Free MBLEx Practice Test with Study Guide [2024 UPDATED]

Last Updated on June 20, 2024

Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) Free MBLEx Practice Test with Study Guide [2024 UPDATED]. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) actual test Quiz helps you improve your test prep. You can download the free printable MBLEx Study Guide PDF and participate in the MBLEx Practice Test.

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) administered the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Candidates need to know the eligibility requirements, application procedures and fees, examination schedules, content, and scoring.

MBLEx Practice Test 2024

In the United States, there are currently three massage therapy examinations (MTEs) that can be taken, and one of the popular ones is the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

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MBLEx Exam Practice Test

Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
MBLEx Exam Practice Test #1
Total Items: 30
Free Test NO Registration is Required

1 / 30

Which of the following is a common contraindication for massage therapy?

2 / 30

Which muscle is responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot?

3 / 30

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

4 / 30

Which of the following conditions is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine?

5 / 30

What is the main purpose of using lubricant during a massage session?

6 / 30

Which of the following is a benefit of Swedish massage?

7 / 30

Which term refers to the end of a muscle that is attached to the stationary bone?

8 / 30

What is the role of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in muscle contraction?

9 / 30

Which massage technique involves lifting, squeezing, and releasing the muscles?

10 / 30

Which of the following describes the physiological effect of massage on the parasympathetic nervous system?

11 / 30

What is the anatomical term for the lower jawbone?

12 / 30

Which muscle is located in the posterior compartment of the thigh and is responsible for extending the hip and flexing the knee?

13 / 30

What is the term for inflammation of the tendons?

14 / 30

What is the main purpose of the Code of Ethics for massage therapists?

15 / 30

Which layer of the skin contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands?

16 / 30

Which of the following is a common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome?

17 / 30

What is the primary function of the gastrocnemius muscle?

18 / 30

In kinesiology, what term describes the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body?

19 / 30

What type of massage technique involves rhythmic, tapping motions to invigorate the body?

20 / 30

Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism and is produced by the thyroid gland?

21 / 30

Which of the following describes the ethical principle of "beneficence"?

22 / 30

What is the primary effect of deep tissue massage?

23 / 30

Which of the following structures is part of the axial skeleton?

24 / 30

What is the primary role of the lymphatic system in the body?

25 / 30

Which of the following techniques is used to release muscle spasms by applying sustained pressure to a trigger point?

26 / 30

What is the significance of the term "contraindication" in massage therapy?

27 / 30

In massage therapy, what is the primary purpose of effleurage?

28 / 30

Which of the following best describes the condition of fibromyalgia?

29 / 30

What type of joint is found in the shoulder, allowing for a wide range of motion?

30 / 30

Which of the following is the primary muscle involved in the flexion of the elbow?

Your score is

The MBLEx is used by state licensing boards as part of their licensing requirements. The FSMTB provides the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), which is only one component of licensure requirements. It is the candidate’s responsibility to meet state licensure requirements. Contact information for state licensing boards is available on fsmtb.org.

Practice Test Question Answer

Participate in our free MBLEx Practice Test; no registration is required. The test is designed to help you prepare for the MBLEx Exam. More than 500 questions and answers are given as a Quiz. Each of the following practice tests consists of 50 multiple-type choice questions.

Exam Outline

MBLEx Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Test Type Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)
Total Question 100 questions
Type of Question Multiple-Choice
Total Test Duration 2 hours
Re-take limit NO limitation (wait 30 days from your last exam date )
Result Score status Results are reported as PASS or FAIL
Exam Language English and Spanish
MBLEx application validity valid for six (6) months
Answering Rules Candidates who DO NOT COMPLETE ALL 100 ITEMS will fail the exam
Fee Payment Modes  credit card, certified check, or money order,

We strongly recommend that you get the MBLEx Exam Candidate Handbook for information. Candidate Handbooks can be downloaded FREE in PDF format. The FSMTB offers the MBLEx in English and Spanish. You will be able to choose your examination language on the MBLEx application.

Examination questions are designed to allow candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of facts and the use of judgment. There are no trick or ambiguous questions. The MBLEx comprises 100 questions and is a fixed-length computer adaptive test (CAT). Each question must be answered in the order presented and must be completed within the allotted time, or it will result in a failed exam.

When you answer a question correctly, the next question has a slightly higher difficulty level. The difficulty level of the questions presented to the candidate increases until a question is answered incorrectly. Then, a slightly easier question is presented. In this way, the exam is customized to your ability level.

The MBLEx is a computer-based test that requires candidates to complete a 100-item multiple-choice examination. An MBLEx candidate’s exam appointment is scheduled for two (2) hours. Of this time, a maximum of five (5) minutes is allotted to the security and
a confidentiality agreement and five (5) minutes for a brief survey.

MBLEx Exam 2020

Candidates who DO NOT COMPLETE ALL 100 ITEMS will fail the exam.

You may reapply if you are unsuccessful in your exam attempt or missed your appointment for any reason. You must wait 30 days from your last exam date to test again. If approved, your 90-day authorization will not begin until 30 days have elapsed. The FSMTB does not limit the number of times a candidate may take the MBLEx; however, a state may impose a limit.

MBLEx Test 2024

∎  Each question must be answered in the order presented
∎ If a question is answered correctly, the next question will be slightly more difficult
∎ If a question is answered incorrectly, the next question will be slightly less difficult
∎ Each candidate must answer enough difficult questions to achieve a score that is at or above the passing standard
∎  Scores will no longer be given, only PASS or FAIL

Exam Content & Question Percentages

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

PDF Download MBLEx Content Outline (English)

Applying to take the MBLEx

∎  www.fsmtb.org
∎  Online application form and $195 application fee
∎  A school transcript is not a requirement to take the MBLEx
∎  Within 5 business days, you will receive your Authorization To Test (ATT)

Authorization To Test (ATT)

∎  Sent by email within 5 business days of submitting your application
∎  You must take the test within 90 days
∎  Confirmation of test date will be emailed to you

Retaking the MBLEx

∎ To retake the MBLEx, you must reapply, including paying $195 fee
∎  You must wait 30 days before retaking your MBLEx

Scope of the MBLEx

∎  There are no trick or ambiguous questions
∎  There may be a small number of questions outside the training of every individual.
∎  This will vary from person to person depending on one’s training.
∎  The number of these questions, however, is not enough to pose a barrier to passing the MBLEx.
∎  Qualified candidates who are adequately prepared should pass the examination.

MBLEx Exam Result

Examination results are reported as PASS or FAIL to indicate a candidate has demonstrated the knowledge required to meet entry-level standards of competence as defined by the profession.

MBLEx results are valid for supporting an application for licensure to practice massage/bodywork in a regulated jurisdiction. Passing the MBLEx does not result in a certification or credential of any kind.

Determining the Passing Score for the MBLEx

∎ The Modified Angoff Method is used to determine a passing score.
∎  It’s a statistical procedure for establishing the minimum pass level using the judgment of experts.
∎ 100 experts give their opinion on exam questions stating “How likely would a minimally competent practitioner answer this question
correctly”? Each question is rated.
∎ These ratings are averaged across all items and across all experts to determine the passing score

How do I get a License?

As said earlier the MBLEx is used by state licensing boards as part of their licensing requirements. Please note that the license to legally practice is issued by state licensing boards, not FSMTB.

Even though you may receive a passing result on the MBLEx, this does NOT mean that you are licensed. You may not represent or advertise that you are licensed until you receive official notification of licensure from the state licensing board in the state in which you wish to practice.

MBLEx Exam Study Guide

The FSMTB encourages MBLEx candidates to utilize supporting materials from their core education (e.g., textbooks, class notes) to prepare for the MBLEx. In addition, we provide several study resources to facilitate exam preparation.

These resources include the MBLEx Study Guide, MBLEx Check: Online Readiness Assessment, and several informational videos created to prepare MBLEx candidates for the examination experience.

Available videos include:

  • What to Expect During Your Exam
  • Understanding Exam Security
  • Identification Requirements
  • Computer Adaptive Testing

The MBLEx Study Guide is the only preparatory material created by the experts who developed the exam. It provides MBLEx study tips, breaks down each of the exam’s content areas, and includes a 100-question practice test.

The MBLEx Check is an online practice exam designed to replicate the MBLEx test experience. It is a great way to determine whether you are prepared for the MBLEx and which content areas you might need to focus on before testing.

Photo Credit and Reference: www.fsmtb.org

Note: You are advised to periodically check the official website (www.fsmtb.org) for any changes in FSMTB policies, requirements, or forms.

For questions regarding the FSMTB Examination Center, please contact the
MBLEx Service Support Center at mblex@fsmtb.org.

The Federation of State Massage
Therapy Boards
10801 Mastin Boulevard, Suite 350, Overland Park, Kansas 66210
MBLEx Office: 1.866.962.3926 | mblex@fsmtb.org
FSMTB Executive Office: 913.681.0380 | info@fsmtb.org

Verify with your city or county prior to making an appointment with a massage therapist. 

Regulated Jurisdictions