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.
Hello, Ivy!
I’m considering moving to Florida. I’m currently in Pennsylvania and graduated from a 650-hour massage program in 2003. At that time Pennsylvania did not require being licensed so I just got my certificate and started practicing. About eight years ago when Pennsylvania changed and required licensure I submitted all my information and was grandfathered in. I see Florida still requires me to take an exam. I currently hold an active license in Pennsylvania and was wondering if I could still take the MBLEx listed to get my license in Florida?
Life Got in the Way
You had a baby, got married, moved, or had other family issues that kept you from taking the exam and practicing massage.
Hi Ivy,
I graduated in 2005, got married, had kids, and here I am taking the MBLEx 10 years later. I paid my school loan off yesterday! Woohoo! It has been 10 years but my love/interest for massage has never left me :).
If any of these sound similar to your situation, I promise you are not alone. I talk to quite a few people each year that are in the position of taking the MBLEx years after graduating. I am going to answer some of the questions you may have and help you set up a plan to finally take and pass your exam.
Eligibility
The first question you may be asking is, “Am I still eligible to sit the MBLEx after this many years?”
Most likely, Yes.
Your graduation date does not affect your eligibility to sit for the MBLEx. But there are other things you need to check on to see if you still qualify to get a license, usually the educational requirement. Remember, taking the MBLEx is only one part of getting a massage license. Here are a few examples of situations that may affect your eligibility to sit for the MBLEx or get a state massage license.
Completion of Massage Training
The FSMTB, the developers of the MBLEx, now requires applicants to “attest they have both the education and training in the subject content areas.” If you have not completed massage training (examples: grandfathered into licensure without completing education, or practicing in an unregulated state) you may not be eligible to take the exam. Contact the FSMTB if you are in this situation.
Updated License Requirements
If the state where you went to school has changed the hours required to get a license since you graduated, you may not be able to obtain a license. For example, Texas previously required 300 hours for obtaining a massage license, but the law now requires 500 hours of education. If a person only completed 300 hours, they make not qualify for a license, but most likely could still sit for the MBLEx.
A Time Window for Licensure
In a few other healthcare professions, a State board may only allow an applicant a few years to take the state boards after completing the minimum education requirement. I am not aware of any state massage boards that have such a rule at this time. The only similar situation I am aware of is Louisiana. Their rules require applicants to apply for a massage license within two years of passing their licensing exam, or they must retest.
If you are eligible to take the MBLEx, let’s move on to the next string of questions that follow the eligibility question. These questions typically revolve around the anxiety of recalling all of the information you learned in massage school years ago.
Preparation Time and Methods
How do you prepare for the MBLEx when it has been 2, 5, 10, or 20+ years? Where do you start? And how much time do you need to prepare?
I have helped people pass the MBLEx before graduating, those that went to school 28 years ago, and everything in between. Even I took the MBLEx ten years after attending massage school and initially taking the NCETMB.
I am not saying this exam will be easy. In fact, it will be a very challenging exam. However, with focused study, I know it is possible to pass the MBLEx no matter how long it has been since you graduated. I see it all the time!
Once you have decided you are going to take the MBLEx, it is time to develop your study plan.
How Long Do I Need?
First, you will need to determine (roughly) how much time you need to prepare for the MBLEx. This not only helps you set a goal date, but will help you gauge how much time you need in an MBLEx preparation program.
It may not be as much time as you think you need. You do not need to learn all of that information for the first time. Your massage program was likely six months long, so you really just need to review all that information. Reviewing is different than learning something for the first time.
If you have not actively practiced or studied massage for years, but you are finally ready to get your license, 3 to 6 months seems to be the average time needed for preparation.
If you have been active in the massage field, practicing massage, then I would prepare for 1 to 3 months of studying and review.
How Do I Begin Studying?
I find prospective students are often overwhelmed by what they need to learn or review before they even begin studying for the MBLEx. The following is what I recommend for members of Massage Exam Academy.
To help with these overwhelming feelings, I break the study guide and practices quizzes down in the same eight content areas of the MBLEx. I recommend taking at least one of the simulation exams in the beginning. Based on the simulation results, you should be able to determine your weakest area(s) and begin reviewing these areas/subjects in the study guide and with practice quizzes.
Fix the Weak Spots First
I always recommend working on your weakest links first. This may be anatomy, physiology, or kinesiology. If kinesiology and anatomy were difficult for you previously, they likely will still be challenging. There are many resources available to help those who struggle with these subjects, including visual and hands-on learners.
Even if all the information seems unfamiliar at first, as you go through the study guide, you’ll start to recognize more and more terms. These small steps will add up quickly.
Prepare for the Current MBLEx
The current MBLEx is definitely not the same as the former MBLEx (pre-2014) or NCETMB. Too many people prepare for a quiz instead of a professional licensing exam.
The purpose of the MBLEx is to assess your competence to safely practice massage. Expect to have an exam with longer, complex questions and clinical situations. There are a number of ways to prepare for these questions.
- take shorter, quiz-style practice questions to learn terms and facts
- review how to break down longer questions
- learn multiple choice strategy
- take some exam simulations
Assess and Reassess
Just as you would do with a client, you will need to assess and then reassess your progress. Look at your quiz scores and evaluate how you are doing. This can help you determine if you are truly not ready for your exam date, or if it is just cold feet and anxiety before your exam.
You can fine-tune your exam date, if needed. This may be taking more time to prepare, or even moving your exam date up.
Is there a way of getting a copy of my transcript at the school I attended if it closed?
Excellent question! Here is my article about finding transcripts after your massage school has closed.
Hi
I attended massage school in 2001, passed the State Medical Board test. But have not taken the MBLEx as it was not existing at the time I graduated. My question is if I do take the MBLEx and don’t pass it; will I lose my present massage license in Ohio?
I am not aware of any law or rule that would lead me to believe that you would lose your license for not passing.
Lots of people with active licenses that are in your position, take the MBLEx when they move and try to obtain a license in another state. Not everyone passes. I have never heard of anyone losing their license because of it. They only are not able to get licensed in a new state until they pass. That’s it.
I hope you revive this message. I’m assuming if you stay current on your license there is no need for you to take the MBLEX. Now of you happen to miss two renewal periods, you would then have to take the mblex. I live in OH and this is my current situation
Most likely. If you let a license expired, or go null and void, you risk having to comply with any new requirements to get licensed. Sometimes that is a different exam. Since Ohio has switched exams in the past 10 years-ish, I am not sure if they still accept there old exam for people that have let their licenses lapse.
Ivy
I trained in Australia in 2005. I now live in Hawaii and need to be licensed to practice here. I am a little out of practice although I massage my kids and Husband. My course was 800 hours. I’m not sure where to start to get my license here.
Aloha! I have a whole page dedicated to getting licensed in Hawaii. Here it is: https://www.massageexamacademy.com/hawaii-massage-license/
Ivy, I posted comment but don’t see it it was long but am worried it didn’t go though. How do I know?
I saw it and emailed you back privately. Let me know if you did not get it.
Hi Ivy, I graduated from the Florida School of Massage in 1993, worked in NC at the YNCA after that. I was licenced in NY State back in 1994( never practiced there though), and got out of the profession. I am considering getting back into it. What steps would be needed to practice in Florida. Thank you.
Hi John,
Do you know which licensing exams you took? Hopefully, this page from my other website should give you some information on getting your Florida massage license – https://www.floridamassage.com/license/
Hello ivy, I did have a massage therapy school back in 2001. At that time I did not know that I will have to find my own way to Austin Texas which is about 8 hours from me to take my test for my license so I did not go. Is it too late for me to be able to take the exam or do I have to do the course all over again.
For most people, this is not an issue. But I am not sure which year Texas went from 300 hours to 500 hours. Do you know how many hours of training you had?
Ivy
I don’t need to take the MBLEX because MA doesn’t require it, but I would rather have it in case I move in the future. I am taking practice exams and scoring between 70 to 76 percent without yet studying. What is the score required for passing and do you have to pass at a certain level for all material (need a certain minimum score for each area) or do they score it as a whole and pass fail. I am finding some of the questions ridiculous because basic massage programs often don’t cover very much besides basic Swedish and these questions have spa services and Asian energy methods. I have my RN and passed the NCLEX and hated the process. Not looking forward to another hoop jump. Also overwhelmed by the scope of material. Nursing school they integrated the testing and information around the NCLEX so pass rates were very high, this seems very scattered. Anyway, thank you for your time.
Taking the MBLEx, just in case, is not a bad idea in my opinion.
Here is a little more on the scoring of the MBLEx:https://www.massageexamacademy.com/mblex-passing-score/
Back when I graduated in 2008 Illinois did not have a license yet, but once it did pass the state legislature,then we all got our licenses? Were told we did not have to take state or national tests….that we all were Grandfathered in. NCBTMB knows nothing of that. Thoughts?
Being grandfathered in IL would have no effect on the NCB. What is it that you are trying to do?
Hello,
I graduated massage school in 2008 and 17 years old. Unfortunately some events happened that led me to move and put massage on the back burner without ever licensing or anything other than the schooling. I was wondering if my schooling will still be good all these years later to finally proceed with licensing and how I would even begin this process.
In most cases, yes, your schooling is good. If your state moved from say 300 minimum hours to 500 hours, then you may have a problem. This is very rare. I know if very few states that have increased minimum hours in the past 10 years. Check your state’s minimum and transcript to compare.
Hi what advice would you give for someone who has been out of school for years and feels like they can’t remember hands on techniques? (Deep tissue, shiatsu, and other techniques)
Good question! The hands-on techniques often are like riding a bike. Do you actually really forget them? I feel they (the massage strokes) are just part of me and would be almost impossible to forget after this many years. But this is not true for everyone. In my opinion, it really depends on how you learn best. Would you learn best from rereading massage textbooks, watching online videos, getting/experiencing a massage, or a combination of all of them?
Hi! I went to massage school in GA in 2009. I did not graduate from the program. I was however in my last term but my husband joined the Army and we had to move. Our state requires 500 hours to obtain licensure. I had close to 900 hours. Is graduating from the program a requirement?
It really can depend on the state. I knew of a Iowa instructor that had students come and complete 500 hours of their 600 hour program and then quit and took the MBLEx to qualify for an Illinois license.
So, I would contact the GA board. You will need to take a board exam, but you may not need to return to school.
Hello my name is Tiara and I went to west side tech in orlando fl in 2008-2009 graduated but never to my exam to get my license. So it’s been 10 years going on 11 is it still possible to take the testing required to get my license? And if so what’s the best way to prep for it I know things have change since then?
Yes! I see no reason why you could not take the exam. This website helps you prepare for the current MBLEx. The style of questions and content has changed a little. There is more of a focus on working through longer, clinic type questions. You can find subscriptions here – https://www.massageexamacadmy.com
If you are applying to Florida, you may need a 10 hour laws and rules course if you only took the 4 hour law course. You can find that and more information on getting a Florida license here – https://www.floridamassage.com/ceu/laws-rules-10-hour/
I live in illinois will this help. Its been since 2009 when i last did massage. Moved back from Phoenix to illinois just was to scared after failing the first time. I really want to do massage again. Can you help?
Check out the IL massage application to make sure you still have enough school hours for their minimum education. Then look at our subscriptions on http://www.massageexamacademy.com. I have seen people pass after failing and waiting many, many times.
Ivy
Hi Ivy, my name is Kimberly and the completed massage school in Texas back in 2002 but wasn’t able to take the State Board Exam due to medical issues. I now live in Colorado and would love to start my career over again. Will I need to go back to school or am I able to test out of classes and go straight to the Mblex?
Hi Kimberly!
How many hours was your program Texas in 2002?
Hi I completed my studies in 2016. I still want my license, besides studying how do I go about finding out where to start. I live in Texas.
2016 is not that long ago compared to most, really. I would just start with your subscription and figure out where your weaker spots are and prepare for your exam.
Hello Ivy, my name is Adrian. I graduated from MT school back on May 31st, 2012. I went into the test taking center to take my MBLEx exam with confidence a few weeks after my graduation. Unfortunetly, I failed my MBLEX exam by 5 points. At that time, I didn’t get discouraged. I rescheduled to take the MBLEx again 30 days after my 1st initial exam. Unfortunetly, I failed that exam by 5 points as well. After that, I put my love for massage on the back burner and stayed with doing my Certified Nurse Assistant career. Its been over 7 years since I last took the MBLEx exam. I have pick up a MBLEx study guide since then, but I had trouble with A&P and Kinesiology on the exam. I don’t want spend $5,840 for a MT program but If I have to I will so I can do what I truly love as a career. Can you help?
I think I can help. The one month program on http://www.massageexamacademy.com is $50 for one month, $75 for three, and $100 for six months. In your case, I would think three months would be sufficient.
I have students focus on their weak points first. There are lots of resources available for anatomy and kinesiology as they are the two most common struggles.
Look it over and let me know if you have questions.
Hello Ivy ! My name is Bonnie. I became a massage therapist back in 1993. I practiced for 20 years in California with a license. In 20I4 I stopped doing massage. After a while I had to let my license lapse. I did take a lot of classes and work for years doing a lot of massage for my living. I’m just wondering if it’s possible to transfer certifications from one state to another or would I have to recertify? or can I use my old certifications for licensing again? I now live in Oklahoma.
I must say that I am not an expert in licensing in every state. Oklahoma is one I rarely work with. And their website is rather confusing as the cosmetology board is where massage is regulated. And they have only regulated massage since 2017. From looking at their website, here is some information I found in their Act
https://www.ok.gov/cosmo/documents/2016-08-01_SB687.pdf
Some of the requirements are (vaguely):
Be over 18.
Show completion of a massage program over 500 hours.
Documentation of passing a massage therapy exam (I assume examples would be MBLEx, NCETMB….)
Have insurance
So that leaves some questions. I do not know how many hours you have with you CA license or if you took an exam, but my best suggestion is to call the board office in OK and ask them what they think. They should be able to tell you if you qualify. Licenses really do not transfer, you just need to find out if you qualify for a license in the state.
Hello Ivy this is Kimberly. I took and failed my MBLEX in June 2018! I still feel discouraged that I want to change careers this is the 2nd time I took the Mblex since I graduated in 2012… I know I can pass it. Its really stressful when you fail it but yet I know material.
Maybe if I try way hard this come around I may pass this year. So thinking of taking it again. So needing your help! 😭😭
Some people really struggle with the MBLEx, but if massage is something you want to do, I suggest you give it another try. The plan to pass on our website will always be here when you are ready to put together your plan.
Hi Ivy,
Is there any possible way to contact you and speak personally?
I have a very challenging situation, and would love support to move through a major block regarding the MBLEX.
Thank you!
Yes! You can email me at ivy@advancedmassagetechniques.com or call/text 3195604143. I am traveling for the next few days and may not answer calls right away, but I try to get all my email support taken care of, so that may be the best way to contact me right now.
I am a New York license massage therapist since 2004, When we took the board for New York there were study guides and bobs review class ( at Swedish institute) and the answers were pretty straight forward…no “trick questions”. the MBLEX is like a mystery . Not sure why they are trying to make is where there can be many answers that fit the question and most of all there seems to be little help to obtain information. I would like to get a license in Florida and conn as this was taking the state continuing ed and the nationals which do not exist any longer. Calling Florida board was just as much as a mystery as MBLEX information . Where do you sign up ..where are the testing sites (live in NYC practice in Westchester NY) ..how many times can you take exam …legit study guides and so on. Been massage therapist since 2004 and reading some of their questions seem so silly and I need a good refresher. What books really help …thank you
Hi Teresa, well this is a study website, so I hope you looked around to see what we offer. Having helped people with the NYS exam and the MBLEx – Yes they are different exams. Each has their flaws (NYS has a great deal of Eastern theory). I have designed simulations to match both exams.
The good news is that FL accepts the NYS exam as of last year. So no need for you to take the MBLEx if you are moving to Florida. Here is my other website for Florida (It is my other “specialty).
https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/florida-massage-license/endorsement-package/
Hi! Do you know by any chance, if i have to take mblx if i move to florida? I have a new jersey license.. thanks in advance!
Here is my other website with all of the information about getting a Florida license – https://www.advancedmassagetechniques.com/florida-massage-license/endorsement-package/
If you have not previously taken the MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, NESL, or NYS exam – you will need to take the MBLEx to get a Florida license.
I graduated from a 500 hour program in SC in 2001! I moved to CO right after and never took the test for licensing because CO didnt require it. Then life happened and I havent been practicing and now live in GA. Am I eligible to take the exam?
I don’t see a reason why you couldn’t. This is a common question and as long as you can show proof of your education, you should be able to sit for the exam.
Can I sit for my MLBEx if it’s been 10 years since I graduated school? I can’t find information anywhere
Hi Jennifer,
Most likely. Read the “Eligibility” section of this post again to see if there is anything that applies to you. Without knowing where you are located and the number of hours you took, it is impossible for me to guess. But I have people take the exam 10-15 years out of school at least a few times each week.
I put my massage career on hold after my graduating from massage therapy school. I failed the Mblex and got discouraged. The school I graduated from shut down, and now I’m afraid I won’t be able to re-test if my school is no longer recognized.
If it makes you feel better, I have not heard of this being a problem for others. Which state are you in? Have you called the massage board to talk to them about your concerns?
I am in the same boat and cmatc approved me via a special letter.
Even though CA doesn’t need it at this moment I have sent my transcripts in and proof that my school was approved and in good standing all the way up until the end of 2018 and they still won’t let me take it please anyone who can help?
I have gotten discouraged numerous times. My school of choice presents rather disorganized. There is a particular job opening, i truly am considering. What they are requesting which is basic, i was never taught in school. Youtube guided me to conduct the massage i do, chair massage as well as table. I have never done a side lying or prenatal. Money will have to be spent to take courses for such.
I show up each day to make up hours, which accurred secondarily to live happens 500 min florida hours. Theses school are seeking greater hours, few including the one i attend don’t instruct cupping, hot rock, manipulation of any sort. There were persons’ going to school night and day to acquire hours. Now the school states the state says that can no longer occur really.
Since i am pass the min hours state required, could i sit for the Mblex, and then continue to sit in the class daily to make up hours. Disappointed truly.
You can always learn techniques after graduating. That is what continuing education is for ;). The 500 hours is meant to be entry level and just introduce you to a few techniques. Enjoy your classes!
I graduated massage school in 2015 took the MBLEX in April 2016 and failed. I have not gone back to take it but I am currently looking for something that is like a refresher course in the areas of massage. Do you have any info on where or what would be a good refresher course or something I can do online or at home?
Local schools would be the best place to check for a live course. However, I feel that you would be a great candidate for using the program on this website. That way you can pinpoint your weaker areas first and focus on those.
Hello Ivy, my name is Wilmer. I graduated from Florida College Of Natural Health in October 2011 but I did not take the Mblex. Live hopened and at the time I was dealing with my PTSD from the US Army. Most people loved my massages and techniques. Now in 2018 I have decided finally to take the Mblex but sometimes i do get discouraged, although I have no excuses not to pass it because my wife keeps motivating me and I have a 2017 version of an Mblex book, I have an Anatomy 3d App on my phone plus another Muscle App and a Mblex Practice Test App that I have bought to study. But I still get discouraged I feel like I have to learn everything once again :(. Thank you for this post by the way. What do you think?
Welcome back, Wilmer! I see people get discouraged a lot. It is normal. But sometimes slow and steady practice wins the race. Keep looking for progress in your scores and work on the problems areas first. That is the best advice I give people that use my program on here.