January 1st, 2026 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 2026 MBLEx (Remember, the NCETMB is no longer an option).

If passing the 2026 MBLEx and getting licensed are part of your goals for the year, I want to help you get there. To do that, you should know the latest info on exam content, pass rates, and fees. Knowing about the MBLEx is almost as important as knowing what you may be tested on. Don’t worry—we’ll also talk about study guides, practice exams, and where to find those at the end.

Why it’s important to know about exam changes

Massage Exam Academy opened its virtual doors in 2011 to help students pass the MBLEx. Since then, the exam has evolved—and sometimes those updates catch people off guard. Each fall, the FSMTB releases its annual report with pass rates and any exam updates. For 2026, we’re using the most recent report: FSMTB Annual Report 2025 (PDF).

What is the current MBLEx pass rate?

Pass rates from July 2024 through June 2025 are based on 17,160 MBLEx candidates tested. The first-time pass rate was 70.4% according to the latest FSMTB Annual Report.

• First-time test-taker pass rate: 70.4%

This is very close to last year’s figure, showing stable performance overall. The FSMTB hasn’t recently published second-attempt pass rates.

Recent MBLEx changes you should know about

Multiple-choice format

You may see 3-option multiple-choice questions (instead of four). This format has been rolling out for a while and continues for the 2026 MBLEx. Expect a mix of 3- and 4-option items.

MBLEx fee

The fee remains $265 per attempt (first implemented in 2020).

Massage history is history

The former section “Overview of Massage/Bodywork Modalities, History and Culture” is no longer a separate section. Historical and culture subcategories are not tested. The “Overview of Modalities” content was reassigned under Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue. You still need to know modalities—just not who invented which technique in 1846.

All subjects are not created equally

Current content distribution (percent of exam):

• Anatomy & Physiology – 11%
• Kinesiology – 12%
• Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations – 14%
• Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques – 15%
• Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning – 17%
• Ethics, Boundaries, Laws & Regulations – 16%
• Guidelines for Professional Practice – 15%

2017 MBLEx changes (still relevant)

These aren’t new, but many test-takers still ask about them:

New MBLEx educational requirement

Effective July 1, 2017, candidates must verify enrollment in, or completion of, a state-approved massage therapy program. See the FSMTB website for details.

No more recommended reading lists

The FSMTB no longer publishes an official recommended reading list. Exam content can come from multiple recognized texts and sources (which was basically true before, too).

Pass/Fail scoring

The MBLEx uses PASS/FAIL scoring—no numeric scores (like 630) are reported. Your score report shows overall result and performance by content area (good, borderline, poor). More on that here.

How can you prepare for the 2026 MBLEx?

Give yourself time to study and prepare

This is a professional licensing exam. Build a study plan before you schedule your date. Leave time for each of the seven content areas and a final review.

Review your texts

Even without an official reading list, your school textbooks are essential references you’ll use in practice. Dust them off and assess what you need to revisit.

Develop your clinical reasoning

Expect applied, case-style questions. Example:

A 16-year-old client reports shoulder pain after a fall three weeks ago. She has pain with shoulder adduction. Which muscle group is most likely involved?

1. Teres minor and Pectoralis minor
2. Teres major
3. Latissimus dorsi and Teres major
4. Infraspinatus and Deltoid

Correct answer: C — Both Latissimus dorsi and Teres major adduct the arm.

Review multiple-choice strategy

Two answers might be partly true—but one is most correct. Work through the structure with my tips: Multiple-choice strategy for the MBLEx.

Take practice quizzes and exam simulations

Simulators help with pacing and reduce exam anxiety. Practice quizzes target weak areas. Our “Plan to Pass” helps you find and fix the topics that hold you back.

Start preparing for the 2026 MBLEx

Make 2026 your year! If you’d like to learn more about Massage Exam Academy—MBLEx simulations, practice quizzes, and more—you can do that here. My hope is that taking the 2026 MBLEx leads to positive life and career changes for you.

Source: FSMTB Annual Report 2025 (PDF)

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.

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.

Other questions you need to ask yourself while preparing for the MBLEx

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.

Making flashcards is a great way to study for the MBLEx. Not only do they help you learn and remember key concepts, but they are also portable and can be used anywhere! In this blog post, we will provide tips for making effective MBLEx flashcards as well as some resources that you can use to get started. Let’s get started!

Why make your own flashcards?

First of all, along with our 4000 MBLEx practice questions, online study guide, we have 200+ online muscle flashcards on www.massageexamacademy.com. These flashcards include nearly every muscle origin, insertion, and action with detailed photos. However, I still think there is a tremendous value in making your own flashcards.

Here is why.

They are uniquely you.

One of the benefits of making your own flashcards is that you can tailor them to your specific needs. If you find that you are struggling with a particular topic, you can make a set of flashcards that focus on that topic. You can also add your own personal notes and examples to the cards, which can be helpful when you are trying to remember a concept.

Another benefit of making your own flashcards is that it can save you time and money. If you are purchasing a set of pre-made flashcards, you may not be getting exactly what you need. By making your own cards, you can ensure that they are relevant to the material you are studying.

For instance, if you are really struggling with massage ethics terms, you could just make flashcards with ethics terms and short definitions.

It is active learning

When you are making your own flashcards, you are not only creating a study tool, but you are also actively engaged in the learning process. The act of writing down the information can help to solidify the concepts in your mind. Additionally, by adding your own personal notes and examples, you are more likely to remember the information when you need it. You do not get this when you buy premade flashcards.

Making your own online flashcards has some benefits too. You are still typing them out so it is active learning. You can also share them with other massage students if you make them on a site like Quizlet. And, they are easy to access from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Next, let’s cover tips for making and using your MBLEx flashcards.

4 tips for making MBLEx flashcards

Now that we’ve talked about some of the benefits of making your own flashcards, let’s talk about how to make them. Here are three tips to get you started:

Start with a specific goal in mind.

What do you want to learn? What information do you need to remember? By starting with a specific goal, you can ensure that your flashcards are relevant and helpful.

Keep it simple.

When you are making your own flashcards, less is more. You want to include only the essential information on the card. Too much information can be overwhelming and difficult to remember.

Be creative.

Flashcards don’t have to be boring! If you are struggling to stay motivated, try adding some images or colors to the cards. You can also use different shaped cards or index cards to make the process more fun.

Use drawings.

I am a big fan of adding drawings to my flashcards, especially for anatomy. Not only does it make the process more fun, but it can also help you remember the information. When you are drawing the concept, you are again actively engaged in the learning process.

4 tips for using MBLEx flashcards

Now that you know how to make flashcards, let’s talk about how to use them. Here are three tips to help you get the most out of your flashcards:

Test yourself.

A great way to study with flashcards is to test yourself on a regular basis. You can do this by setting a timer and seeing how many cards you can get through in a certain amount of time. This will help to keep you focused and on track.

Say it out loud.

When you are studying with flashcards, it is important to say the information out loud. This will help to solidify the concepts in your mind and make it more likely that you will remember the information when you need it.

Say it: Bilateral: Affecting both sides. Example: The client reported bilateral low back pain.

Mix it up.

If you are finding that you are getting bored with your flashcards, try mixing things up. You can shuffle the order of the cards or group them together in different ways. Additionally, you can try using different methods to test yourself, such as writing the information on the card instead of saying it out loud.

Make it a game.

Flashcards can be a fun and interactive way to learn. Try turning them into a game by challenging yourself or a classmate who is studying for the MBLEx to see who can answer the most questions in a certain amount of time. You can also keep track of your progress and see how much you have improved over time.

Ready to get started?

By following these tips, you can make sure that your flashcards are effective and helpful for your MBLEx preparation. Remember, the key is to find a method that works for you. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a system that works for you.

What are some of your tips for making flashcards? Share them in the comments below!

If you are looking for more study tools to pass your MBLEx exam, like practice questions and exams, you can learn more about my program here: Massage Exam Academy.

Many people taking the MBLEx are moving and unsure where they’ll be in the next one to six months. Because of this, one of the most common questions or blog comments is, “Where can I take the MBLEx?”

Or you may have similar testing questions:

• I am moving to Texas, Florida, or insert your State here, do I have to take my exam there?
• Can I take the exam before I move, or do I need to wait?
• Do I need to take the test in the same state I am applying for a license?

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