100+ Free Befähigungsprüfung Massage Practice Questions

Prepare for the Befähigungsprüfung Massage (Austria) exam with instant access — no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Austrian Cosmetology & Personal Care Master Craft (WKO)

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Befähigungsprüfung Massage Exam

€0

Fee for 1st & 2nd Attempt at Modules 1–3 and Unternehmerprüfung (Federally Funded Since 2024)

WKO Meisterprüfungsstellen Gebührenordnung

Level 6

NQR / EQF Qualification Level for Austrian Trade Competence (Befähigungsprüfung)

Nationaler Qualifikationsrahmen (NQR) Österreich

5 Modules

Examination Structure (Practical, Oral, Written Theory & Physical Modalities, Trainer, Business)

WKO Befähigungsprüfungsordnung Massage

BGBl. II 262/2008

Austrian Statutory Hygiene Regulation for Foot Care, Cosmetology & Massage

Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich

§ 94 Z 48

Regulated Trade Classification of Massage in the Austrian Trade Code (GewO 1994)

Gewerbeordnung 1994 (GewO 1994)

30–40 mmHg

Optimal Gentle Working Pressure Range for Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage Strokes

Vodder MLD Therapy Protocol

1 & 3 MHz

Standard Frequencies Used in Therapeutic Ultrasound for Deep vs Superficial Tissues

Electrophysical Agents Practice Standards

MMHmG

Austrian Medical Masseurs Act Demarcating Curative Healthcare from Commercial Trade

Bundesgesetzblatt I Nr. 169/2002

The Austrian Befähigungsprüfung Massage is the NQR Level 6 trade competence qualification administered by WKO Meisterprüfungsstellen across 5 modules covering anatomy, pathology, specialized massage methods, electrotherapy, and trade law.

Sample Befähigungsprüfung Massage Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Befähigungsprüfung Massage exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to the Musculus trapezius, a primary target muscle during therapeutic neck and upper back massage?

A.Cranial Nerve XI (Nervus accessorius)

B.Cranial Nerve VII (Nervus facialis)

C.Cranial Nerve V (Nervus trigeminus)

D.Nervus medianus

Explanation: The trapezius muscle receives its primary motor innervation from the accessory nerve (CN XI), supplemented by sensory proprioceptive branches from the cervical plexus (C3–C4).

2What is the structural anatomical composition of an intervertebral disc (Discus intervertebralis)?

A.An outer fibrous ring of concentric fibrocartilaginous lamellae (Anulus fibrosus) surrounding a gelatinous, water-rich central core (Nucleus pulposus)

B.A solid block of compact cortical bone filled with bone marrow

C.A hollow synovial fluid cavity lined with synovial membrane

D.A dense elastic ligament composed entirely of pure elastin fibers

Explanation: An intervertebral disc consists of the outer anulus fibrosus (collagenous ring providing tensile strength) and the central nucleus pulposus (hydrophilic proteoglycan-rich gel acting as a hydraulic shock absorber).

3Which four muscles constitute the functional Rotator Cuff (Rotatorenmanschette) of the glenohumeral shoulder joint?

A.M. supraspinatus, M. infraspinatus, M. teres minor, and M. subscapularis (SITS muscles)

B.M. deltoideus, M. pectoralis major, M. latissimus dorsi, and M. trapezius

C.M. biceps brachii, M. brachialis, M. coracobrachialis, and M. triceps brachii

D.M. rhomboid major, M. rhomboid minor, M. levator scapulae, and M. serratus anterior

Explanation: The rotator cuff is formed by the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Their tendons blend with the glenohumeral capsule to dynamically center the humeral head in the glenoid fossa.

4Which major peripheral nerve emerges through the greater sciatic foramen beneath (or occasionally piercing) the Musculus piriformis, potentially causing piriformis syndrome?

A.Nervus ischiadicus (Sciatic nerve)

B.Nervus femoralis

C.Nervus obturatorius

D.Nervus pudendus exclusively

Explanation: The sciatic nerve (L4–S3) exits the pelvis via the infrapiriform foramen directly beneath the piriformis muscle. Spasm or hypertrophy of the piriformis can compress the nerve, producing sciatica-like radiating leg pain (piriformis syndrome).

5Into which venous structure does the Thoracic Duct (Ductus thoracicus), the largest lymphatic vessel draining approximately three-quarters of the body, empty its lymph fluid?

A.The left venous angle (Linker Venenwinkel / Angulus venosus sinister) formed by the left internal jugular and left subclavian veins

B.The right atrium of the heart directly through the inferior vena cava

C.The right venous angle (Angulus venosus dexter)

D.The portal vein (Vena portae) entering the liver

Explanation: The thoracic duct ascends from the cisterna chyli and empties into the left venous angle (confluence of the left internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein). The right lymphatic duct drains the remaining upper right quadrant into the right venous angle.

6What is the primary physiological effect of activating the parasympathetic nervous system (Vagotonus) through slow, rhythmic, soothing massage effleurage?

A.Decreased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, peripheral vasodilation, enhanced gastrointestinal peristalsis, and overall relaxation ('rest and digest')

B.Immediate surge in adrenaline, acute tachycardia, and bronchodilation ('fight or flight')

C.Instant paralysis of all voluntary skeletal muscles

D.Severe vasoconstriction and shivering

Explanation: Soothing massage stimulates cutaneous mechanoreceptors, shifting autonomic balance from sympathetic stress dominance to parasympathetic (vagal) dominance, lowering cortisol, slowing heart rate, and promoting muscular relaxation and digestion.

7What is the anatomical definition of a Dermatome (Dermatomsystem)?

A.A specific area of skin whose sensory innervation is supplied by the dorsal (sensory) root of a single spinal cord segment / nerve

B.A group of skeletal muscles innervated by a single motor nerve

C.The total surface area of skin that produces sebum in 24 hours

D.An artificial acupuncture map developed in veterinary science

Explanation: A dermatome is a circumscribed band of skin innervated by cutaneous sensory nerve fibers originating from a single spinal nerve root (e.g., C6, T4, L5, S1).

8What neurophysiological mechanism explains the formation of Head's zones (Head-Zonen / Viszerokutaner Reflex) utilized in connective tissue and segment massage?

A.Convergence of visceral afferent pain fibers from internal organs and somatic sensory fibers from the skin onto the same secondary neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord

B.Direct mechanical muscle pull from the stomach pulling on the shoulder skin

C.Electromagnetic radiation traveling along the lymphatic vessels

D.Hormones secreted by hair follicles that travel to internal organs

Explanation: Head's zones arise from convergence-projection theory: visceral sensory fibers from diseased internal organs enter the spinal dorsal horn at the same segmental level as somatic cutaneous fibers. The brain misinterprets the visceral input as pain or tissue tension in the corresponding skin dermatome (viscerocutaneous reflex).

9Which muscle group, composed of the Psoas major and Iliacus, is the primary powerful flexor of the hip joint and strongly influences lumbar lordosis when hypertonic?

A.Musculus iliopsoas

B.Musculus gluteus maximus

C.Musculus biceps femoris

D.Musculus tibialis anterior

Explanation: The M. iliopsoas inserts onto the lesser trochanter (Trochanter minor) of the femur. Hypertonicity or shortening of the psoas pulls the lumbar spine forward into increased anterior pelvic tilt and hyperlordosis.

10Which deep intrinsic muscle tract of the back runs along the entire vertebral column, acting bilaterally to extend the spine and maintain upright posture?

A.Musculus erector spinae (Autochthone Rückenmuskulatur)

B.Musculus rectus abdominis

C.Musculus latissimus dorsi

D.Musculus pectoralis minor

Explanation: The autochthonous back musculature (M. erector spinae, comprising medial and lateral tracts including longissimus, iliocostalis, spinalis, and multifidi) is innervated by dorsal rami of spinal nerves and functions as the primary spinal extensor.

About the Befähigungsprüfung Massage Exam

The Befähigungsprüfung Massage is the competence examination that opens the regulated massage trade under § 94 Z 48 GewO 1994 in Austria. The trade — and the exam — expressly exclude Shiatsu, Ayurveda-Wohlfühlpraktik, Tuina An Mo Praktik, Tibetische Jamche-Kunye Praktik and other self-contained holistic systems. It is set by the Bundesinnung der Fußpfleger, Kosmetiker und Masseure, administered by the Meisterprüfungsstellen of the Austrian Economic Chambers, has run under a new Prüfungsordnung since 1 September 2023, and was assigned to Level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework on 13 September 2023 — the same level as a bachelor's degree. Since 22 August 2024 holders of a Befähigungsprüfung in the designated handwerksähnliche trades, massage among them, may also carry a Meister designation before their name and have it entered in official documents. Modul 1 is examined across six named methods — classical massage, lymph drainage, connective tissue massage, segment massage, foot reflexology and acupoint meridian massage — alongside anatomy, pathology, indications and contraindications, physical modalities and the hygiene rules of BGBl. II Nr. 262/2008. This practice bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of a German-language, heavily practical examination: it is not an official translation, it does not simulate the exam format, and it cannot replace supervised practice of the six methods assessed in Modul 1.

Assessment

Five modules under the Massage-Befähigungsprüfungsordnung (in force 1 September 2023), assigned to NQR level 6 on 13 September 2023. The trade examined is Massage excluding Shiatsu, Ayurveda-Wohlfühlpraktik, Tuina An Mo Praktik, Tibetische Jamche-Kunye Praktik and other self-contained holistic systems — those are separate scopes. Modul 1 Praktische Prüfung is assessed across six subjects: Klassische Massage (KM), Lymphdrainage (ML/KPE), Bindegewebsmassage (BGM), Segmentmassage (SGM), Fußreflexzonenmassage (FRZ) and Akupunkt-Meridianmassage (APM), each demonstrated through a client assignment. Modul 2 Mündliche Prüfung: Teil A a technical discussion at apprenticeship-final level, Teil B 'Fachliche Kompetenzen mündlich', before the full commission. Modul 3 'Fachliche Kompetenzen schriftlich'. Modul 4 Ausbilderprüfung under §§ 29a ff BAG or the Ausbilderkurs under § 29g BAG. Modul 5 Unternehmerprüfung under § 25 GewO 1994. Modules may be sat in any order and individually.

Time Limit

Modul 1: max 120 min KM, 70 min ML/KPE, 40 min BGM, 40 min SGM, 50 min FRZ, 50 min APM; Modul 2: 15–20 min plus 40–60 min; Modul 3: 4 h / max 5 h

Passing Score

School grade scale 'Sehr gut' (1) to 'Nicht genügend' (5); every subject must achieve at least 'Genügend' (4)

Exam Fee

Free for the 1st and 2nd attempt at every module including the Unternehmerprüfung (federally funded since 1 Jan 2024, retroactive to 1 Jul 2023); Allgemeine Prüfungsordnung fees apply from the 3rd attempt (WKO Meisterprüfungsstellen / Bundesinnung der Fußpfleger, Kosmetiker und Masseure)

Befähigungsprüfung Massage Exam Content Outline

25% of this practice bank

Anatomy, Myology & Neuro-Physiology (Anatomie & Physiologie)

Musculoskeletal osteology, muscle origins/insertions/innervations/actions, autonomic and central nervous systems, circulatory and lymphatic systems, spinal biomechanics, dermatomes, and myotomes.

25% of this practice bank

General & Special Pathology, Indications & Contraindications (Pathologie & Befunderhebung)

Pathologies of the locomotor system, cardiovascular diseases, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), acute inflammation, oncological contraindications, post-traumatic conditions, palpation diagnosis, and medical referral criteria.

20% of this practice bank

Specialized Massage Techniques & Modalities (Spezielle Massagetechniken)

Classical massage strokes (effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, vibration), Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD nach Vodder), Connective Tissue Massage (BGM nach Dicke), Segment Massage (Gläser/Dalicho), Foot Reflexology (FRZM nach Marquardt), and Acupoint Massage (APM nach Penzel).

15% of this practice bank

Electrotherapy, Hydrotherapy & Physical Modalities (Physikalische Therapien)

Direct and low/medium frequency currents (galvanisation, diadynamic, TENS, interferential current), therapeutic ultrasound physics and dosage, thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and balneological treatments.

15% of this practice bank

Hygiene, Austrian Trade Law & Salon Management (Hygiene-VO & Gewerberecht)

Statutory hygiene regulations under BGBl. II Nr. 262/2008, Austrian Gewerbeordnung (§ 94 Z 48 GewO 1994), legal demarcation from medical masseurs (MMHmG), emergency first aid, treatment pricing, and salon management.

How to Pass the Befähigungsprüfung Massage Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: School grade scale 'Sehr gut' (1) to 'Nicht genügend' (5); every subject must achieve at least 'Genügend' (4)
Assessment: Five modules under the Massage-Befähigungsprüfungsordnung (in force 1 September 2023), assigned to NQR level 6 on 13 September 2023. The trade examined is Massage excluding Shiatsu, Ayurveda-Wohlfühlpraktik, Tuina An Mo Praktik, Tibetische Jamche-Kunye Praktik and other self-contained holistic systems — those are separate scopes. Modul 1 Praktische Prüfung is assessed across six subjects: Klassische Massage (KM), Lymphdrainage (ML/KPE), Bindegewebsmassage (BGM), Segmentmassage (SGM), Fußreflexzonenmassage (FRZ) and Akupunkt-Meridianmassage (APM), each demonstrated through a client assignment. Modul 2 Mündliche Prüfung: Teil A a technical discussion at apprenticeship-final level, Teil B 'Fachliche Kompetenzen mündlich', before the full commission. Modul 3 'Fachliche Kompetenzen schriftlich'. Modul 4 Ausbilderprüfung under §§ 29a ff BAG or the Ausbilderkurs under § 29g BAG. Modul 5 Unternehmerprüfung under § 25 GewO 1994. Modules may be sat in any order and individually.
Time limit: Modul 1: max 120 min KM, 70 min ML/KPE, 40 min BGM, 40 min SGM, 50 min FRZ, 50 min APM; Modul 2: 15–20 min plus 40–60 min; Modul 3: 4 h / max 5 h
Exam fee: Free for the 1st and 2nd attempt at every module including the Unternehmerprüfung (federally funded since 1 Jan 2024, retroactive to 1 Jul 2023); Allgemeine Prüfungsordnung fees apply from the 3rd attempt

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Befähigungsprüfung Massage Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the fundamental strokes of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD nach Vodder): stationary circles (stehende Kreise), pump technique (Pumpgriff), scoop technique (Schöpfgriff), and rotary technique (Drehgriff), remembering that treatments always begin proximally at the terminus (venous angle) before treating distal edemas.

2Understand the cutaneous-visceral reflex arcs in Connective Tissue Massage (BGM nach Elisabeth Dicke): identify tissue tension zones in the pelvic, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical dermatomes, and know the basic construction stroke sequence (Grundaufbau).

3Learn the core contraindications for massage therapy: absolute contraindications include acute thrombosis/phlebitis, fever/acute infectious states, decompensated heart failure, and unaddressed malignant neoplasms; local contraindications include open wounds, acute hematomas, and active skin infections.

4Review the physical mechanisms of therapeutic ultrasound: 1 MHz for deep target tissues (3–5 cm depth) versus 3 MHz for superficial structures (1–2 cm depth); understand the difference between thermal continuous mode and athermic/mechanical pulsed mode for acute injuries.

5Memorize muscle origins, insertions, and innervations for key postural muscles: trapezius (accessory nerve XI), levator scapulae (dorsal scapular nerve), piriformis (sacral plexus, piriformis syndrome relation to sciatic nerve), and psoas major (lumbar plexus).

6Calculate salon pricing and therapist utilization: compute treatment room overheads, linen laundering expenses, oil/lotion consumable costs, hourly wage targets, and statutory Austrian sales tax (20% USt).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Befähigungsprüfung Massage in Austria?

The Befähigungsprüfung Massage is the statutory trade competence examination in Austria for the regulated trade of massage (reglementiertes Gewerbe) under § 94 Z 48 of the Gewerbeordnung 1994. Administered by the WKO Meisterprüfungsstellen, it confers the legal authority to open and operate an independent commercial massage business, offer advanced therapeutic modalities, and train apprentices. It is positioned at Level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQR Level 6).

What are the 5 modules of the Austrian Massage Befähigungsprüfung?

The examination comprises 5 modules: Modul 1 is the comprehensive practical examination on models covering Classical Swedish Massage, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), Connective Tissue Massage (BGM), Segment Massage, Foot Reflexology (FRZM), and heat/electro applications; Modul 2 is the oral examination before the master commission in anatomy, pathology, and hygiene; Modul 3 is the written theoretical and physical modalities examination; Modul 4 is the Ausbilderprüfung (trainer exam); and Modul 5 is the Unternehmerprüfung (business exam).

How is commercial massage (Gewerblicher Masseur) demarcated from medical massage in Austria?

In Austria, the commercial massage trade (Gewerblicher Masseur, regulated under GewO 1994 § 94 Z 48) focuses on health maintenance, prevention, recovery, sports performance, and wellness treatments on healthy clients or under clear trade indications. In contrast, medical massage (Medizinischer Masseur / Heilmasseur) is regulated under the Medizinischer Masseur- und Heilmasseurgesetz (MMHmG, BGBl. I Nr. 169/2002) and focuses on the curative treatment of diseased patients upon medical doctor prescription.

What physical therapy modalities are covered in the massage exam?

Candidates are tested on electrotherapy applications including galvanic current (Iontophoresis), low-frequency currents (TENS for analgesia, Diadynamic currents), medium-frequency interferential currents (Nemec currents), therapeutic ultrasound (continuous and pulsed modes, thermal vs mechanical cavitation effects), and thermotherapy (fango packs, infrared radiation, cryotherapy).

How much does the Austrian Massage Befähigungsprüfung cost?

Since 1 January 2024, with retroactive effect to 1 July 2023, the federal government covers the examination fee for the first and second attempt at any module of a Meister- or Befähigungsprüfung, including the Unternehmerprüfung, and also covers room and setup costs for those attempts; candidates pay only for the materials they bring themselves. From the third attempt onward the fee schedule under the Allgemeine Prüfungsordnung (BGBl. II Nr. 110/2004) applies, and failing to appear without an accepted withdrawal reason counts as an attempt.

How does this practice bank adapt the Austrian Massage examination?

The official Austrian exam consists of multi-station practical assessments and a German-language commission examination. This practice question bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation designed to solidify knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy, neurological pathways, therapeutic massage indications/contraindications, electrophysics, and Austrian hygiene rules under BGBl. II Nr. 262/2008.