet the education requirement too). The mobility form sends your former MBLEx scores to AZ. There is no need to retake an exam in most cases.
Arizona Applicants – https://massagetherapy.az.gov/for-applicants
http://archivemassagetherapy.az.gov/ApplicationInstructions.aspx
Hi Ivy..
Quick question… since nctemb is no longer being used. And most states require mblex. Will my NCtem scores still transfer to another state? I have been practicing since 2004
Excellent question.
Most states still accept NCETMB scores. Contact the NCBTMB and they will instruct you how to log in to your account and request a score report be sent to the state board where you are planning to move. The request costs about $25.
Hi,
I was applying for NCBTMB’s exam, but I noticed the price is pretty steep. I forgot about MBLEx. Do you hav any updates as for how they compare? Thanks!
Shawn
Hi Shawn, the NCETMB is no longer an option for a licensing exam. And I am not sure how many states accept the new BCETMB exam for licensure. It is not a licensing exam, it is a certification exam. Most states accept the MBLEx for an entry level licensing exam. In which state are you trying to get a license?
I graduated in 1993 from the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in Atlanta with a certificate in Neuromuscular, Swedish and Sports Massage. I immediately worked in Atlanta as a massage therapist. I then moved to Lenox, Massachusetts and worked as a massage therapist as well. In spas, pain clinic and private practice. I have approx. 2,000 hours of experience. I have not practiced massage since 2003 and would like to start again. I now have to take a national exam that was not required 20 years ago, in Georgia, correct? I still have my massage skills. Is my best route to study for and take the MBLEX? Should I plan on giving myself 90 days to study and prepare for the exam roughly? Thanks! Beth
Hi Beth, That depends. Where are you currently looking to practice massage? And do you know how many hours your program was in ATL?
I have graduated from massage therapy for 3 years … Is it too late to take my mblex exam???
No. You can take it any time. Just make sure there have been no regulation changes in your state (an increase in hours training).
Hi,
I am trying to find what states accept the nationals and which states do not. My nationals expire Feb. 2015; do I bother to renew it? If I do which states accept it?
Sorry if redundant…
Thank you
Hi Fatima,
Most states just need your exam scores and it is not required to have your certification current. There is a small fee and a form to fill out to have your exam scores sent to the state your are moving to. Here is the post with the link to which states accept the NCETMB and MBLEx.
http://www.massageexamacademy.com/mblex-vs-ncetmb/
I practice in Hawaii I will be moving to Arkansas soon when I move their will I have to take the MBLEX Test ? Since they require it! Thanks
Hawaii and New York are the only two states that have their own exam. So when their LMT’s move to other states it does present a problem. Most other states accept the MBLEx and it makes state to state portability much easier. I would call the Arkansas board and ask about your HI exam and if they have waivers, or if you must take the MBLEx. I don’t know each states rules for endorsing NYS and HI licenses. Best wishes on your move!
I graduate from los Angeles Massage school 7years ago I never took CAMT Approve exam, I am considering to take it with one do I have to take/ NCETMB or BCETMB
Please help
Rose
Does mblex ever expire? Or is it good for life?? Nevada’s is asking for an expiration date of the mblex on their state transfer application. I was under impression that their wasn’t an expiration date. Any info regarding this would be helpful. Thanks, Michelle
You are correct. There is no reason they should have an expiration date on there. The former NCBTMB certification had an expiration, but even the NCETMB scores did not have one. The MBLEx is a licensing exam, not a certification. It does not expire.
I graduate from massage therapy school in 2006 do I qualify for NCETM
The NCETM is no longer an option. The MBLEX is now the only licensing exam.
Hey girl!
I went to school for massage in New York and am getting licensed in Florida. I did a little boring research and the MBLEx Doesn’t have a review guide. They have about 7 door stopper thick books they recommend you read and not all of the test answers come from those books.
The NCETMB has a very organised online study guide.
XO! Hope this is helpful. 🙂
Hi, Kjersti!
Thanks for stopping by.
I am not sure if you have seen the press release, but the NCBTMB will no longer offer an entry level examination after 11/2014 (You can read the press release here). I would think their study guide will no longer be available after that date. The MBLEx reading material list is a little daunting, but I do use several of the books on the reading list regularly for reference in my massage practice (and while writing practice questions for this site).
Please let me know if you have any questions about the process of moving from New York to Florida. I have a specific page to get you started with the Florida Examination/Endorsement process here. Make sure you apply to Florida as an examination candidate and not an endorsement candidate. It can cause a delay in getting your license if you check the wrong box. Best wishes! Ivy