*Important Announcement!*
The NCBTMB announced that as of 11/1/2014, it will no longer administer an entry-level licensing exam. This means the MBLEx will be the only licensing exam available in most states. Please refer to the below link for more information on taking the MBLEx.
For the most up-to-date information on preparing for the MBLEx (including study guides and practice tests), click here.
Yes, the NCBTMB does offer the BCETMB now, but it is not an entry-level licensing exam, like the MBLEx. It is a board certification exam (which is usually voluntary). I will not be updating the below post to reflect the BCETMB and NCETMB changes. However, you can learn a little more about why the MBLEx is now the preferred exam below.
Here is the NCBTMB press release here.
Bonus: How to Avoid the #1 MBLEx Study Mistake – Free Lesson and Practice Quiz
One of the final hurdles, or steps, between you and your massage career is the massage licensing exam. There were two entry-level massage licensing exams for most people to choose from.
The MBLEx – Given by the FSMTB
The NCETMB or NCETM – Given by the NCBTMB
If you live in New York or Hawaii, you do not have a choice, as you have your own state board exam. Here is where you can read about Hawaii massage license and New York massage license exams.
The rest of you have a decision to make.
Which exam is best for you?
The exam that is best for you may not be the best one for the next person to visit this post, the one your massage instructor took ten years ago, or the one for your classmate looking to move home after school.
First, it is important to know why you need to take a massage licensing exam.
Quite simply, most of you need this exam to get a massage license in your state. That is it.