Key Takeaways
- Candidates must complete a massage therapy program of 500-1000 hours depending on state requirements
- All programs must be approved or accredited by the state board of massage therapy
- Registration is completed online at FSMTB.org with a $265 exam fee per attempt
- You must wait at least 30 days between retake attempts if you fail
- There is no limit on the number of retake attempts, but some states impose their own limits
- A valid government-issued photo ID is required on exam day
- Candidates can apply for special testing accommodations with proper documentation
- The Authorization to Test (ATT) must be used within 90 days of issuance
Last updated: February 2026
Eligibility & Registration
Before taking the MBLEx, you must meet eligibility requirements and complete the registration process. Requirements vary slightly by state, so always check with your state's massage therapy board.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Complete a massage therapy program of 500-1000 hours (varies by state) |
| Program Approval | Program must be state-approved or accredited (COMTA, ABHES, or state board) |
| Age | Must be 18+ in most states (some allow 16-17 with restrictions) |
| Background Check | Criminal background check required in many states |
| CPR Certification | Current CPR/First Aid certification required in some states |
Education Hour Requirements by State
Education requirements vary significantly across states:
- 500 hours minimum: Several states including Vermont, Wyoming
- 600 hours: States including California, Colorado, Florida, Texas
- 700 hours: States including Maryland, Oregon
- 750 hours: States including New York, Pennsylvania
- 1,000 hours: States including Nebraska, New York (certain pathways)
Important: The FSMTB does not set the education hour requirement — your state massage therapy board determines the minimum hours for licensure. Check with your specific state board for exact requirements.
Registration Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Verify State Requirements
- Contact your state massage therapy board
- Confirm minimum education hours and any additional requirements
- Some states require additional state-specific exams
Step 2: Create an FSMTB Account
- Visit FSMTB.org and create an account
- Complete the application with personal information
- Select your state of intended licensure
Step 3: School Verification
- Your massage therapy school must verify your program completion
- The school submits verification directly to FSMTB
- This step must be completed before you receive your ATT
Step 4: Pay the Exam Fee
- The fee is $265 per attempt
- Payment is made online via credit/debit card
- The fee is non-refundable
Step 5: Receive Your ATT
- Once school verification and payment are complete, your ATT is issued
- Valid for 90 days — schedule your exam within this window
- If the ATT expires, you must reapply and pay the fee again
Step 6: Schedule Through Pearson VUE
- Visit pearsonvue.com/fsmtb or call Pearson VUE
- Choose a Pearson VUE test center location
- Select your preferred date and time
- In-person testing only — no online proctored option
Re-Examination Policy
If you do not pass the MBLEx:
- You must wait 30 days between each attempt
- You must pay the $265 fee for each retake
- FSMTB does not limit the number of retake attempts
- Some states impose their own retake limits (check with your state board)
- After multiple failures, some states may require additional education hours
Special Testing Accommodations
If you have a documented disability, you may request testing accommodations through FSMTB:
| Accommodation Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Extended time | Additional time beyond the standard 2 hours |
| Separate testing room | Private room to reduce distractions |
| Screen magnification | Enlarged text on the computer screen |
| Reader assistance | Exam questions read aloud |
| Adjustable workstation | Wheelchair accessible, ergonomic adjustments |
- Submit accommodation requests before scheduling your exam
- Provide documentation from a qualified professional (doctor, psychologist)
- Allow extra processing time for accommodation requests
- Accommodations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Career Paths After MBLEx
Passing the MBLEx opens the door to diverse career opportunities:
| Career Path | Setting | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Private practice | Own office or home studio | $40,000-$80,000+ (varies by clientele) |
| Spa/Resort | Day spas, destination resorts | $35,000-$55,000 (plus tips) |
| Chiropractic office | Integrated healthcare | $35,000-$50,000 |
| Sports massage | Teams, athletic facilities | $40,000-$65,000 |
| Hospital/Hospice | Medical settings | $40,000-$55,000 |
| Corporate/On-site | Office buildings | $35,000-$50,000 |
| Mobile/Outcall | Client homes/locations | $40,000-$70,000 (variable) |
What to Bring on Exam Day
| Required | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary ID | Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID) |
| Name Match | Name on ID must exactly match your FSMTB account name |
| Confirmation | Appointment confirmation (for reference) |
NOT Allowed:
- Cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
- Notes, textbooks, or study materials
- Food or drinks (stored in a locker)
- Personal items in the testing room
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Test Your Knowledge
How long must you wait between MBLEx retake attempts?
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What is the cost of the MBLEx exam per attempt?
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How long is the Authorization to Test (ATT) valid for the MBLEx?
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Test Your KnowledgeOrdering
Put the MBLEx registration steps in the correct order from first to last.
Arrange the items in the correct order
1
Pay the $265 exam fee
2
Complete a state-approved massage therapy program
3
Schedule exam through Pearson VUE
4
School verifies program completion to FSMTB
5
Create an account at FSMTB.org
6
Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)