The MBLEx exam isn’t as easy as getting a massage, that’s for sure. As an aspiring massage therapist, you’re no doubt familiar with the MBLEx exam. It may strike fear in you.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to. With a little information about it and preparation, you can pass the exam with flying colors. Learn all about this career-defining test by reading on.

The Dreaded MBLEx Exam

This exam can be the scourge of every aspiring massage therapist’s existence. It’s not that bad though. What is the MBLEx exam?

This is the standardized examination that tests your knowledge of massage therapy. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards gives the exam. It’s required for licensing in 49 states.

You need to pass it to have legal employment. That’s one of the best reasons to take the MBLEx exam.

It has 100 multiple-choice questions. You have two hours to answer all questions. You can complete the exam on a computer at a testing center.

17% of the exam tests your knowledge of Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning. 16% goes into Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations. 15% touches on Guidelines for Professional Practice.

15% of the exam covers the Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques That Manipulate Soft Tissue. A full 14% tests you on Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations. 12% is about Kinesiology and 11% is about Anatomy and Physiology.

Exam Specifics

Let’s break down each section of the exam. We’ll start with the biggest part: Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning.

This section delves into palpation assessment, client consultation and evaluation, and written data collection. It also covers clinical reasoning, client health history, verbal intake, and goal-setting for client treatment.

Next, we have the Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations section. This part of the exam tests a wide range of topics, including ethical principles, confidentiality, sexual misconduct, and professional boundaries. It also goes into the regulations and laws governing massage therapy, dual relationships, and professional communication.

Guidelines for Professional Practice touches on sanitation and cleanliness, hygiene, draping techniques, and protective equipment. Self-care, body mechanics, and injury prevention are also covered here.

The Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques That Manipulate Soft Tissue section covers the application of cold and heat, the benefits of touch, and sequences of application.

The Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations section is exactly what it sounds like. The Kinesiology section goes into ranges of motion and muscle components, while the Anatomy and Physiology section focuses on concepts in this category.

Dive headfirst into MBLEx prep.

Exam Prep

How does the MBLEx exam work?

Once you understand how it works and what’s on it, it becomes significantly less intimidating. Proper, diligent preparation can go a long way toward launching your career as a massage therapist.

If you haven’t started studying already, hit the books. While you’re at it, get more career advice from our site’s Education section.