Which licensing exam should I take?
As of 11/1/2014, the NCBTMB no longer administers an entry-level licensing exam. This means the MBLEx is the only licensing exam available in most states. The NCBTMB’s current exam, the BCETM, is not an entry-level licensing exam.
I’ve been out of massage school for so long! Is it possible for me to pass?
You are eligible to take the MBLEx before you finish massage training, or years later.
If you have been out of school for a while, it is easy to be intimidated by the thought of “relearning” everything from massage school. I address this really common concern in detail, here.
It may take you a couple of months to prepare, but do not let this keep you from a career in massage.
I already failed once. What can I do to pass this time?
Check out this post to learn about the things we can do to make sure you pass your exam on this attempt.
Our “Plan to Pass” is helpful for all students, but especially for those that need to work on specific areas of the exam where they struggled. Raising scores in those weaker areas has helped many members that previously failed finally see a passing score on their exam report.
Are these practice questions from the MBLEx?
The FSMTB does not release any of the questions from the MBLEx, and at the time of your exam, you must agree not to share the questions with anyone. Therefore, no exam prep service or study guide has the exact questions from the MBLEx.
The practice questions on Massage Exam Academy are written using materials on the former MBLEx Reference List released by FSMTB, and other massage therapy resources.
Is this study material up to date for the current MBLEx?
Yes. As changes are released for the MBLEx, I make necessary updates to the study guide, practice quizzes and exam simulator. Our exam simulator also allows members to flag questions they believe need to be edited or clarified. This peer review feature also improves the quality of our questions.
The MBLEx format changed slightly on 7/1/2014 and again in 2018, reducing the number of questions and the exam time limit, and also changing the category percentage breakdown. The Massage Exam Academy Exam Simulator and Study Guide are immediately updated to reflect these changes when they are released. The course material is kept current as changes are announced.
Will I be able to use my mobile phone or tablet with this site?
Yes. Massage Exam Academy is mobile responsive, enabling you to effectively use the practice quizzes and exam simulator on your mobile device.
Is this service/product appropriate for the MBLEx given in my state?
The MBLEx exam process is the same in every state. All questions are pulled from one large database of questions. No two exams are exactly alike. And, the MBLEx uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). Read more here for more information about CAT exams.
Do you have a sample available?
Yes, you can take a 10 question quiz to see how the program works. A sign up for our “MBLEx Starter Pack” can be found on this page. It explores more features of the program and website.
Are you associated with the FSTMB or MBLEx?
Not at all. I just enjoy helping massage students and professionals as they prepare for their licensing exams.
Massage Exam Academy is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FSMTB. All other trademarks on this website are the property of their respective owners.
I’ve never taken an online class before/ I’m not “tech-savvy.” Can I do this?
You do not need a great deal of computer knowledge to use this service. It is a very simple program. A sample quiz link is available in an earlier question.
The study guides are displayed as web pages, so you would view them just like an online article or blog post.
The Category Quizzes and Exam Simulator are very easy to use.
You will need an internet connection to use this service.
If you have any questions about how this works, or need a little help getting set up, just give me a call at (877) 515-9971. I’d be happy to assist you.
I passed the NCETM or NCETMB, do I still need to take the MBLEx?
It is highly unlikely you need to take the MBLEx after passing the NCETMB or NCETM.
I have talked to many concerned massage therapists who have let their NCBTMB certification expire and are in a situation (moving or jumping back into the massage profession) where they need to show a state massage board proof of passing a board-approved exam.
State boards are not looking for a current NCBTMB certification; they are looking for proof that you passed a board-approved exam.
If you previously passed the NCETM or NCETMB, contact the NCBTMB and have them forward your old exam scores to the state where you are obtaining a license. They will require you to fill out a form and pay a small fee (approximately $30) to forward your scores to the state board where you are seeking a license.
I don’t see my question here.
I’d be happy to answer any questions you may still have about massage exams or state licensing.
Send me an email at ivy@massageexamacademy.com or give me a call/text at (319) 560-4143.