Massage Exam Academy

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Taking the MBLEx Years after Massage School

Out of School for Years

Do any of these situations resonate with you?

Fear of Failure

You failed your licensing exam soon after attending school, got discouraged, and put your massage career on the back burner for a few years. Fear of failing again paralyzed you from moving forward with your massage career.

Maybe exam anxiety kept you from even attempting an initial licensing exam after massage training.

Hi Ivy,
I graduated MT school in 2006 located in Illinois, took the NCETMB exam and did not pass. I missed by 2 points and then life happened. I see the NCETMB is not being given anymore and I had a friend that has mentioned the MBLEx to me. In being out of school for that length of time, would I need to go back to school? Can I still take the MBLEx?

Moving to a New State

You were previously licensed in a state that did not require an exam. Now have moved and find yourself in a situation where you must take an exam to keep practicing massage.
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What Is a Passing Score on the MBLEx?

MBLEx Passing Score

As of July 1st, 2017, the answer to this question is more complicated.

We first need to review the goals of the MBLEx, recount a little history about exam scoring, and then cover the latest changes to the exam scoring reports. This way you will know exactly what to expect to best prepare for your exam day.

The goal of the MBLEx is not to measure different levels of competence between test-takers, or to see who can get the highest score in a massage class. A better score does not indicate a person will be a better massage therapist. The aim of the exam is to distinguish whether a candidate meets the minimum level of competence required to practice as an entry-level massage professional. The MBLEx is used by nearly every state, along with minimum education requirements, to determine if a person can safely practice massage and be issued a massage license by the state.
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How to Get a Colorado Massage License

How to get a Colorado Massage License

Colorado is a natural draw for many active and health-conscious massage therapists looking for the abundance of recreation and balance of access to nature and city life.

The massage profession is attractive to many current residents in the state because the job allows flexibility while being able to help others with mind and body wellness.

The irony of wanting to help people relax is that obtaining a massage therapy license can be stressful.

Whether you have been a massage therapist for years and are in the process of relocating, or searching for a massage school in Colorado, I am going to walk you through the entire process to help take the stress out of this journey. [Read more…]

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How to Become a Certified Massage Therapist in California

A Guide to Getting Your California Massage Therapy Certification

Looking for information to obtain a massage license, or get certified, in California?

Legally working as a massage therapist in California is different than any other state. Whether you are a current massage therapist moving to California, or a resident looking for a massage program, sorting through regulations can be challenging and time-consuming.

I am going to cover the current regulations in California and break down the requirements into simple steps. Soon, you will know everything you need to do, or not do, in order to work as a massage professional in the state.

Licensing vs Certification

The first thing we need to cover is…

California does not license massage therapists, instead it certifies qualified massage therapists.

What’s the difference?

Certification and licensing are not interchangeable terms. It is very important to know the difference between the two before you start the certification process.

Licensing

Licensing is a non-voluntary, or mandatory, requirement. A government agency (board or department) regulates the profession. Passage of a massage licensing law or act makes it illegal for anyone to engage in that occupation within without a license. Over 40 states issue massage therapy licenses.

Certification

According to the American Massage Therapy Association:

“Professional certification is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental professional organization grants recognition to an individual who has met certain qualifications.”

Certification in California is voluntary, like the NCTMB/BCTMB certification. This certification has intended benefits for the public and massage profession in California, which I will discuss in a moment.

Certification in California is obtained through CAMTC, California Massage Therapy Council.

What is CAMTC?

CAMTC is not a state board. However, it was created by the California legislature and began taking applications for massage certification in 2009. CAMTC is a private non-profit corporation.

The CAMTC Board of Directors, like other state massage boards, are volunteers. Each volunteer is appointed by California cities, counties, law enforcement, massage schools, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and professional massage associations. For state massage boards, members are often appointed by the governor.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your New York State Massage License

How to Get a New York State Massage License
*Last Updated: 2/20*

Obtaining a massage license in any state can be a daunting task. It can be stressful sorting your way through government websites, laws and regulations when all you want to do is help other people relax.

You may have talked to other massage therapists who have made the task seem nearly impossible, or have given you misinformation. Maybe, while googling for answers, you saw this lady’s 13 month ordeal to get licensed in the state. You may wonder if it is worth the hassle, hours of study, and money.

New York has a few unique requirements you need to be aware of before you begin school or move. We’re going to go over the rules and requirements in an understandable way so that you know the steps needed to get your massage license (with the least amount of stress possible).

First, you likely fall into one of these two groups:

  1. You are going to school in NYS or planning to go to school at an NYS approved massage school.
  2. You are moving to NYS from another state and are/were licensed in another state or jurisdiction.

Whichever group you belong to, you still need to meet the requirements for obtaining a New York license.

There are four basic requirements to obtain a New York Massage License:

  1. Meet the state minimum education requirement
  2. Pass the New York State massage exam
  3. Successfully complete a CPR course
  4. Prove English proficiency (if needed)

Now let’s go more in-depth into each requirement.

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