If you’re taking the MBLEx for the first, second, or even fifth time, you may be worried about a limit to the number of times you can take the exam. It’s possible that an instructor or colleague told you that you would need to go back to school if you failed it more than once, and there is already fear revolving around this exam that the extra pressure of a limited number of attempts can add to those anxious feelings.
So, I’m writing to you now to hopefully be able to put those fears to rest and help you get prepared for your next MBLEx attempt and get your massage career on the right track!
So, is there a limit to the number of times you can take the test?
The answer is a little complicated, but in most cases, no. The FSMTB, who administers the MBLEx, does not limit the number of times you can take the MBLEx. But the FSMTB does limit the number of times you take the exam within a 30-day period. You can verify this information on their FAQ page.
Even though the MBLEx is administered on a daily basis throughout the country, all applicants are subject to the waiting period between attempts. If you fail the exam, you must wait at least 30 days before you can take the MBLEx again. This waiting period between attempts is consistent with other professional licensing exams, such as the NCLEx (nursing licensing exam). In the few states that still do not use the MBLEx, there is a limited number of test dates for massage license applicants. The New York State Massage Exam is only given two times a year and the Hawaii State Massage Exam is given four times a year.
So why did someone tell you that there was a limit for the MBLEx?
In my opinion, some of the confusion stems in the former massage licensing exam, the NCETMB or NCETM. Unfortunately, there are still instructors and colleagues that took the former exam and continue to pass on outdated information. At the time, the NCETMB exam did have a few limits on the number of attempts. After three failed attempts, a person had to return to school for 100 hours of additional training, and after five failed attempts, a person needed to repeat 500 hours of training.
The power of your State Massage Board
There are a few applicants who are, in fact, subject to a limited number of attempts. State massage boards do have the authority to set the number of attempts for applicants. If the applicant goes over that limit, the board does not have to issue a massage license in that state. One example of a state with such a rule is Washington. Their board rule states:
WAC 246-830-201 Examination.
(4) An applicant who does not pass an examination after three attempts must provide proof to the board of having successfully completed additional clinical training or coursework as determined by the board before being permitted three additional attempts to pass an exam.
So far, Washington is the only example of a state board that has this type of limitation.
So, this fact should put the majority of you at ease. I know that you want to pass the MBLEx on the attempt, regardless of the limitations imposed by your state board. Waiting 30 or more days and paying $265 each time you take the exam is not exactly an ideal scenario, but being a massage therapist and helping other people is. So with that in mind, let’s get down to business and begin to develop your action plan to pass the MBLEx and begin your massage career.
I finished massage school in 2016. Took my test and did not pass. How long after completing school do I have to test again? Is five years too long?
This article should answer that question 🙂
https://www.massageexamacademy.com/mblex-years-after-school/
good evening Ivy
hello my name is Robert, currently in the process of going to school to obtain my massage license, can you take the state exam prior to completion of the 500 hours? please let me know, thanks
Yes. Many people take their MBLEx shortly before graduating from massage training programs.
I just failed the test for the 2nd time. Can I retake it again? Do I need my transcripts again?
I do not see why you could not take it again. You just need to wait 30 days. I would not think your transcript would be needed again for a retest.
Can you pass the MBLEx without knowing the names of the bones and muscles?
Knowing the names of muscles and bones is basic anatomy. It is my opinion that the MBLEx tests at a deeper level than just basic anatomy.
What do you charge for your MBLEx tutoring?
Is your tutoring online?
Do I have to buy the Study Guide so I can follow along?
Where do go to find out where I can take the MBLEx? I can’t drive due to medical issue. Live in North Georgia.
You can see all of my programs at http://www.massageexamacademy.com.
I do not offer individualized tutoring, but our program is designed to help members work on the areas that they struggle with.
You can find testing locations on Pearson’s website. It looks like there are testing centers in Raleigh, Wilmington, Charlotte, Ashville, and Durham.
Hey ivy please I need to talk to you, I’m a new graduate from massage school and I am very good at every aspect of clinical and practical. But I did the Mblex exam but failed, I’m about giving up but after I came across your website I believe I can do it again with your help. Thank you please reply so we can start as soon as possible.
That is a very common situation, Fatima! Our website is self-paced and will help guide you through the areas where you struggle the most. We have seen this help people that previously failed many, many times.
You can find the subscriptions on http://www.massageexamacademy.com.
Honestly thank you so much for creating this I failed my first mblex it was so frustrating because the questions were very different then I expected I wanted to give up but I really love massage. After actually taking an hour or two of my day to study with massage exam academy as of yesterday I passed my mblex and even after all the studying I did for two months with your program the mblex was still so hard I thought I was gonna fail 30 questions in and when the lady gave me my Id with the paper saying passed I haven’t stopped smiling since so thank u so much for creating this me and my mom we’re googling what to do if you failed the mblex and this came up I’m so grateful thank u !
Happy to help! And…CONGRATS!