While studying for your exam, you begin to research the passing score on the MBLEx. You see a few numbers out there (like 630 and 900), your teacher has told you it is 75% or 80%, and other sources say that there isn’t a passing score. Who is right?
The answer to this question is complicated.
We first need to review the goals of the MBLEx, recount a little history about exam scoring, and then cover the latest changes to the exam scoring reports. This way you will know exactly what to expect to best prepare for your exam day.
The goal of the MBLEx is not to measure different levels of competence between test-takers, or to see who can get the highest score in a massage class. A better score does not indicate a person will be a better massage therapist. The aim of the exam is to distinguish whether a candidate meets the minimum level of competence required to practice as an entry-level massage professional. The MBLEx is used by nearly every state, along with minimum education requirements, to determine if a person can safely practice massage and be issued a massage license by the state.
How the exam was scored in recent years
When the MBLEx first began being used as an entry level massage exam in 2008, the exam was scored/scaled out of a possible 900. Any score 630 or above was a passing score and determined a candidate had met the minimum standards and was competent to practice massage at an entry level. Candidates that scored below 630 were instructed to retake the exam.
For those who do not want to do the math 630 out of 900 is 70%.
2014 CAT Testing Implementation
In 2014, major changes were made to the MBLEx format when the FSMTB introduced computer adaptive testing (CAT). The number of exam questions was reduced from 125 to 100. This is because CAT adjusts test question difficulty to the candidate’s ability level in order to achieve faster and more accurate test results. Each question reveals a little more about the true competency level of the candidate by determining the difficulty level of question a candidate can consistently answer correctly.
630 remained the passing score.
2017 Changes to Exam Reports
In July of 2017, the FSMTB announced they would no longer use a numeric score. Only a PASS/FAIL designation would be printed on the candidate’s handout after their exam. That means candidates no longer know how many points away from passing they were, or if they answered all 100 questions correctly.
However, the score report will provide some very beneficial information to those that do not pass. If a candidate does not pass their exam, they will still be informed how they performed in each of the eight subjects on the MBLEx on their printout. Candidates that pass their exam will not be provided with a breakdown of how they performed in each subject.
Each of the below subject areas will be determined as Good, Borderline, or Low.
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Benefits and Physiological effects of Techniques
- Pathology with Contraindications, areas of Caution, and Special Populations
- Client Assessment, Reassessment, and Treatment Plans
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws & Regulations
- Guidelines for Professional Practice
- Massage and Bodywork Modalities/ Culture/ History
What to do with this information if you did not pass your exam
This information is incredibly useful for those that do not pass. Candidates can use this information for making their new study plan and determine where they need to focus their efforts in preparing for their next attempt.
If you haven’t taken the MBLEx yet
For members of Massage Exam Academy, I suggest using practice quizzes determine if more time and focus is needed in a particular subject where you are low or borderline. Failing to comprehend one subject can make passing the MBLEx difficult.
Our exam simulator breaks down each simulation by subject area to tell members how they performed in the individual areas of the exam simulator so they can make needed adjustments to their study plan. From my experience, category scores under 70% need attention and review.
After helping many members see “PASS” on their MBLEx report, I know that targeted focus on troubled content areas can really make a difference on exam performance. In addition, the exam simulations will help build confidence and reduce exam anxiety for your exam date.
Wishing you the best on your exam! If you have any other questions about the passing score on the MBLEx, let me know below in the comments.
Right? I also was told that the questions are not given, that they are based on how well you do. Meaning the more you get right the harder the questions get, which doesn’t make any sense to me. How do they score the exam? Is it out of 100 or do you get points for the difficulty of the questions?
Hi Lexi,
Here is a little more information I wrote about computer adaptive testing.
https://www.massageexamacademy.com/mblex-computer-adaptive-testing-cat/
It’s unclear to me what is required to pass the MBLEX. The subject area scores are reported as either Good, Borderline, or Low. Do I have to get a “Good” score in every area to pass, or can some of the scores be Borderline also? Or can someone pass even with a Low in one area? The FSMTB is not at all clear about how well someone has to do in order to get an overall Pass. Do you have any more insight into the scoring requirements for a Pass? Thanks
Some is a mystery to me too. No one has shared with me that they have had a low area and passed. But they would know that since you are not given a breakdown of subjects if you pass.
I was in massage school 27 years ago. My background is in education,(high school science teacher). I took the MBLEX today. I had purchased the mblex practice test. I took both the MBLEX and the AMTA practice tests. As a teacher/educator, I felt the practice tests were straight forward and showed a good representation of strengths and weaknesses. The actual test was nothing like the practice. It felt like a group of intellectuals made up the questions to try and trip you up, not to objectively measure knowledge. The fact that you don’t receive a score and that people are making money off of you failing and having to pay to retake are both very suspect. Retakes should be half price. The questions should be more along the lines of the practice tests provided by MBLEX and the AMTA. I can certainly see why so many people are frustrated. I did pass but was very annoyed with the whole system. My question for you, Ivy is. how can I be a force for change in this field? Who writes the test? Who can I contact?
I believe volunteers for the FSMTB write questions for the exam. I also believe that they go through some screening process.
The best place to voice your concerns in the FSMTB. Hopefully they can put you in contact with someone. Unfortunately, you are not the first one to share this concern.
Best wishes with your massage career!
Exactly!!! Mic Drop. I took the test a few days ago and it was nothing like the practice tests provided. The questions were not that hard, but all the answers were very similar and it does seem like they were trying to trick you. It sure worked since I have been a therapist for 8 years and failed this test. Also when I contact fsmtb to find out what “borderline” meant on my score, all they could say was “you either almost passed that subject or failed” well gee thanks. This test is such a scam and in no way demonstrates the ability of a therapist.
Sorry to hear about your exam, Melissa! Where did you get your practice tests from? There are many out there that do not prepare you for the types of questions you will see on this exam.
I’ve been out of school since 1996 except for continuing ed. Never took the NCETMB or MBLEX due to fear. In 2017 and 2019 I took the NREMT, which is insanely nerve racking, l was able to pass on the first try both times, and an EMT and MEDIC, thankfully! While I obviously need to refresh for the MBLEX; having taken and passed the NREMT gives me the courage to finally take the MBLEX. Any suggestions on great study material to refresh/update knowledge to pass on the first attempt?
First of all, congrats on your NREMT! We have had so many people like you that attempted the MBLEx or NCETMB and move one for years and are ready to try again. Our program is meant to help people like you and students that just graduated. We try to meet you where you are at. Here is the link to my study materials and practice exams:
http://www.massageexamacademy.com
ı try to for under stand mblex scoring sistym . totaly 100 questıon and ı need to mınımum 75 current questıons? how much ı need a current questıons?
There is no set number of questions with computer adaptive testing.
What percentage do you nor.ally need to pass? I just got 35 of 50 right having never studied…is 70% right safe for a pass?
I guess, to me, it depends on what resource you are using. There are some prep services and apps that I would not consider 70% accurate.
Yes this seems extremely suspect that we can not know our score. I am from Minnesota where you CAN practice without having taken the mblex. I ran a business there for years and loved it. Now here I am in Texas wanting to practice but unless I take and pass this test I won’t be working. I am giving myself 30 days to study. I bought a study program and took a mock test I scored 60\100 the first time studied all night and got 75\100 so I’m hopeful. I think if you are going to test you have to invest in a program or book or app and commit. I still feel nervous but I have no choice I must pass this test. For the next 30 days I will eat sleep and doodoo mblex. I wish you all the best of luck!!!!!
I’m going to take the test this week. I knew they were going to change the tests but I had no idea it was the way they’re scored. That sounds very complex and subjective to error. It really concerns me that it feels that much less objective of a scoring system.
CAT testing is fairly rigorous and complex. Many other health care fields use it for their licensing exams.
I failed 2 time im reviews trying to get exam 3 time im scared to failed 3 time please if there is some idea to help me gradually ineed it thanks
We have helped hundreds of people that have previously failed the MBLEx. Often people are overwhelmed and do not know where to focus their efforts for their next attempt. Our plan to pass is a guide to help you pinpoint those weak spots so you can raise your scores above that passing threshold.
Hi I’m interested. I just failed my first try but I need to pass my second which is in 30 days. Please contact me!
I’m sorry to hear that! Our program has helped so many that have failed their exam. Here is an article I recommend https://www.massageexamacademy.com/so-you-failed-the-mblex/
I took the NEW VERSION of the test yesterday and passed. It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be, but I am glad it is over!
I graduated school in 2012. I took the mblex 3 times. I was always so close to passing on the scores. Im a bad test taker. Im about to pay to review anatomy physiology and kinesiology. I start next week. Im positive but scared to fail again. Aftet the 3rd time i was devastated. Any advice?
Here is my advice for those that have failed the MBLEx – https://www.massageexamacademy.com/so-you-failed-the-mblex/
Let me know if you have any questions.
How did you see your score
It was on my exam report that I got right after my test. The one that tells you if you pass/fail.
I took my MBLEx exam over eight years ago before they stopped providing scores.
I took the NCETMB almost 20 years ago and that did not have a score at that time. Just a graph that showed how you performed in each area.
Yo what kind of questions were on there? I need to pass this test
Today I take my MBLEX exam and I am quite frankly scared and stressed to the extreme. I have Multiple Sclerosis so even though I can perform massages really well, my brain can only remember so many exact words, answers, questions and that frightens me.
How did it go, Angela?
I have a question, I finished school in 2008 and I did take NCETMB twice. The first time I have failed the test by only 16 pts, the 2nd time I failed by 20 pts. I have not been back to take the test but I’m wanting to study to try to take the MBLEx test. Do you have any suggestions since I have been out of school for so long? I know I will have to study before taking it but I am nervous that things have change. Please, if you have any suggestions I am open to all.
Hi Karon- I wrote this post just for people like you. https://www.massageexamacademy.com/mblex-years-after-school/
I failed the test and though it’s not the end of the world it surely feels like it. I hate taking test, I’ve never been a good test taker. I don’t understand why one can’t just get a passing grade in class and complete the required hours of schooling to become a massage therapist. I’ve done well in class and my teachers had no doubt in their mind that I wouldn’t pass. It’s so upsetting and I don’t know why everything has to be based on a test !!!!! I wish there was a way around this and that we were allowed to go back to check our answers or flag questions. Board of massage took away our rights. Point blank period
^^^^^this, especially if there’s no real scoring system