While considered a medical practice, there are many places for massage therapists to work, especially here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, nearly every state in the US requires licensing in order to be a practicing massage therapist.
Currently, 43 states and the District of Columbia rely on the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), a hundred-part multiple choice exam that covers every area of massage therapy from practice to ethics.
This guide will prepare you to pass your MBLEx exam so that you can get proper licensing to become a massage therapist and start your new career.
What Is the MBLEx Exam?
The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), administered by Pearson VUE, is a regulatory tool within the massage therapy profession that is required to obtain state licensing as a practicing massage therapist.
The MBLEx helps maintain high standards and assures clients that their therapists have undergone rigorous testing on critical knowledge areas related to massage and bodywork.
In essence, passing this licensing exam indicates you’re well-equipped to understand client assessment, treatment planning, physiological effects of soft tissue manipulation for different populations, ethical practices, and more.
Most massage therapy schools will prepare you for this exam through a mix of coursework and in-field training.
MBLEx Summary
- 100 multiple choice questions
- 110 minutes to complete
Preparing for the MBLEx with the Right School
While massage therapy school is a prerequisite for obtaining a state license, finding the right massage therapy school is also very important to your overall success on the MBLEx.
Leveraging educational resources can be a game changer when preparing for an examination like MBLEx. The NEPA School of Massage provides a rich source of materials and techniques that are instrumental in mastering massage therapy topics. For instance, if we look at “client assessment,” one key aspect covered by our program is understanding how soft tissue changes under different conditions.
We also delve into treatment planning and working with special populations; these skills not only help you pass your exam, but they’ll give you the knowledge you can wield in the field.
Some of the best tools that a massage therapy school will offer to prepare you for your MBLEx include:
- Educational Tools: Utilize study guides and practice tests regularly. These tools provide a comprehensive overview of content areas tested in the MBLEx exam, such as anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, pathology, benefits & contraindications, among others.
- Tutoring Sessions: Regular sessions allow students to ask questions about confusing topics or discuss challenging subject areas further.
- Mentorship Program: Connect with experienced massage therapists to gain insights about the exam and practical tips for success.
- In-the-Field Training: Practice literally with your hands on different patients to master techniques used within the field.
All these resources aim not only to help students pass their MBLEx but also to ensure they’re well-equipped for a rewarding career in massage therapy. Take advantage of these resources to the fullest extent.
Subjects Tested on the MBLEx
The MBLEx covers a wide range of subject areas within a relatively short quiz, which can be difficult to study for.
One tip we recommend to all students is to study each field thoroughly. It’s common for students to rely too heavily on the scientific components of massage therapy and ignore the ethics portion.
Some of the most common subjects tested on the MBLEx include
- Physiology & Anatomy discuss the physiological effects brought about through the manipulation of soft tissues using various therapeutic techniques studied under approved programs like ours at NEPA school.
- Kinesiology focuses on the study of human movement, including the mechanics of joints, muscles, and the body’s range of motion.
- Pathology tests your understanding of various health conditions, their causes, symptoms, and how they might be impacted via massage therapy.
- Professional Practice helps candidates understand the scope of practice, maintaining boundaries and professionalism when dealing with the public.
- Contraindications and Special Populations covers when massage therapy is contraindicated (inadvisable) and how to adapt massage techniques for special populations, such as pregnant clients, the elderly, or individuals with specific health concerns.
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, and Regulations assess your knowledge of ethical and legal considerations, as well as professional boundaries when working with clients.
- Hygiene, Sanitation, and Safety ensure you maintain a clean and safe environment for clients.
Take lots of test exams, and be sure to go over each answer to see what fields you are lacking in.
Registering for the Exam
The registration process is quite straightforward. You’ll need to submit an application and pay a fee to Pearson VUE, who administers this standardized test across all 50 states in high-security testing centers. Remember, early birds get their preferred testing center locations.
Tips For Exam Day
The big day arrives quicker than expected; nerves might start playing up as well (totally normal.). Take deep breaths–remember all those stress-relieving techniques from our classes?
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in without rushing.
- Pack light because only minimal items are allowed inside.
- Review questions beforehand to refresh your memory
Students can always re-register for exams if they fail, though they will have to pay a fee to do so.
With the right education and preparedness, passing the LBLEx exam can be a breeze. That’s why it’s important to leverage the tools we’ve provided in this guide.
FAQs: What is the Mblex Exam?
Is the MBLEx test hard?
The difficulty of the MBLEx exam depends on your preparation. With consistent study and understanding, you can conquer it.
What score do you need to pass MBLEx?
You’ll need a scaled score of 630 out of 900 to pass the MBLEx, according to FSMTB.
What kind of questions are on the MBLEx?
The MBLEx contains multiple-choice questions covering topics like anatomy, physiology, ethics, massage modalities, and more.
How many questions is the MBLEx test?
The total number for this test? It’s 100 multiple-choice queries that assess your massage therapy know-how.