MBLEx Exam Flashcards

Q: How many questions are on the MBLEx and how much time do I get?

The MBLEx has 100 scored multiple-choice questions with 110 minutes of exam time inside a 120-minute appointment.

Q: How much does the MBLEx cost in 2026?

FSMTB currently lists the MBLEx application fee as $265 per attempt.

Q: Can I take the MBLEx online at home?

No. FSMTB states the MBLEx is not available online and is administered at Pearson VUE professional centers.

Q: How long is an MBLEx ATT valid?

If you do not test within the 120-day window on your ATT, the ATT expires and you must reapply under current policies and fees.

Q: How soon can I retake the MBLEx after failing?

FSMTB allows immediate reapplication after a fail or missed appointment, but you must submit a new application and fee each time. Jurisdiction rules may add extra limits for licensure.

Q: What are the current MBLEx content-area percentages?

Current outline weights are Anatomy & Physiology 11%, Kinesiology 12%, Pathology/Contraindications/Special Populations 14%, Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation 15%, Client Assessment/Reassessment/Treatment Planning 17%, Ethics/Boundaries/Laws/Regulations 16%, and Guidelines for Professional Practice 15%.

Question 1

MBLEx Question Count

Accepted Answer

The MBLEx contains 100 scored multiple-choice questions.

Question 2

MBLEx Time Limit

Accepted Answer

Candidates have 110 minutes to complete all 100 questions.

Question 3

MBLEx Appointment Length

Accepted Answer

The total appointment is about 120 minutes, including pre-exam security/confidentiality and survey steps plus the scored exam time.

Question 4

MBLEx Scoring Model

Accepted Answer

MBLEx results are reported as pass/fail, not as a public scaled score.

Question 5

MBLEx Fail Result Detail

Accepted Answer

If a candidate fails, FSMTB provides a diagnostic report by content area to guide future study.

Question 6

MBLEx Exam Fee

Accepted Answer

The current FSMTB MBLEx application fee is $265 per attempt.

Question 7

MBLEx ATT Expiration

Accepted Answer

Your authorization to test (ATT) expires if you do not test within the 120-day window listed on the ATT.

Question 8

MBLEx Delivery Channel

Accepted Answer

The MBLEx is not offered online at home; it is administered at Pearson VUE professional centers.

Question 9

MBLEx Retest Workflow

Accepted Answer

If you fail or miss an appointment, you must reapply and repay the exam fee. FSMTB allows immediate reapplication.

Question 10

MBLEx Jurisdiction Adoption

Accepted Answer

FSMTB reports that the MBLEx is used for licensure in 46 of 49 regulated jurisdictions, including DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Question 11

Anatomy & Physiology Domain Weight

Accepted Answer

Anatomy and Physiology makes up about 11% of the MBLEx content outline.

Question 12

A&P Systems Coverage

Accepted Answer

Tested systems include cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, integumentary, lymphatic/immune, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, and sensory.

Question 13

System Structure vs Function

Accepted Answer

MBLEx questions may separate structural anatomy knowledge from functional physiology knowledge, so study both dimensions for each system.

Question 14

Tissue Injury and Repair

Accepted Answer

Understand inflammation and tissue healing phases to determine when massage may be indicated, modified, or deferred.

Question 15

Energetic Anatomy Concept

Accepted Answer

The outline includes concepts of energetic anatomy, so candidates should recognize foundational ideas used in common bodywork traditions.

Question 16

Kinesiology Domain Weight

Accepted Answer

Kinesiology makes up about 12% of the MBLEx content outline.

Question 17

Muscle Action Basics

Accepted Answer

Know concentric, eccentric, and isometric contractions and how each appears during movement and treatment planning.

Question 18

Origins, Insertions, and Actions

Accepted Answer

High-yield MBLEx items test major muscles by location, attachment points, and action at specific joints.

Question 19

Joint Structure and Function

Accepted Answer

Study synovial joint mechanics, movement limitations, and compensations that affect client comfort and tissue loading.

Question 20

Proprioceptor Relevance

Accepted Answer

Proprioceptors provide body-position and movement feedback; this knowledge supports safe pressure, pacing, and reassessment decisions.

Question 21

ROM Assessment Types

Accepted Answer

MBLEx may test active, passive, and resisted range-of-motion assessments and what each finding implies for treatment.

Question 22

Pathology/Contraindications Domain Weight

Accepted Answer

Pathology, contraindications, areas of caution, and special populations represent about 14% of the MBLEx outline.

Question 23

Absolute Contraindication

Accepted Answer

An absolute contraindication means massage should not be performed because risk clearly outweighs benefit.

Question 24

Relative Contraindication

Accepted Answer

A relative contraindication means treatment may proceed only after modifying techniques, pressure, duration, or treatment area.

Question 25

Site-Specific Contraindication

Accepted Answer

Some contraindications apply only to a local area, so therapists may treat other regions with adjusted planning.

Question 26

Special Population Adaptation

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy, older adults, recent surgery, and medically complex clients often require modified positioning, pressure, and session goals.

Question 27

Medication Awareness

Accepted Answer

The content outline includes medication classes; candidates should recognize how medications may affect bruising risk, sensation, blood pressure, or symptom presentation.

Question 28

Benefits/Effects Domain Weight

Accepted Answer

Benefits and effects of soft tissue manipulation account for about 15% of the MBLEx outline.

Question 29

Physiological Effects of Massage

Accepted Answer

Physiological effects may include circulation changes, soft tissue mobility effects, and nervous system response shifts based on technique and dosage.

Question 30

Psychological Effects of Massage

Accepted Answer

Psychological effects can include reduced perceived stress and improved relaxation, which may support broader treatment goals.

Question 31

Stroke Selection Logic

Accepted Answer

Technique choice should match client goals, tissue status, contraindications, and tolerance during the session.

Question 32

Sequence of Application

Accepted Answer

Questions may test the order of techniques, from assessment-informed warm-up through focused work and session closure.

Question 33

Assessment/Treatment Planning Weight

Accepted Answer

Client assessment, reassessment, and treatment planning represent about 17% of the MBLEx content.

Question 34

Health History Intake

Accepted Answer

A structured intake identifies goals, current symptoms, medical history, and red flags before hands-on work begins.

Question 35

Visual Assessment

Accepted Answer

Visual assessment includes general observation, posture, and gait analysis to identify asymmetry, compensation, and movement limits.

Question 36

Palpation Assessment

Accepted Answer

Palpation findings guide pressure decisions, target areas, and reassessment priorities throughout the session.

Question 37

Clinical Reasoning Standard

Accepted Answer

Strong clinical reasoning links findings to goal setting, contraindication screening, technique choice, and ongoing response monitoring.

Question 38

Reassessment Purpose

Accepted Answer

Reassessment checks whether selected techniques improved function or symptoms and supports safe plan adjustments in real time.

Question 39

Ethics/Laws Domain Weight

Accepted Answer

Ethics, boundaries, laws, and regulations account for about 16% of the MBLEx outline.

Question 40

Therapeutic Boundaries

Accepted Answer

Professional boundaries protect client safety and trust by maintaining clear role limits and appropriate session conduct.

Question 41

Dual Relationship Risk

Accepted Answer

Dual relationships can impair objectivity and increase harm risk; exam items often favor conservative boundary-protective choices.

Question 42

Sexual Misconduct Rule

Accepted Answer

Sexual misconduct is a severe ethical and legal violation that can trigger licensure discipline and professional sanctions.

Question 43

Confidentiality Standard

Accepted Answer

Client information should be protected and shared only with authorization or when legally required.

Question 44

Scope of Practice Decisions

Accepted Answer

Therapists must work within jurisdictional scope and refer out when client needs exceed massage therapy scope or present red flags.

Question 45

Professional Practice Domain Weight

Accepted Answer

Guidelines for professional practice represent about 15% of the MBLEx content outline.

Question 46

Sanitation and Cleanliness

Accepted Answer

Consistent sanitation, linen handling, and room turnover practices are core safety expectations in professional massage settings.

Question 47

Equipment and Supply Safety

Accepted Answer

Candidates should know safe setup and use of tables, bolsters, lubricants, and other treatment supplies.

Question 48

Practitioner Body Mechanics

Accepted Answer

Efficient stance, leverage, and movement patterns reduce therapist injury risk and support sustainable practice.

Question 49

Draping Principles

Accepted Answer

Draping must be safe, appropriate, and clearly communicated to preserve privacy, comfort, and informed consent.

Question 50

Documentation Expectations

Accepted Answer

Professional records should capture intake findings, treatment delivered, client response, and plans for next sessions.

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