January 1st, 2027 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 2027 MBLEx (Remember, the NCETMB is no longer an option).
If passing the 2027 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.
The 2027 MBLEx at a Glance
Just need the quick facts before you dive in? Here is what you can expect when you sit for the exam:
- Exam Length: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Time Limit: 110 minutes of actual testing time (inside a 2-hour testing appointment)
- Exam Format: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)—questions adjust to your skill level, and you cannot skip questions or go back
- Exam Fee: $265 per attempt
- Retake Waiting Period: 30 days between attempts
- Latest First-Time Pass Rate: 72.2% (July 2025 – June 2026)
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 2027, we’re using the most recent report: FSMTB Annual Report 2026.
What is the current MBLEx pass rate?
Pass rates from July 2025 through June 2026 are based on 16,748 MBLEx candidates tested. The first-time pass rate was 72.2% according to the latest FSMTB Annual Report.
- First-time test-taker pass rate: 72.2%
This is a slight bump up from last year’s 70.4% pass rate, showing steady 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 2027 MBLEx. Expect a mix of 3- and 4-option items.
MBLEx fee
The fee remains $265 per attempt (first implemented in 2020).
Bonus: Learn exactly WHAT and HOW to study for your exam with my free MBLEx Starter Pack
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%
Foundational MBLEx rules (still relevant in 2027)
These aren’t new, but many test-takers still ask about them:
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 your overall result and, if you don’t pass, your performance by content area (good, borderline, poor). You can read more about how MBLEx pass/fail scoring works.
How can you prepare for the 2027 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?
- Teres minor and Pectoralis minor
- Teres major
- Latissimus dorsi and Teres major
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 MBLEx
How many questions are on the MBLEx, and how long do I have?
The MBLEx has 100 multiple-choice questions. Your Pearson VUE appointment is scheduled for two hours (120 minutes), which includes 5 minutes for the security agreement and 5 minutes for a brief survey at the end—giving you 110 minutes of actual testing time. Keep an eye on the clock: you must finish all 100 questions before time runs out, or it counts as an automatic fail and you won’t get a diagnostic report. Also, because it’s a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), you cannot skip questions or go back to change an answer once you submit it.
How many times can I take the MBLEx if I fail?
The FSMTB does not put a limit on how many times you can take the exam, though you do have to wait 30 days between attempts and pay the $265 fee each time. That said, a few individual states (like Ohio) do limit how many times you can test before requiring additional schooling, so it’s always smart to double-check with your state massage board if you’ve already tested a few times.
Can I get testing accommodations for ADHD, dyslexia, or testing anxiety?
Yes! If you have a documented learning disability, ADHD, or another qualifying condition, you can apply for ADA testing accommodations through the FSMTB (things like extra testing time, a separate room, or a reader). In fact, the FSMTB provided accommodations to 573 candidates last year alone. Just make sure you submit your documentation before you schedule your exam date—you can find the details in the FSMTB Candidate Handbook.
Does my massage school education expire if I waited years to take the MBLEx?
I hear from students all the time who graduated 5, 10, or even 20+ years ago and are ready to get licensed now. The FSMTB does not put an expiration date on your massage school graduation—as long as your school was state-approved and you can verify your transcripts, you can apply to test. However, always check with your state board first, just in case your state has increased its required training hours since you graduated.
Is the MBLEx offered in Spanish?
Yes, the MBLEx is available in both English and Spanish. You simply select your preferred language when you submit your application to the FSMTB.
Start preparing for the 2027 MBLEx
Make 2027 your year! If you’d like to learn more about Massage Exam Academy—you can explore our MBLEx exam simulations, practice quizzes, and study guides here. My hope is that taking the 2027 MBLEx leads to positive life and career changes for you.
Source: FSMTB Annual Report 2026
