As a massage blogger and continuing education provider, I receive a lot of questions from people preparing to take a licensing exam.
Some are just about to graduate. Some are working to become licensed after being out of school for a few months or even a few years. Others are moving to a state that requires an exam score after being grandfathered into licensure or working in a state without licensing requirements.
The most common questions I hear from these people are:
“Which exam would you take?”
“What study materials can you recommend?”
Everything I’d heard in the massage world said the MBLEx was now the preferred exam. The problem is I took the NCETMB twelve years ago, when it was the only licensing exam available.
I didn’t feel comfortable recommending an exam I hadn’t taken.
So I decided I would take the MBLEx
But after being out of school for over a decade, I was going to need to study.
I dug out my old notes, dusted off some Anatomy and Physiology books. I scrolled through massage study guides on Amazon, and looked at a couple different exam prep services.
I found some good stuff, but I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for: One Resource.
I wanted topic specific quizzes to sharpen my weak spots.
I wanted exam simulations to get a feel for the real thing.
I wanted a study guide that was up-to-date with current information about the MBLEx.
I wanted peer support; someone to go to when I had questions, or needed advice.
I knew I would not always have my books with me, so having something that I could access from a computer, tablet, or phone would be convenient.
Creating One Resource
Using my years of experience in the massage field and online education, I set out to create Massage Exam Academy. One resource with all the information, guidance and tips future colleagues would need to pass the MBLEx.
After I completed writing the study guide, practice questions and developing the site, I had a group of massage students audit the information and give me their feedback as they prepared for the MBLEx. The feedback was positive.
Then I had one final experiment, taking the MBLEx myself. Studying with the package I had put together, I was able to walk into the Pearson Vue center feeling prepared and confident. A couple of hours later I walked out with a passing score (817).
I feel extremely comfortable recommending the MBLEx and offering this product as an effective preparation tool. I have a lot of confidence in this program and you.
Click here to learn more about using Massage Exam Academy to prepare for the MBLEx.
If while studying, you find yourself struggling with a certain subject, fighting a case of last-minute exam anxiety, or just have a question about anything in the massage field – send me an email or give me a call.
I would be happy to help!
Hello Ivy, I’ve been out of School since 2007, I took the NCETMB exam twice and fail it by 2pts both time. I got Extremely discouraged and didn’t take it again. I start working for the railroad, but was never satisfied because I wasn’t doing what I love to do (Massage therapy) Now I am ready to take this Exam, especially after reading these Encouraging stories. This is exactly what I needed to start the ball rolling. I pray I pass this Exam and start my career as a license Massage Therapist..Thank you. I’m looking forward to this Study program.
Hi Donna!
Thanks so much for sharing your story! I cannot stress enough how common your situation is. The exam is often the last piece of the puzzle for many people. You have really done so much of the hard work going through school. As you begin to study, you may feel a little overwhelmed at first. But your brain is amazing and soon all that information from massage school is going to come out your brain storage. Be patient. It will get easier and the practice questions and exams will help you prepare, reduce anxiety, and build confidence for your next exam attempt. You will learn new study methods to avoid being to overwhelmed and how to focus on (not avoid) your weaker subjects. I wish you the best as you begin this journey again. I am excited for you. It is always fun to see people that have waited for their career finally cross this step off their list.
Hi Ivy, Great News! On March 23, 2024, I pass the Mblex. I left the testing site with tears of joy..Your program was an Excellent tool in helping me pass the exam. Everything I needed was right at my finger tips. But, in order to fully benefit from the program I had to do my part by taking time out to study for the Exam. Consistency and Dedication is the key and I was determine to do both. I waited 17 yrs for this moment and it finally paid off. Now I will be doing what I was meant to do (working as a LMT.) Thank you so much for putting a program together to help those who want to pass the Mblex ..I am a witness that this program works.
Love this! Thanks so much for letting me know, Donna! So happy for you. I love helping start their careers.
Hi! So I have been out of massage school for about 6 years. I took the test twice when I got done school but failed. I was 19 when I took the exam. So I didn’t really take things seriously. Now being 25 I really want to get my license. But being out of school for so long I don’t remember much. ( I don’t work in the field) Would this program work for me? Does it have every thing I would need to re-learn in order to pass the MBLEX? Does it have the massage and client aspect of things as well as all the things I learned in A&P? Also would you recommend any books to use while using your program?
Good morning!
For most people, it is enough. Every week, I get at least a few emails from people in the same situation.
Here is an article about taking the MBLEx years after school that I wrote – https://www.massageexamacademy.com/mblex-years-after-school/
The good news is I see people pass the MBLEx every week using our program that have been out of school 5-30 years. I know it can be done.
Some people use books from school, some don’t. Everyone is different. But for most people, my program is pretty comprehensive. I do provide links to other free resources in the program and in the free articles. But on top of that, our plan to pass helps people become better and more relaxed test takers.
Hello, I used the Massage Exam Academy for a month prior to taking the MBlex (June 2017) and I am confident that I passed because of this website! I made flashcards based on the study sections and took quizzes in each section everyday as well as the test simulator. I also studied muscle flashcards. While no exam prep service can give you exact questions that will be on the MBlex I feel like Ivy has put together the most useful information out there in one place.
Wow, Jennifer! Thanks for the comment. I never tire of messages from those that have passed their exam. I wish you the best with your massage career.
You are welcome! I am excited to start my career 🙂
hello I have been out of school since 2009, when I graduated you didn’t need to be licensed, but I wasn’t able to take the mblex cause I got into an accident, and I just didn’t take the test and let time pass. I eventually took the mblex and failed by 10 points. I was even considering going to school again.
Being out of school for so long do you think I would have a chance of passing through your program?
Hi Valerie,
When I first started this site, it was for already established massage professionals that were moving to Florida. So I have seen many, many people out of school much longer than you use this program to pass the MBLEx.
Thank you, so much for this information. I sit for my Mblex on 10/20/2015 and although I have made mostly A’s through out my schooling experience, I am really nervous.
Best wishes on your exam tomorrow, Felicia! Let me know how it goes.