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Virginia Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-VA · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Temporary Massage Therapist License for an Otherwise Qualified Foreign National

Temporary license under section 54.1-116(B), for up to 90 days when an otherwise qualified foreign national cannot provide a social security or DMV control number.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Nursing · Application information

Temporary licensure pending an identifying number
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Duration
The Board may issue a temporary license for no longer than 90 days.
Education
Complete at least 500 hours in a massage therapy educational program certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or the specified educational-program authority in another U.S. jurisdiction. Official transcript must be sent directly by the school or official record keeper and show completion.
Foreign national
Be an otherwise qualified foreign national unable to supply a social security number or Virginia DMV control number at application.
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Underlying qualification
All applicable substantive qualifications must otherwise be met. Foreign education is evaluated under section 54.1-3029(D). If the applicant qualifies by prior-license recognition, examination waiver under section 54.1-3029(C) is a Board decision; the temporary identifying-number exception itself waives no examination.

Licensed Massage Therapist

Ordinary Virginia massage therapist license. The separately enacted Interstate Massage Compact is contingent on commencement and the first-party Virginia compact page says it will become active after seven enactments; no current multistate issuance route is asserted from that prospective enactment.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Nursing · Application information

Licensure by endorsement from another U.S. jurisdiction

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Board waiver
Section 54.1-3029(C) permits the Board to license a previously licensed applicant without examination when it considers Virginia requirements met. This permission does not erase the examination and score requirements in the Board's endorsement instructions.
Education
Complete at least 500 hours in a massage therapy educational program certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or the specified educational-program authority in another U.S. jurisdiction. Official transcript must be sent directly by the school or official record keeper and show completion.
Examination score delivery
The Board requires official examination results directly from the examination organization. Passage of the currently offered MBLEx remains a leaf even if achieved before applying.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Prior discontinued scores
The endorsement checklist also accepts previous NCETM or NCETMB scores. These are conditions only: FSMTB reports that NCBTMB ceased offering examinations for state licensure eligibility effective February 1, 2015. The current BCETMB is not substituted for those discontinued examinations.
Prior licensure
Licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction whose requirements are substantially equivalent to 18VAC90-50-40; in good standing or eligible for reinstatement if the license has lapsed.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Verification
Obtain official verification from every jurisdiction in which the applicant has been licensed, certified, or registered. The Board obtains available primary-source online verifications; otherwise the issuing authority sends them directly.
Expedited licensure for a qualifying military spouse

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Board waiver
Section 54.1-3029(C) permits the Board to license a previously licensed applicant without examination when it considers Virginia requirements met. This permission does not erase the examination and score requirements in the Board's endorsement instructions.
Education
Complete at least 500 hours in a massage therapy educational program certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or the specified educational-program authority in another U.S. jurisdiction. Official transcript must be sent directly by the school or official record keeper and show completion.
Examination score delivery
The Board requires official examination results directly from the examination organization. Passage of the currently offered MBLEx remains a leaf even if achieved before applying.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Military spouse
Hold the same or a similar license from another jurisdiction; accompany a spouse on federal active-duty orders or a veteran who left active-duty service within one year of application to Virginia, an adjoining state, or the District of Columbia. The Board must deem the application complete and assess substantial equivalency; it may waive an experience requirement.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Prior discontinued scores
The endorsement checklist also accepts previous NCETM or NCETMB scores. These are conditions only: FSMTB reports that NCBTMB ceased offering examinations for state licensure eligibility effective February 1, 2015. The current BCETMB is not substituted for those discontinued examinations.
Prior licensure
Licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction whose requirements are substantially equivalent to 18VAC90-50-40; in good standing or eligible for reinstatement if the license has lapsed.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Verification
Obtain official verification from every jurisdiction in which the applicant has been licensed, certified, or registered. The Board obtains available primary-source online verifications; otherwise the issuing authority sends them directly.
Board discretionary licensure of an applicant licensed in another country
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Board discretion
The Board may grant licensure without examination under section 54.1-3029(C). The identified FSMTB examination is retained as the current qualification examination; whether it is waived for this applicant is a condition. Another country's licensing examination is not a Virginia route leaf.
Contact board
The initial-licensure checklist directs applicants educated outside the United States who lack a license in a U.S. jurisdiction to contact the Board before filing.
Education
Complete a foreign massage therapy educational program comparable to Virginia requirements. Submit comparability and equivalency evidence from an agency evaluating credentials earned outside the United States.
English licensing exam
Submit satisfactory evidence of completing the English version of the FSMTB licensing examination or a comparable examination deemed acceptable by the Board.
English proficiency
Pass a Board-approved English language proficiency examination; it is an applicant condition, not a massage-licensing examination leaf.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Prior foreign license
Hold a massage therapist license in another country. Section 54.1-3029(C) permits recognition only when, in the Board's opinion, Virginia requirements are met. The U.S.-jurisdiction endorsement rule does not promise automatic acceptance of a foreign license.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Initial licensure following an approved U.S. educational program
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Education
Complete at least 500 hours in a massage therapy educational program certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or the specified educational-program authority in another U.S. jurisdiction. Official transcript must be sent directly by the school or official record keeper and show completion.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Initial licensure following a foreign educational program
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Contact board
The initial-licensure checklist directs applicants educated outside the United States who lack a license in a U.S. jurisdiction to contact the Board before filing.
Education
Complete a foreign massage therapy educational program comparable to Virginia requirements. Submit comparability and equivalency evidence from an agency evaluating credentials earned outside the United States.
English licensing exam
Submit satisfactory evidence of completing the English version of the FSMTB licensing examination or a comparable examination deemed acceptable by the Board.
English proficiency
Pass a Board-approved English language proficiency examination; it is an applicant condition, not a massage-licensing examination leaf.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Initial licensure with substantially equivalent military training or education
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Education
Complete at least 500 hours in a massage therapy educational program certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or the specified educational-program authority in another U.S. jurisdiction. Official transcript must be sent directly by the school or official record keeper and show completion.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Military eligibility
Honorably discharged from active military service as defined in section 54.1-118. The Board accepts equivalent military training, education, or experience and credits any equivalent portion; it may require supporting documentation. Remaining Virginia licensure requirements still apply.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Reinstatement within one renewal period after lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board evidence
The Board may require evidence that the applicant is prepared to resume competent practice.
Competency
Attest to completion of continuing competency requirements for that period.
Fees
Pay the current renewal fee and late renewal fee.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Practice
Do not practice massage therapy or use the protected title while the Virginia license is lapsed.
Prior license
Virginia license has lapsed for no more than one renewal period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after more than one renewal period of lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the reinstatement application and pay the reinstatement fee.
Background check
Complete the required criminal history background check.
Board evidence
The Board may request additional evidence of readiness to resume competent practice.
Competency
Attest to and provide evidence of the continuing competency requirements for the period of lapse, not exceeding four years.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Prior exam history
The application requests the title and date of the examination previously passed, including MBLEx or NCETM/NCETMB taken before February 1, 2015. This is a historical-license information field; the controlling 18VAC90-50-80(B) reinstatement requirement is continuing competency, rather than a new passing-score requirement.
Prior license
Virginia license has lapsed for more than one renewal period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bias reduction training
Section 54.1-3011(B) requires any Board licensee to complete bias reduction training as required by section 54.1-2928.4. Board-designated continuing-learning subjects may account for up to two renewal hours and must be announced on the statutory schedule.
Continuing competency
Hold current NCBTMB certification or complete at least 24 hours of continuing education or learning activities, including at least one hour of professional ethics. At least 12 hours must be from providers specified in 18VAC90-50-75(A); no more than 12 may be the specified independent learning activities. NCBTMB certification is a credential condition, not a state statement requiring the BCETMB examination.
Documentation
Retain supporting competency records for four years following renewal and respond within 30 days if selected for audit.
Extension or exemption
The Board may extend the competency deadline up to one year for good cause upon a timely written request, or exempt requirements for circumstances beyond the licensee's control.
First renewal
The first biennial renewal following initial Virginia licensure is exempt from continuing competency requirements.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Military deployment
Section 54.1-117 extends an eligible Virginia citizen's license while serving outside the United States in the armed services or diplomatic service and for 60 days thereafter, with a maximum extension of five years; the accompanying military spouse is also covered.
Schedule
Renew biennially by the last day of the birth month in a year matching the parity of the licensee's birth year. Submit the renewal form and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Covered license recognition under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit military orders, the marriage certificate for a spouse, and a notarized affidavit addressing identity, truthful and complete statements, understanding and compliance with Virginia license requirements and scope of practice, and good standing in all current or former licensing jurisdictions. Contact the Board using the DHP SCRA licensing pathway.
Background check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check before recognizing or issuing the license.
Compact exception
The federal section does not apply to an applicant operating under a covered interstate-compact license; the compact or applicable state law controls.
Covered license
Hold a professional license in good standing, without revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, or voluntary surrender while under such investigation.
Military relocation
A servicemember or spouse relocates residence because of military orders for service in Virginia.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Massage Therapist License for a Military Spouse

Temporary license under section 54.1-119(B), pending substantial-equivalency review or completion of Virginia-specific requirements, for up to 12 months.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Nursing · Application information

Temporary licensure during military spouse equivalency review

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Board decision
The applicant may complete remaining examination qualifications during temporary practice; passage timing and any authorized waiver are conditions.
Board waiver
Section 54.1-3029(C) permits the Board to license a previously licensed applicant without examination when it considers Virginia requirements met. This permission does not erase the examination and score requirements in the Board's endorsement instructions.
Delay
The Board cannot complete documentation review or a final substantial-equivalency determination within 20 days after receipt of a complete application.
Duration
Not exceeding 12 months, while the Board reviews documents or the applicant completes Virginia-specific requirements.
Education
Complete at least 500 hours in a massage therapy educational program certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or the specified educational-program authority in another U.S. jurisdiction. Official transcript must be sent directly by the school or official record keeper and show completion.
Examination score delivery
The Board requires official examination results directly from the examination organization. Passage of the currently offered MBLEx remains a leaf even if achieved before applying.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Military spouse
Meet section 54.1-119(A), including a same or similar license, qualifying spouse military status, relocation, and a complete application.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Prior discontinued scores
The endorsement checklist also accepts previous NCETM or NCETMB scores. These are conditions only: FSMTB reports that NCBTMB ceased offering examinations for state licensure eligibility effective February 1, 2015. The current BCETMB is not substituted for those discontinued examinations.
Prior licensure
Licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction whose requirements are substantially equivalent to 18VAC90-50-40; in good standing or eligible for reinstatement if the license has lapsed.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Verification
Obtain official verification from every jurisdiction in which the applicant has been licensed, certified, or registered. The Board obtains available primary-source online verifications; otherwise the issuing authority sends them directly.

Provisional License to Practice Massage Therapy

One nonrenewable provisional authorization for up to 90 days while awaiting the licensing examination.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Nursing · Application information

Provisional practice pending the licensing examination
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Duration
Only one period, not exceeding 90 days; no renewal.
Education
Complete at least 500 hours in a massage therapy educational program certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or the specified educational-program authority in another U.S. jurisdiction. Official transcript must be sent directly by the school or official record keeper and show completion.
Eligibility
File a completed Virginia licensure application and complete the applicable education requirements; obtain written Board authorization while waiting to take the licensing examination.
Examination failure
Failure withdraws provisional licensure on receipt of results; full licensure is unavailable until the licensing examination is passed.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Title
Do not use the designation massage therapist or licensed massage therapist during provisional licensure.
Provisional practice pending the licensing examination after foreign education
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit a completed application and the required application fee. Initial and endorsement applications are accepted online.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and identifying information for state and FBI criminal history review; the applicant bears the cost.
Contact board
The initial-licensure checklist directs applicants educated outside the United States who lack a license in a U.S. jurisdiction to contact the Board before filing.
Duration
Only one period, not exceeding 90 days; no renewal.
Education
Complete a foreign massage therapy educational program comparable to Virginia requirements. Submit comparability and equivalency evidence from an agency evaluating credentials earned outside the United States.
Eligibility
File a completed Virginia licensure application and complete the applicable education requirements; obtain written Board authorization while waiting to take the licensing examination.
English licensing exam
Submit satisfactory evidence of completing the English version of the FSMTB licensing examination or a comparable examination deemed acceptable by the Board.
English proficiency
Pass a Board-approved English language proficiency examination; it is an applicant condition, not a massage-licensing examination leaf.
Examination failure
Failure withdraws provisional licensure on receipt of results; full licensure is unavailable until the licensing examination is passed.
Identifying number
Provide a social security number or Virginia DMV control number under section 54.1-116(A). An otherwise qualified foreign national who cannot provide one may seek the separate temporary license under section 54.1-116(B).
Law and ethics attestation
Attest that the applicant has read and will comply with the laws, regulations, and professional code of ethics relating to massage therapy. This attestation is an applicant condition; 18VAC90-50-40(B) does not establish an examination.
Open approved alternative
Section 54.1-3029(A)(3) and 18VAC90-50-40(A)(3) also permit an examination deemed acceptable to the Board. That unidentified remainder is a condition, not an invented examination.
Professional conduct
No acts or omissions constituting grounds for denial or discipline under Chapter 30 and 18VAC90-50-90. Supply applicable conviction, court, disciplinary, and name-change documents.
Title
Do not use the designation massage therapist or licensed massage therapist during provisional licensure.

Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination

Provider
Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards; administered at Pearson VUE (Pearson Professional Centers) test centers
Format
Computer-based, fixed-length computer-adaptive test (CAT) of multiple-choice questions, each with one correct answer; offered in English and Spanish and administered year-round; results reported as PASS or FAIL, with a diagnostic report by content area for failing candidates
Exam questions
100 multiple-choice questions
Time limit
110 minutes for 100 questions within a two-hour (120-minute) appointment
Passing score
Criterion-referenced passing standard adopted by the FSMTB Board of Directors; results reported as PASS or FAIL
Exam fee
$265 MBLEx application fee
Examination outline
  • Anatomy & Physiology (11%)
    • A. System structure — Cardiovascular
    • A. System structure — Digestive
    • A. System structure — Endocrine
    • A. System structure — Integumentary
    • A. System structure — Lymphatic & Immune
    • A. System structure — Musculoskeletal
    • A. System structure — Nervous
    • A. System structure — Reproduction
    • A. System structure — Respiratory
    • A. System structure — Sensory
    • A. System structure — Urinary
    • B. System function — Cardiovascular
    • B. System function — Digestion
    • B. System function — Endocrine
    • B. System function — Integumentary
    • B. System function — Lymphatic & Immune
    • B. System function — Musculoskeletal
    • B. System function — Nervous
    • B. System function — Reproduction
    • B. System function — Respiratory
    • B. System function — Sensory
    • B. System function — Urinary
    • C. Tissue injury and repair
    • D. Concepts of energetic anatomy
  • Kinesiology (12%)
    • A. Skeletal muscle components & characteristics
    • B. Concepts of skeletal muscle contractions
    • C. Proprioceptors
    • D. Skeletal muscle locations, attachments (origins, insertions), & actions
    • E. Joint structure and function
    • F. Range of motion — Active
    • F. Range of motion — Passive
    • F. Range of motion — Resisted
  • Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations (14%)
    • A. Overview of Pathologies
    • B. Contraindications — Site specific
    • B. Contraindications — Pathology related
    • B. Contraindications — Special populations
    • B. Contraindications — Tools
    • B. Contraindications — Special applications
    • C. Areas of caution
    • D. Special populations
    • E. Classes of medications
  • Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation (15%)
    • A. Physiological effects of soft tissue manipulation
    • B. Psychological effects of soft tissue manipulation
    • C. Effects of soft tissue manipulation for specific client populations
    • D. Soft tissue techniques — Types of strokes
    • D. Soft tissue techniques — Sequence of application
    • E. Hot/cold applications
    • F. Overview of massage/bodywork modalities
  • Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning (17%)
    • A. Organization of a massage/bodywork session
    • B. Client consultation and evaluation — Verbal intake
    • B. Client consultation and evaluation — Health history form
    • C. Written data collection
    • D. Visual assessment — General
    • D. Visual assessment — Postural
    • D. Visual assessment — Gait
    • E. Palpation assessment
    • F. Range of motion assessment
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Ability to rule out contraindications
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Client treatment goal setting
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Evaluation of response to previous treatment
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Formulation of treatment strategy
  • Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations (16%)
    • A. Ethical behavior
    • B. Professional boundaries
    • C. Code of ethics violations
    • D. The therapeutic relationship
    • E. Dual relationships
    • F. Sexual misconduct
    • G. Massage/bodywork-related laws and regulations
    • H. Scope of practice
    • I. Professional communication
    • J. Confidentiality
    • K. Principles
  • Guidelines for Professional Practice (15%)
    • A. Proper and safe use of equipment and supplies
    • B. Practitioner hygiene
    • C. Sanitation and cleanliness
    • D. Safety practices — Facilities
    • D. Safety practices — Practitioner safety
    • D. Safety practices — Client safety
    • E. Practitioner care — Body mechanics
    • E. Practitioner care — Personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • E. Practitioner care — Self-care
    • E. Practitioner care — Injury prevention
    • F. Draping — Safe and appropriate
    • F. Draping — Communication
    • G. Business Practices — Business planning
    • G. Business Practices — Strategic planning
    • G. Business Practices — Office management
    • G. Business Practices — Marketing
    • G. Business Practices — Hiring/Interviewing
    • G. Business Practices — Documentation & Records — Client records
    • G. Business Practices — Documentation & Records — Business records
    • H. Healthcare and business terminology
Examination sources