2025 Edition

Massage Practice Test

This free massage practice test will give you an idea of the types of massage questions and sections on the actual MBLEx or BCETMB massage exams.

For actual exam preparation, check out our full length practice tests written by Donovan Monroe, LMT and Massage Instructor:
MBLEx Practice Test - 875 questions with fully explained answers, instant grading and review.
BCETMB Practice Test - 725 questions with fully explained answers, instant grading and review.

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Anatomy and Physiology

1.	Which system is responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells of the body and assisting in the removal of waste from the cells of the body?
		a. Circulatory
		b. Lymphatic
		c. Respiratory
		d. Digestive
a. Erythrocytes or red blood cells in the circulatory system carry oxygen (and nutrients) to the cells of the body and transport waste from cells to be processed by other body systems. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

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2.	Synarthrosis, amphiarthrosis and diarthrosis refers to _______________.
		a. cellular functions
		b. joint movements
		c. nervous system functions
		d. digestive function
b - All three are classifications of joint movements. An example of a synarthrosis joint is the skull sutures which permit little to no mobility. An example of amphiarthrosis joint is the cartilage of the vertebra which permits slight mobility. Examples of the diarthrosis joint are the shoulders, hips and knees which permit a wide range of movements. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Kinesiology

3.	What is the name of the movement that allows a person to stand on their toes?
		a. Plantar flexion
		b. Dorsiflexion
		c. Inversion
		d. Eversion
a - Plantar flexion is the movement that increases the angle between the shin and the superior surface of the foot which allows a person to stand on their toes. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

4.	Protraction of the scapula brings the medial border of the scapula closer to the spine.
		True
		False
False - Protraction of the scapula expands the space between the spine and the medial border of the scapula. The action for bringing the scapula closer to the spine is retraction. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Pathology and Contraindications

5.	A person who is complaining of feeling cranky and nervous, having frequent headaches, sleeping trouble, shaking or trembling, tingly or numbness in skin and unclear thinking could be suffering from which of the following conditions?
		a. Hyperglycemic
		b. Hypoglycemic
		c. Depression
		d. ADHD
b - All of the symptoms above are issues relating to hypoglycemia or decreased levels of blood sugar. Hypoglycemia occurs when your body's sugar (glucose) is used up too quickly, when too little glucose is released into the blood system or when too much insulin is released due to excessive sugar intake via food or drink. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

6.	What is a scientific benefit of aromatherapy in relation to allopathic medicine?
		a. Relaxation
		b. Energizing
		c. Antimicrobial
		d. Pain relief
c - Aromatherapy uses plant based essential oils for the treatment of various conditions. Many of the oils possess antimicrobial properties and have been incorporated into western medical treatments to fight against infections and disease. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Client Assessment

7.	A client has recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which of the following symptoms would you expect to notice about the client?
		a. Nervousness
		b. Fatigue and dullness
		c. Weight gain
		d. Sensitivity to cold
a - Nervousness, a racing heart, trembling hands and anxiety are all common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormones which speed up chemical processes and metabolism within the body. The other answers are symptoms of hypothyroidism. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

8.	A regular client has recently complained of pain in the arches of their feet. Which of the following healthcare providers should you refer your client to?
		a. Physical Therapist
		b. Chiropractor
		c. Orthopedist
		d. Podiatrist
d - A Podiatrist is a doctor devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect the foot, ankle and lower leg. Practitioners of podiatry may focus on varying specialties within the field including primary care, orthopedics, biomechanics, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine and surgery. Having an understanding of the different branches of medical providers will increase your effectiveness with your clients and allow for a better network of practitioners. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Physiological Effects of Massage

9.	How much time is generally needed of sustained touch to engage the parasympathetic nervous system?
		a. 2 minutes
		b. 8-10 minutes
		c. 15 minutes
		d. 30 minutes
c - Touch can initially trigger the sympathetic nervous system. However, after a sustained period of 15 minutes, the parasympathetic nervous system engages. Once this engagement occurs, the release of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins and a decrease in cortisol will aid and assist in the healing process of massage. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

10.	Which of the following anatomy does craniosacral therapy directly affect?
		a. Digestion
		b. Cerebrospinal fluid
		c. Lymph
		d. Interstitial fluid
b - The craniosacral system consists of the skull, vertebrae, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. The purpose of craniosacral therapy is to rebalance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to restore sensory, motor and intellectual function. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Ethics, Boundaries, Rules and Regulations

11.	What do boundaries clarify?
		a. Our needs and desires
		b. Our need to protect ourselves
		c. Our need to protect our clients
		d. Our personal limits and expectations
d - Having clear boundaries will assist the massage therapist in knowing when a personal limit has been reached and what can be expected from the therapist and the client within a professional relationship. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Anatomy and Physiology

12.	A potential client calls to make an appointment for a massage. You notice that they are slurring their words and having difficulty speaking in complete sentences. They claim they were in an auto accident yesterday but declined medical attention. They awoke this morning feeling very sore and achy as well as having a pounding headache. They insist they need a massage. What is the appropriate plan of action for the massage therapist?
		a. Book the appointment immediately
		b. Book them within next week
		c. Refer to another therapist
		d. Immediately refer them to a doctor
d - A person who has been in an auto accident could have any number of injuries including shock. For the safety of the client and your protection as a therapist, the best recommendation is to refer the client for a medical evaluation before any treatment is considered. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Physiological Effects of Massage

13.	Which of the following anatomy does craniosacral therapy directly affect?
		a. Digestion
		b. Cerebrospinal fluid
		c. Lymph
		d. Interstitial fluid
b - The craniosacral system consists of the skull, vertebrae, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. The purpose of craniosacral therapy is to rebalance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to restore sensory, motor and intellectual function. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Ethics, Boundaries, Rules and Regulations

14.	What do boundaries clarify?
		a. Our needs and desires
		b. Our need to protect ourselves
		c. Our need to protect our clients
		d. Our personal limits and expectations
d - Having clear boundaries will assist the massage therapist in knowing when a personal limit has been reached and what can be expected from the therapist and the client within a professional relationship. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

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15.	A potential client calls to make an appointment for a massage. You notice that they are slurring their words and having difficulty speaking in complete sentences. They claim they were in an auto accident yesterday but declined medical attention. They awoke this morning feeling very sore and achy as well as having a pounding headache. They insist they need a massage. What is the appropriate plan of action for the massage therapist?
		a. Book the appointment immediately
		b. Book them within next week
		c. Refer to another therapist
		d. Immediately refer them to a doctor
d - A person who has been in an auto accident could have any number of injuries including shock. For the safety of the client and your protection as a therapist, the best recommendation is to refer the client for a medical evaluation before any treatment is considered. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Guidelines for Professional Practice

16.	Within the therapeutic relationship with a client, what is the primary focus?
		a. Developing a friendship with the client
		b. Creating a sense of community with the client
		c. The well being of the client
		d. Being the best massage therapist ever
c - The goal within the therapeutic relationship is the health and well being of the client. The other answers are not aspects of the therapeutic relationship. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

17.	A client states that you remind them of their mother. What is this is an example of?
		a. Countertransference
		b. Instability
		c. Transference
		d. Transience
c - Transference is a psychological phenomenon in which a person unconsciously redirects their feelings about one person onto another. This often occurs with people transferring feelings about their parents onto figures they perceive to be in an authority role. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Massage History and Culture

18.	From which of the following civilizations is massage therapy said to originate?
		a. Chinese
		b. Japanese
		c. Indians
		d. Greeks
a - Although there are differences in opinion to the true origin of massage therapy, the popular belief and correct answer is the Chinese. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

19.	Polarity therapy is associated with which of the following categories?
		a. Medical massage
		b. General relaxation massage
		c. Sports massage
		d. Energy massage
d - The basic theory of polarity therapy is based upon the foundation that good health begins with balancing the three human energy fields. The fields are long line currents, transverse currents and spiral currents. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

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