MBLEx Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The MBLEx has 100 multiple-choice questions answered in the order presented, in 110 minutes (FSMTB candidate handbook). Results are reported as pass or fail against a criterion-referenced standard adopted by the FSMTB Board; no numeric cut score is published. The content outline covers seven areas, led by Client Assessment, Reassessment and Treatment Planning (17%). This portal's practice mock has 100 questions.

Most states require passing the MBLEx for a massage therapy license, so it is the main exam gate to practicing legally in those states.

Massage therapy students and graduates applying for a state license. Your state board sets its own additional requirements.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

A retake requires a new application and the applicable fee. FSMTB does not limit the number of attempts, but your state may. An application is valid for six months.

The result is reported as pass or fail against a criterion-referenced passing standard set by the FSMTB Board; no numeric score or scaled score is published. A failing candidate receives a diagnostic report by content area. Format: 100 multiple-choice questions in 110 minutes. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The MBLEx has 100 multiple-choice questions answered in the order presented, in 110 minutes (FSMTB candidate handbook). Results are reported as pass or fail against a criterion-referenced standard adopted by the FSMTB Board; no numeric cut score is published. The content outline covers seven areas, led by Client Assessment, Reassessment and Treatment Planning (17%). This portal's practice mock has 100 questions. 100 multiple-choice questions · 110 minutes · reported as pass or fail against a criterion-referenced standard. The result is reported as pass or fail against a criterion-referenced passing standard set by the FSMTB Board; no numeric score or scaled score is published. A failing candidate receives a diagnostic report by content area.

• Anatomy & Physiology11%
• Kinesiology12%
• Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations14%
• Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation15%
• Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning17%
• Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations16%
• Guidelines for Professional Practice15%

The content outline spreads questions across 7 areas: Anatomy & Physiology (11.0%); Kinesiology (12.0%); Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations (14.0%); Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation (15.0%); Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning (17.0%); Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations (16.0%); Guidelines for Professional Practice (15.0%).

Your state massage board determines eligibility, typically completion of an approved education program, and FSMTB verifies it before opening your application. A candidate who already passed can retest only with written approval from a state board.

$265 for the exam and $265 for a retake were listed on the FSMTB FAQ. Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, and an application expires after six months.

License renewal and continuing education are set by each state massage board; this guide does not give national figures.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning (17.0%); Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations (16.0%); Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation (15.0%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 100 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the materials listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check your state massage board and FSMTB before you register.