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
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