Key Takeaways
- The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required for licensure in 46+ states
- The exam has 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored pretest items for a total of 110 questions
- You have 2 hours to complete the exam at a Pearson VUE test center (in-person only)
- The passing score is 630 on a scaled score range of 300-900
- The exam fee is $265 per attempt, paid directly to FSMTB
- First-time pass rate is approximately 65-70% depending on the program
- All questions are multiple-choice with four answer options
- Results are available within 1-2 business days after testing
MBLEx Exam Overview
The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is the primary standardized licensing exam for massage therapists in the United States. Developed and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), the MBLEx is required for licensure or certification in 46+ states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Exam Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Administering Body | Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) |
| Format | Linear (fixed-form), multiple-choice |
| Number of Questions | 100 scored + 10 pretest (unscored) = 110 total |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 630 (scaled score range: 300-900) |
| Exam Fee | $265 per attempt |
| Testing Vendor | Pearson VUE (in-person only) |
| Question Types | Multiple-choice with 4 options |
| First-Time Pass Rate | ~65-70% |
| Results | Available within 1-2 business days |
How the MBLEx Works
Unlike computer-adaptive exams, the MBLEx uses a linear (fixed-form) format:
- All candidates receive the same number of questions (110 total)
- 10 pretest items are mixed in throughout the exam and do NOT count toward your score
- You cannot identify which questions are scored and which are pretest
- You can review and change answers before submitting the exam
- Questions are presented in a random order across all content areas
Scoring
The MBLEx uses a scaled scoring system:
- Scores range from 300 to 900
- The passing score is 630
- If you fail, your score report provides performance feedback by content area
- Content area feedback uses categories: Above Standard, At Standard, and Below Standard
- The scaled score accounts for difficulty differences between exam forms, ensuring fairness
What Makes the MBLEx Different from Other Exams
- In-person only — no online proctored option is available
- Fixed-length — everyone gets exactly 110 questions
- Review allowed — you can flag questions and go back to them before submitting
- No negative scoring — there is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question
Content Area Breakdown (2026)
The MBLEx tests seven content areas with the following approximate weights:
| Content Area | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology | 11% | ~11 questions |
| Kinesiology | 12% | ~12 questions |
| Pathology & Contraindications | 13% | ~13 questions |
| Benefits, Effects & Treatment Planning | 14% | ~14 questions |
| Ethics, Boundaries & Laws | 15% | ~15 questions |
| Client Assessment & Treatment | 17% | ~17 questions |
| Professional Practice | 18% | ~18 questions |
Study tip: Professional Practice (18%) and Client Assessment & Treatment (17%) together account for 35% of the exam — more than a third of all questions. Make sure to allocate your study time proportionally.
Study Strategies for the MBLEx
- Study content proportionally — spend more time on heavily weighted areas
- Take practice exams — simulate the 2-hour, 110-question format
- Focus on application — the MBLEx tests how you apply knowledge, not just recall
- Know your anatomy — muscle origins, insertions, and actions appear throughout multiple content areas
- Understand contraindications — distinguishing absolute from local contraindications is frequently tested
- Master SOAP notes — documentation questions appear in multiple content areas
- Review ethics scenarios — boundary and ethical dilemma questions require careful reading
- Use the review feature — flag uncertain questions and return to them before submitting
How many total questions appear on the MBLEx?
What is the passing score on the MBLEx?
Which organization administers the MBLEx?
Which of the following is TRUE about the MBLEx format?
The MBLEx is required for massage therapy licensure in ___ or more U.S. states.
Type your answer below
Which content area carries the HIGHEST weight on the MBLEx?
What is the scaled score range on the MBLEx?
Which of the following are TRUE about the MBLEx format? (Select all that apply)
Select all that apply