Ivy Hultquist, Author at Massage Exam Academy

All About the New Texas Massage Exam

Heard rumors about a new Texas Massage Exam? It is true! Texas has recently introduced a new state massage therapy licensing exam, providing aspiring Texas massage therapists with an alternative to the widely recognized Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Even we were surprised about this new exam option when it was announced.

If you are a massage student in Texas, or a massage therapist moving to Texas that needs to take an approved exam, you may be asking yourself which exam you should take? And we know exams cause anxiety too. We’ll address what to do help you pass whichever exam you choose to take.

There are pros and cons to each exam. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of which one is best for you and what you can do to pass your exam and get licensed.

First, let’s learn about the Texas Massage Exam…

Texas Massage Exam Requirements

To sit for Texas’ state massage therapy licensing exam, candidates must typically fulfill certain requirements set forth by the Texas Massage Therapy Board which is under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Common prerequisites include:

Completion of a 500 hour massage therapy education program
passing a criminal background check
application submission
payment of fees

Exam Content Breakdown

The content of Texas’ state massage therapy licensing exam covers a range of topics essential for competent practice, including:

Texas Massage Therapy Laws and Regulations
Anatomy and Physiology
Massage Techniques and Modalities
Pathology and Contraindications
Health, Hygiene, and Universal Precautions
Physiology
Hydrotherapy
Laws and Rules
Ethics

Cost

The cost of Texas’ state massage therapy licensing exam is $60 per attempt, making it a more affordable option compared to the MBLEx, which charges $265 per attempt.

Exam Languages

The Texas massage exam is available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. This initiative reflects the State’s commitment to diversity and recognizes the linguistic diversity of its population.

Texas Exam Content Breakdown

What percentage of the exam pertains to anatomy, kinesiology, Texas laws and rules, or etc? See below. This means that about 11 questions out of 100 will pertain to anatomy and 9 questions will pertain to pathology.

Subject Area	Percentage
Swedish Massage Therapy Techniques and Theory (Includes: Contraindications, Practice of Manipulation of Soft Tissue, Massage Therapy Techniques, Consultation (the Interview), Effects and Benefits, Client Preparation and Draping, and Products)	40%
Anatomy	11%
Kinesiology	11%
Pathology	9%
Health, Hygiene, and Universal Precautions	7%
Physiology	6%
Hydrotherapy	4%
Texas Laws and Rules (Including consultation document and responsibilities of the licensee)	7%
Ethics	5%

Exam Details	Value
Scored Items	100
Time Allowed	150 minutes
Passing Score	70%
Non-Scored Items	10
Time Allowed for Non-Scored Items	15 minutes
Examination Fee	$60

Exam References

A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, Seventh Edition, 2019
Massage Therapy Principles and Practice, 6th Edition, 2019
Texas Administrative Code, Massage Therapy, Chapter 117
Trail Guide to the Body, 6th Edition, 2019
Trail Guide to Movement, 2nd Edition, 2019
Tappan’s Handbook of Massage Therapy, Sixth Edition, 2015
Theory & Practice of Therapeutic Massage, Sixth Edition, 2016

FAQ

How does the Texas Massage Exam compare to the MBLEx?

	Texas State Exam	MBLEx
Total Number of Scored Items	100	100
Time Allowed for Scored Items	150 minutes	120 minutes
Passing Score	70%	Unknown – minimum competency level
Examination Fee	$60	$265
Languages Available	English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese	English
States that accept the exam	Unknown	Over 40 states accept the MBLEx
Includes Texas Jurisprudence Exam	Yes	No

Will Texas still accept the MBLEx?

Yes, Texas continues to accept the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) for licensure purposes. The MBLEx is widely recognized and accepted by many states across the United States, including Texas. Therefore, individuals who pass the MBLEx can use it as a pathway to licensure as a massage therapist in Texas, provided they meet all other requirements set forth by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

The Board website states that it does not accept the The current Board certification examination (the BCETMB exam) from the NCBTMB.

As for the older NCETMB from the NCBTMB, it is not mentioned on the Texas massage board website. If you took this exam and have an active license, we suggest you contact the Board office before applying.

What about Transferring/ Reciprocity?

Having options is great, but often State exams give you less options in the event you find yourself moving to another state in the terms of endorsement or license portability.

As for transferability, while Texas’ state exam is primarily designed to meet the licensure requirements within the state, its recognition and acceptance in other states may vary.

Some states may acknowledge Texas’ exam as equivalent to or exceeding their own licensing standards, while others may require additional assessments or prerequisites for out-of-state practitioners seeking licensure.

The MBLEx is accepted by 40+ states at this time. So if you plan to move, we strongly encourage you to take the MBLEx.

What if I fail my exam?

Failing an exam is tough. Part of what we do here is help those that have previously failed learn from this experience to strengthen their preparation. That way when they are ready, they can reapply with renewed confidence. Remember, many successful professionals have faced and overcome similar challenges.

The MBLEx requires 30 days between exam attempts. We are not aware of a required wait between attempts for the Texas Massage Exam. There is a mention of being about to test again within your eligibility period on the exam application. With this being a new exam, we will update this article as needed.

Where can I find practice questions and a study guide to prepare for my exam?

For years, we have offered our MBLEx program and State specific massage exam preps for two other states that still use their own licensing exams (Hawaii and New York). What we often see people struggle with on these exams is the laws and rules portions (which the MBLEx does not have).

Make sure you study the Texas laws and rules, or use an exam prep that includes Texas laws and regulation practice questions. As a reminder, those that take the Texas Massage Exam do not need take the required Texas Jurisprudence Exam for massage.

What is the application process and exam process?

Here is the Texas massage exam application that includes a comprehensive guide to the application and testing process, as well as guidelines for this exam.

English
Spanish
Mandarin – Simplified Chinese

When you are eligible to take the exam, you will receive an email notification from PSI, which is TDLR’s vendor for administering exams across the state. This email will include instructions on how to register and pay for your licensing exam.

Ready to practice?

Massage Exam Academy has helped thousands of massage therapists pass their massage licensing exam and we are ready to help you get licensed and begin your massage career in Texas too.

Whether you are anxious about your exam, previously failed your exam, or just ready to get this exam done so you can get licensed, we get it.

Here is a free mini Texas Massage Exam we made to help you jumpstart your exam prep.

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If you think we should offer a Texas Massage Exam prep program or just a Texas Laws and Rules prep, let us know below.

Decided to take the MBLEx instead? Here is our MBLEx study guide with practice questions.

Want to look ahead for information about Texas Massage CE requirements, including the human trafficking course requirement? Here are a few links we suggest:
Texas Massage CEU
Texas Human Trafficking Course for TDLR Professions

By Ivy Hultquist 96 Comments

Tips for Passing the 2024 MBLEx

*Updated 2/16/2024*

January 1st, 2024 is a new year with fresh beginnings and new goals.

If you are graduating from massage school, moving to a state that requires you to take a licensing exam, or jumping back into the massage profession after a hiatus – you might find yourself in the position of taking the 2024 MBLEx (Remember, the NCETMB is no longer an option).

If passing the 2024 MBLEx and getting licensed are part of your goals for the year, I want to help you get there. To do that, I think you need to know a little more about the newest changes to exam content, pass rates, and fee changes. Knowing about the MBLEx is almost as important as knowing what you may be tested on during the MBLEx. Don’t worry, we will talk about study guides, practice exams and where to find those at the end.

Why it is important to know about exam changes.

Massage Exam Academy opened its virtual doors in 2011 to help students pass the MBLEx. Since then, I have witnessed many changes to the MBLEx. Back in 2014, the FSMTB implemented a few changes to the MBLEx. The FSMTB annual report showed that pass rates dropped. Many test takers were not prepared for these changes. Massage schools were also not prepared to help students adjust to the new format and changes. It is hard to believe that years later, I still see students that are not provided with the updated information about the MBLEx.

Each October, the FSMTB puts out its annual report with pass rates and upcoming changes to the exam. Here are a few things from the 2022 and prior reports that will help you prepare for the 2024 MBLEx.

What is the current MBLEx pass rate?

Again, I think it is important to look at the history of the exam to get an idea about pass rates.

Pass rates from July 2019 through June 2020 are based on 22,148 MBLEx attempts according to the latest FSMTB report. Here is a breakdown of the numbers (which are nearly identical to the previous year’s report).

First-time test-taker pass rate was 73.4%
Repeat attempt pass rate was 40.0%
Overall pass rate was slightly lower at 67.0%

This means almost 33% of test-takers fail their MBLEx in that time frame. So why did I not update the numbers from 2020 and 2021? The report did not show how many tests were given, or completely breakdown the pass rates. Here is what it said under the section where the report talked about the impact COVID had on massage education and pass rates.

“By November 2020 the pass rate was beginning to drop, perhaps as a result of the classroom adjustments in learning methods and reduced or modified clinic hours due to COVID-19 precautions. December 2020 proved to be an anomaly with the pass rate dropping from a high of 72% down to 60% for first-time test takers. This one-month drop contributed to bringing the overall pass rate down to 69%. By June 2021 the pass rate was hovering back at 72%.”

When the 2022 MBLEx report is now out. The FSMTB did not release MBLEx pass rate numbers again. It said the there have been “ebbs and flows” in the pass rates for the 13,278 candidates that took their exam between July of 2021 and June of 2022. Only 59% of candidates passed their exam in November 2021. However, in May and June of 2022, pass rates were back at 73%.

For the 2023 report, the MBLEx is back up to over 17,000 testing attempts and a 72% first-time pass rate.

Now, let’s look at the recent changes to the MBLEx so you can prepare and PASS your exam.

Recent MBLEx Changes You Should Know About

Multiple Choice Format Change

The 2022 report states that test-takers began seeing multiple choice questions (or MCQs) with three possible choices instead of four. The report goes on to state that the number of 3 option questions may increase in the future 2024 MBLEx and beyond.

MBLEx Fee Increase

In April of 2019, the FSMTB announced one of its most controversial changes. For thirteen years, the fee to take the MBLEx remained unchanged at $195 per attempt. On April 1st, 2020 the NEW fee for the MBLEx was scheduled to change to $265 per attempt. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the FSMTB announced the fee would remain $195 until October 1st, 2020. If you are taking the MBLEx in 2024, the fee will be $265 per attempt.

Bonus: Learn exactly WHAT and HOW to study for your exam with my free MBLEx Starter Pack

COVID-19, Coronavirus, and Testing Centers

Wonder if testing has changed, or how the pandemic may affect your new career in massage therapy? I dedicated a whole other article to just those topics. You can read that here – Taking the MBLEx During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2018/2019 MBLEx Changes

In 2018, the FSMTB announced a change in content to the MBLEx exam. Below are the content changes that took place AFTER July 1st, 2018 and will remain for the time being.

Massage history is history.

The section entitled Overview of Massage/Bodywork Modalities, History and Culture will no longer be a separate section.

Overview of Massage/Bodywork Modalities will be reassigned as a subcategory under the section entitled Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue AND History and Culture subcategories will no longer be tested. That means you should not have to know who is credited with creating each modality in the year 1846 or who wrote the Book of Massage, but you should still know about the various types of bodywork modalities for the exam.

All subjects are not created equally.

The distribution of topics tested will be as follows:

Anatomy & Physiology changed from 12% to 11%.

Kinesiology changed from 11% to 12%.

Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Population changed from 13% to 14%.

Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue changed from 14% to 15%.

Client Assessment Reassessment & Treatment Planning remained unchanged at 17%.

Ethics, Boundaries, Laws and Regulations changed from 15% to 16%.

Guidelines for Professional Practice changed from 13% to 15%.

I have updated our study guide, practice tests, and simulations on Massage Exam Academy to prepare for this change.

2017 MBLEx Changes

There are a few other changes you should be aware of from 2017. I know this may seem outdated for some of you, but there are many people that are not aware of these changes.

New MBLEx educational requirement.

The first change the FSMTB has posted for 2017 did not concern content on the actual exam. Previously, the FSMTB did not have educational requirements for MBLEx applicants. The FSMTB website now states:

“Effective July 1, 2017, candidates seeking access to the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) will be required to substantiate enrollment in or having received their education from a massage therapy educational program that is approved or recognized by the state board or agency authorized to regulate massage therapy in the state in which the school is located. In the event the massage therapy board/agency does not approve or recognize education programs, approval or recognition from the relevant state department of education or like agency, in the state which the school is located, shall apply. In the event of a conflict between the state board/agency and department of education, the approval or recognition of the massage therapy board/agency shall prevail.”

No more recommended reading lists.

Next, the second change is that the FSMTB will no longer provide a recommended/reference reading list for the MBLEx content. This means the exam content can come from multiple texts and sources. Truthfully, I think it always did. The prior exam content was not explicitly bound to just the FSMTB’s recommended reading list.

Pass/Fail: Changes to the MBLEx passing score.

Lastly, there is one more change I want you to be aware of before your exam. I still get emails asking, “What is the MBLEx passing score?” There is no longer a numeric score given at the end of the exam, such as 630. The exam now is PASS/FAIL. The final score report will show pass/fail and how the candidate performed in each of the exam content areas (good, borderline, or poor). You can learn more about my thoughts on this here.

How can you prepare for the 2024 MBLEX?

Now that we are aware of all the recent changes, it is time to move forward with your MBLEx preparation.

Give yourself time to study and prepare.

This is not a high school anatomy exam. This is a professional licensing exam. Do not start studying a couple of days, or two weeks, before your scheduled date. Before you schedule your exam, come up with a strategy and study schedule.

Give yourself enough time to study each of the seven areas you will be tested on, and time for a general review right before the exam.

Review your texts.

Even though there is no longer a FSMTB recommended reading list, these texts will still be very helpful as you prepare. You will also use them as references in your massage practice. Dust them off if necessary, and get a feel for how much information you have retained and what you need to relearn.

Develop your critical and clinical thinking skills.

This seems to be one of the most frequent struggles I hear from people that failed the MBLEx. People that fail often do not prepare for questions that test clinical reasoning skills.

Massage therapists are health care professionals, so be prepared for the clinical reasoning-type questions every other healthcare professional is tested on during their boards.

You will probably not see a lot of questions like this: Which muscle or muscles adduct the arm?

Now, you are more likely to encounter some questions involving clinical assessment with a dash of kinesiology. Such as:

At the advice of her medical doctor, A 16-year-old girl comes in after experiencing an arm injury from a fall at horseback riding lessons a few weeks ago. A range of motion examination indicates that she cannot adduct her arm without pain. Which of the following muscle(s) is likely involved with this adduction pain and dysfunction?

A. Teres minor and Pectoralis minor
B. Teres major
C. Latissimus dorsi and Teres major
D. Infraspinatus and Deltoid

The correct answer is: C
Both Latissimus dorsi and Teres major adduct the arm.

Review multiple choice strategy.

In the above question, option B was also true. But, was it the most true? I have a separate article on helping you work through the multiple choice structure of the MBLEx.

Take practice quizzes and exam simulations.

Exam simulators are the best way to reduce exam anxiety (a very real and common problem. Exam simulations allow you to get a feel for the length and pace of the exam. While exam simulators do not offer the exact questions that are on the MBLEx, they remove doubt about how quickly you should be answering questions as you answer similar questions.

Practice quizzes are also a great way to target weak spots in your topical knowledge. If you’re scoring very well in Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology, but struggling in Client Assessment, it only makes sense to focus your efforts on that subject. Our “Plan to Pass” is designed to help you determine your weakest spots and improve comprehension and quiz scores in that area.

Start Preparing for the 2024 MBLEx

Make 2024 your year! If you would like to learn more about the Massage Exam Academy, which includes MBLEx simulations and practice quizzes, you can do that here. My hope and goal at Massage Exam Academy is that taking the 2024 MBLEx leads to positive life and career changes for you.

If you’re preparing to take the MBLEx exam, you may be wondering how to find an MBLEx tutor, or even questioning if you really need a tutor.

I have helped thousands of students pass the MBLEx, many of who thought they needed a tutor but really just needed some tips and direction on how to study for the MBLEx.

But some people really do need that one-on-one exam preparation help and today we are going to figure out if that is you. And if it is, I will provide you with some tips to find a tutor. I do not offer individual tutoring at this time.

And maybe we will find that you just need some direction for studying for the MBLEx, like more practice questions and MBLEx simulations, help with focusing on specific problems areas, and tips on how to put together a plan to pass your MBLEx. I do offer this service in a self-directed format on Massage Exam Academy.

Let’s find out what you need.

MBLEx

3 benefits of having an MBLEx tutor:

One-on-one attention:

When you work with a tutor, you will have their undivided attention. They can help you focus on your specific needs and tailor the sessions to your learning style.

Motivation:

It can be easy to get discouraged when studying for a difficult exam like the MBLEx. A tutor can provide much-needed motivation and support during this process.

Accountability:

Having someone to hold you accountable for your study goals can make a big difference in how successful you are. A tutor can help you stay on track and make the most of your study time.

3 cons of having an MBLEx tutor:

Cost:

One of the biggest drawbacks of hiring a tutor is the cost. Tutoring can be expensive, and it may not be feasible for everyone. Some charge $50 an hour for a tutoring session. This may not be practical for many one-on-one sessions.

Scheduling:

Another downside to tutoring is that it can be difficult to find a time that works for both you and your tutor. If you have a busy schedule, it may be tough to fit tutoring into your week.

Not Tackling the Right Issue

A tutor who does not find out why you are struggling will only be a waste of money. If you hire a tutor, hire one that will help you understand what you are studying and learn to think about how to solve problems.

If these are going to be an issue for you, you may need to look at self-directed MBLEx prep programs that are available 24/7 and can provide you with some direction on what you need to be studying.

Where to find an MBLEx tutor

There are a few different ways to go about finding a qualified tutor who can help you prepare for this important test.

Massage Schools

One way to find an MBLEx tutor is to contact massage schools in your area and ask if they have any recommendations. It may not be the school you attended or are attending, but it never hurts to call around and ask for recommendations.

Massage Instructors

Many instructors at massage schools are also MBLEx tutors on the side.

Former Students

There also may be some graduates of the school that have passed the MBLEx and offer tutoring services in addition to their jobs as massage therapists.

Group Sessions

Some massage schools offer group MBLEX prep courses when their students are preparing to graduate. You may ask the school if you can sit in on these classes to help you prepare.

Online MBLEx tutoring services

There are a few online MBLEx tutoring services that can help you prepare for the exam. Some offer individual tutoring and others offer a mix with some weekly question and answer sessions.

What to ask a potential tutor

Once you’ve found a few potential tutors, there are some important questions you should ask before making your decision.

First, ask about their qualifications. What experience do they have with the MBLEx? How long have they been tutoring?

Next, inquire about their teaching style. Some people learn best by listening to lectures while others prefer a more hands-on approach.

Finally, ask about their availability and how much they charge. You want to make sure you’re able to afford the tutoring and that it will fit into your schedule.

Don’t be afraid to interview several different tutors before making your decision. It’s important that you find someone who you’re comfortable with and who can help you achieve your study goals.

Do you need an MBLEx tutor or ESL services?

Some non-native English speakers struggle with taking the MBLEx due to the way the questions are worded, not because they do not understand the concepts. If English is not your first language, you may benefit from some ESL courses while you study for the MBLEx instead of an MBLEx tutor.

Do you have a learning disability?

Learning disabilities can make the MBLEx seem even more overwhelming. Make sure your tutor is aware of any learning disabilities you have so they can adjust their teaching methods to meet your needs. Are there any other learning services that could help you as you prepare for MBLEx?

Do you have exam anxiety?

If you suffer from exam or test anxiety, working with a tutor can help you learn some coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with this on test day.

However, replicating the pace and feel of the MBLEx through timed practice exams is what most of our Massage Exam Academy students say helped them pass their exams and quiet their anxiety.

Here is more information about taking the MBLEx and exam anxiety.

Do what is best for you and your massage career!

Taking the MBLEx is one of the last steps before you can start your new career as a massage therapist.

You want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible so you can pass the exam on this attempt – whether it is your first or fourth try.

Tutoring can be a great way to get the individualized attention and support you need to succeed on the MBLEx. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find a tutor that’s a good fit for you.

While working with an MBLEx tutor is one way to help you prepare for the MBLEx, it’s not the only way. There are many different prep programs and resources. Again, the program at Massage Exam Academy has helped thousands of people pass their MBLEx without the need for an individual tutor. You can start today for the same price as a one-hour tutoring session and use our 4000 practice questions and simulation exams, online flashcards and study guides any time of day that works for you and your schedule.

Find out more about how this program can help you pass the MBLEx on this attempt at Massage Exam Academy.