✓ TradeExamPro

TradeExamPro › Beauty & Barber

MBLEx Practice Test: Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam

Anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology and contraindications, benefits of techniques, client assessment, ethics and professional practice.

167 questions · 7 topics · free, no sign-up

Mixed practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

Timed mock exam

50 questions in 60 minutes, drawn from every topic. No answers shown until the end, then a score, your weakest topics and a review of what you missed.

Practise by topic

Sample questions

Which bone cell breaks down bone tissue during remodeling?

  1. Osteoblast
  2. Osteocyte
  3. Chondrocyte
  4. Osteoclast
Show the answer

D. Osteoclast

Osteoclasts resorb (break down) bone. Osteoblasts are the easy mix-up: they build new bone matrix. Osteocytes are mature cells that maintain bone, and chondrocytes are cartilage cells.

Reference: MBLEx content outline: Anatomy and Physiology; skeletal system, bone remodeling

The therapist notes 'left upper trapezius hypertonic on palpation; cervical rotation left limited to about 45 degrees.' Which SOAP section is this?

  1. Subjective
  2. Plan
  3. Objective
  4. Assessment
Show the answer

C. Objective

Findings the therapist observes or measures, such as palpation, posture and range of motion, go under Objective. Assessment is tempting because of the word, but in a SOAP note it records the response to treatment and the therapist's summary.

Reference: MBLEx content outline: Client Assessment, Reassessment and Treatment Planning; documentation, SOAP notes

A client with knee pain asks, 'Do you think I tore my meniscus?' What is the appropriate response?

  1. Palpate the knee and tell the client what is probably torn
  2. Tell the client it is likely just a tight muscle near the knee joint
  3. Recommend a knee brace and an anti-inflammatory drug
  4. Explain that therapists cannot diagnose and suggest a physician
Show the answer

D. Explain that therapists cannot diagnose and suggest a physician

Diagnosing an injury and recommending medication are outside the massage scope of practice; the therapist shares what was observed and refers. Reassuring the client that it is 'just a tight muscle' is still a diagnosis.

Reference: MBLEx content outline: Ethics, Boundaries, Laws and Regulations; scope of practice

In which plane do abduction and adduction of the shoulder take place?

  1. Frontal plane
  2. Median plane
  3. Transverse plane
  4. Sagittal plane
Show the answer

A. Frontal plane

Abduction and adduction move the limb away from and toward the midline, which happens in the frontal (coronal) plane. Flexion and extension are the movements of the sagittal plane.

Reference: MBLEx content outline: Kinesiology; planes and axes

A client arrives with a temperature of 101.5 F, chills and body aches. What should the therapist do?

  1. Apply heat packs first, then massage normally
  2. Reschedule; massage is contraindicated today
  3. Limit the session to the back and shoulders
  4. Give a lighter full-body relaxation massage
Show the answer

B. Reschedule; massage is contraindicated today

Fever signals a systemic infection, which is a general contraindication: massage can stress the client further and expose the therapist and other clients. A lighter session is tempting but is still circulatory work on a sick person.

Reference: MBLEx content outline: Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations; contraindications, acute infection

Exams this helps with

ExamWho runs itWhere
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination readyFSMTBUnited States

Tell us what to improve · More beauty & barber practice