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Free Board Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Board Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1A client with fibromyalgia wants massage to help with her pain, anxiety, and low mood. Applying the research summarized by NCCIH, which care plan best reflects that evidence?

    1. A. A single session, then reassessment six months later
    2. B. Daily sessions for one week, then no further sessions
    3. C. A course of massage continued for at least five weeks
    4. D. Two weeks of sessions, since benefits appear in days

    Answer: C

    Explanation: NCCIH reports that a 2014 evaluation concluded that "massage therapy, if continued for at least 5 weeks, improved pain, anxiety, and depression in people with fibromyalgia but did not have an effect on sleep disturbance." A single session, one week, or two weeks falls short of the duration associated with benefit in that evidence.

    Reference: NCCIH Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know — Section: Can massage be helpful for fibromyalgia symptoms?

  2. 2During a Swedish session, a therapist works the client's upper trapezius with a kneading motion, using the fingers and thumbs in a circular pattern. According to the VA Whole Health Library's description of the basic Swedish techniques, which technique is this?

    1. A. Effleurage
    2. B. Tapotement
    3. C. Petrissage
    4. D. Friction

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The VA Whole Health Library describes petrissage as "a kneading motion, done with the fingers and thumbs in a circular pattern". Effleurage is "stroking with various degrees of pressure", tapotement is rhythmic tapping or slapping, and friction uses the palm, forearm, heel of the hand, or elbows to roll, ring, and compress tissue.

    Reference: VA Whole Health Library: Massage — Section on types of massage therapy, Swedish massage techniques

  3. 3Red bone marrow forms red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. According to NCI's SEER training modules, where is red marrow found in adults?

    1. A. In the medullary cavity of every long bone in the limbs
    2. B. In the spongy bone of the skull, ribs, sternum, clavicles, vertebrae, and pelvis
    3. C. In the compact bone of the femur, tibia, and humerus shafts
    4. D. Only in the small bones of the wrists and ankles

    Answer: B

    Explanation: SEER states that red marrow is found in the bone cavities of infants but, with age, is largely replaced by yellow marrow, and that "In adults, red marrow is limited to the spongy bone in the skull, ribs, sternum, clavicles, vertebrae and pelvis." Long bone cavities in adults hold mostly yellow marrow, and compact bone shafts and short bones are not the sites SEER lists.

    Reference: SEER Training Modules: Introduction to the Skeletal System — Skeletal system introduction, functions of bones: blood cell formation

  4. 4A Board Certified massage therapist legally changes her last name and moves her practice to a new address. Under NCBTMB Standard I(v), within what period must she inform NCBTMB of these changes to her certification information?

    1. A. Within 30 days of the changes
    2. B. Within 90 days of the changes
    3. C. Within 60 days of the changes
    4. D. Within 45 days of the changes

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Standard I(v) requires the certificant to "inform NCBTMB of any changes or additions to information included in his/her application for NCBTMB certification or renewal within sixty (60) days of such changes or additions". Thirty days is the deadline for the Standard II reporting duties, 90 days is the exam eligibility window, and 45 days is the waiting period before retaking a failed exam.

    Reference: NCBTMB Board Certification Candidate Handbook — Standards of Practice — Standards of Practice, Standard I: Professionalism, Standard I(v), handbook p.26

  5. 5A state legislature adopts the FSMTB Model Massage Therapy Practice Act definition of massage therapy, and a licensee wants to add stretching to client sessions. Under Section 104 of the model act, which description of stretching falls within the practice of massage therapy?

    1. A. Active or passive stretching kept within the body's normal anatomical range of movement
    2. B. Passive stretching only, with active stretching reserved for a physician's written order
    3. C. Stretching that moves a joint past its normal range once the client gives written consent
    4. D. Assisted stretching only when it is combined with a hot or cold application to the area

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Section 104(A)(3) of the model act lists "Active or passive stretching of the body within the normal anatomical range of movement" as part of the practice of massage therapy. The act does not limit stretching to passive methods or require a physician's order, hot or cold applications are a separate item in Section 104(A)(6) rather than a precondition for stretching, and client consent does not extend the scope beyond the normal anatomical range.

    Reference: FSMTB Model Massage Therapy Practice Act — Article I, Section 104(A)(3), Practice of Massage Therapy

  6. 6A client with chronic neck pain asks what results to expect from a series of massage sessions. Based on the research summarized by NCCIH, which plan and expectation is evidence-informed?

    1. A. One deep session, since relief from it lasts for many months
    2. B. Short sessions at any interval, since dose does not matter
    3. C. Any schedule at all, since evidence shows permanent relief
    4. D. Long and frequent enough sessions, with short-term relief

    Answer: D

    Explanation: NCCIH reports that a 2016 review found that "massage could provide short-term relief of neck pain if massage sessions were long enough and frequent enough." The evidence therefore ties benefit to session length and frequency and describes the relief as short-term, not permanent.

    Reference: NCCIH Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know — Section: Neck and Shoulder Pain

  7. 7A therapist finishes a pre-event sports session with tapotement on the client's thighs. According to the VA Whole Health Library's description of this Swedish technique, what is tapotement done to accomplish?

    1. A. To glide lubricant smoothly over large areas of skin
    2. B. To stimulate deep tissues with rhythmic, vigorous tapping
    3. C. To roll, ring, and compress tissue with the forearm
    4. D. To press and hold specific points along the body

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The VA Whole Health Library describes tapotement as "rhythmic, vigorous tapping or slapping done to stimulate deep tissues". Gliding strokes describe effleurage, rolling and compressing with the forearm describes friction, and pressing and holding points describes shiatsu.

    Reference: VA Whole Health Library: Massage — Section on types of massage therapy, Swedish massage techniques

  8. 8A client with osteoporosis asks how bone is broken down and rebuilt. According to NCI's SEER training modules, which bone cells resorb, or break down, bone?

    1. A. Osteoblasts
    2. B. Osteocytes
    3. C. Osteoclasts
    4. D. Chondrocytes

    Answer: C

    Explanation: SEER states: "Osteoblasts are bone-forming cell, osteoclasts resorb or break down bone, and osteocytes are mature bone cells." An equilibrium between osteoblasts and osteoclasts maintains bone tissue. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells, not one of the three bone cell types SEER describes.

    Reference: SEER Training Modules: Structure of Bone Tissue — Structure of Bone Tissue, bone cell types

  9. 9A Board Certified therapist takes a prescribed dose of a prescription medication that her physician confirms does not impair her. Under NCBTMB Standard V(g), may she continue to see clients while taking it?

    1. A. No; she may not practice until she stops taking the medication
    2. B. Yes; a prescribed dose that does not impair her is an exception
    3. C. Yes; but only after she notifies each client of the medication
    4. D. Yes; but only after filing written medical clearance with NCBTMB

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Standard V(g) requires the certificant to "refrain from practicing under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances (with the exception of a prescribed dosage of prescription medication which does not impair the Certificant)". The standard itself contains the exception, so it does not require stopping the medication, notifying clients, or filing clearance with NCBTMB.

    Reference: NCBTMB Board Certification Candidate Handbook — Standards of Practice — Standards of Practice, Standard V: Roles & Boundaries, Standard V(g), handbook p.28

  10. 10Under Section 106 of the FSMTB Model Massage Therapy Practice Act, which designation must a massage therapist licensed under the Act use to identify that licensure?

    1. A. The acronym CMT
    2. B. The acronym BCTMB
    3. C. The acronym LMT
    4. D. The acronym LMP

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Section 106(B) states that a Massage Therapist "must use the acronym “LMT” to designate licensure under this Act". CMT is the certified massage therapist title used by some certifying bodies, LMP is the licensed massage practitioner title used in some states' own laws, and BCTMB is NCBTMB's voluntary Board Certification mark; none of them is the designation the model act requires.

    Reference: FSMTB Model Massage Therapy Practice Act — Article I, Section 106(B), Title Protection and Protected Terms

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for Board Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • Assessment, Care Planning, and Documentation
    • Knowledge — Interview techniques (e.g., open-ended and fact-finding questions, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, reflective listening)
    • Knowledge — Assessment methods (e.g., health history, observation, palpation, range of motion, posture, gait, pain scale, special tests)
    • Knowledge — Common pathologies, injuries, and pre-/post-surgical considerations
    • Knowledge — Common prescription and non-prescription medications, their effects, and side effects (e.g., pain medications, muscle relaxants, cardiovascular agents, anti-inflammatories)
    • Knowledge — Stages of tissue healing
    • Knowledge — Special populations (e.g., pregnancy, oncology, geriatric, athletes, disabilities, palliative)
    • Knowledge — Indications and contraindications
    • Knowledge — How to customize a massage (e.g., analysis, synthesis, application of client information, and research data)
    • Knowledge — How to communicate with clients in understandable terms
    • Knowledge — Informed consent (e.g., risks and benefits)
    • Knowledge — Documentation formats (e.g., Subjective, Objective, Assessment/Application, Plan [SOAP], Focus, Data, Action, Response [FDAR])
    • Knowledge — Medically accepted terminology
    • Knowledge — Health care practices (e.g., prescription for treatment, medical insurance, procedural codes)
    • Skills — Use a variety of interview techniques to gather client information
    • Skills — Conduct a variety of assessments (e.g., range of motion, posture, gait, pain scale, palpation)
    • Skills — Develop a plan for the massage session (e.g., short-term, long-term where appropriate)
    • Skills — Identify and discuss indications, contraindications, pathologies, and special accommodations, and adapt the session as needed
    • Skills — Obtain informed consent
    • Skills — Adapt massage for pre- and post-surgical considerations
    • Skills — Adapt massage based on prescription and non-prescription medications
    • Skills — Customize massage based on client's goals
    • Skills — Monitor client responses, and solicit feedback during and after the session
    • Skills — Educate client about the care plan, including self-care activities as appropriate
    • Skills — Maintain client documentation
    • Skills — Utilize medically accepted terminology in client documentation
    • Skills — Collaborate with health care providers when appropriate
    • Skills — Apply research evidence to client-centered care planning
  • Massage Techniques and Modalities
    • Knowledge — General massage techniques (e.g., effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, friction)
    • Knowledge — Massage modalities (e.g., Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular/trigger point therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation [PNF], Eastern and energetic bodywork therapies)
    • Knowledge — Pressure and manual forces (e.g., compression, tension/decompression, friction/shear, bending, torsion, vibration)
    • Knowledge — Stretching (e.g., barriers, end-feel)
    • Knowledge — Joint mobilization
    • Knowledge — Endangerment sites and adverse events
    • Knowledge — Client positioning (e.g., prone, supine, bolstered, side-lying, seated)
    • Knowledge — Appropriate use of tools and equipment
    • Knowledge — Appropriate use of topical agents (e.g., analgesics, essential oils, CBD)
    • Knowledge — Benefits and effects of techniques and modalities
    • Knowledge — Draping techniques
    • Skills — Apply massage and bodywork techniques in a safe manner, monitoring responses and adapting techniques as needed
    • Skills — Utilize effective body mechanics during the session
    • Skills — Identify the benefits of massage and bodywork techniques and modalities
    • Skills — Identify endangerment sites and adverse effects
    • Skills — Position clients for comfort and safety, utilizing positioning equipment as appropriate
    • Skills — Apply appropriate draping techniques
  • Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology
    • Knowledge — Anatomy and physiology of all body systems, including: Integumentary system; Muscular system; Skeletal system; Nervous system; Cardiovascular system; Lymphatic system; Endocrine system; Reproductive system; Respiratory system; Digestive system; Urinary system
    • Knowledge — Immune response (e.g., inflammation, lethargy)
    • Knowledge — Kinesiology (e.g., mechanics of body movement including levers, agonists, antagonists, synergists, compensatory patterns)
    • Skills — Identify structures, functions, and interactions of body systems (i.e., integumentary, muscular, skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, digestive, urinary)
    • Skills — Identify origins, insertions, actions, functions, and innervations of muscles
    • Skills — Identify types of muscle contractions
  • Professional Practice
    • Knowledge — NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice
    • Knowledge — Standard of care for safe practice procedures (e.g., infection control)
    • Knowledge — Information literacy and research literacy (i.e., how to locate and evaluate research)
    • Knowledge — Professional development (e.g., continuing education, specialty credentials, board certification)
    • Knowledge — Therapist self-care (e.g., body mechanics, physical activity, hand-held tools, professional consultation, mentorships)
    • Knowledge — Business entities (e.g., independent contractor, employee, business structure)
    • Knowledge — Business practices and policies (e.g., marketing, cancellation, no-show)
    • Knowledge — Accounting principles and financial record keeping (e.g., tax filings, profit and loss, income reporting, bartering)
    • Knowledge — Professional liability insurance
    • Knowledge — Emergency preparedness (e.g., medical emergencies, disaster preparedness)
    • Skills — Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and accessible facility
    • Skills — Clean, disinfect, and maintain tools and equipment
    • Skills — Stay current with massage therapy research
    • Skills — Participate in professional development
    • Skills — Apply standard massage therapy business and employment practices
    • Skills — Practice self-care regimen for injury prevention and career longevity
    • Skills — Manage medical emergencies when they arise
  • Law and Ethics
    • Knowledge — Massage practice laws and regulations (e.g., licensing, scope of practice, insurance requirements)
    • Knowledge — Legal requirements for record keeping (e.g., retention, release, disposal, HIPAA)
    • Knowledge — Establishment laws and zoning ordinances
    • Knowledge — Ethical principles (e.g., confidentiality, autonomy, veracity, non-malfeasance, beneficence, nondiscrimination, empathy)
    • Knowledge — Professional roles and boundaries (e.g., dual relationships, power differential, transference and countertransference)
    • Knowledge — Ethical strategies for managing and resolving conflict (e.g., conflicts of interest, how and when to terminate a session, right of refusal)
    • Knowledge — NCBTMB’s Code of Ethics
    • Knowledge — Cultural sensitivity
    • Knowledge — When, where, and how to report inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct (e.g., clients, peers)
    • Knowledge — Mandatory reporting requirements (e.g., human trafficking, minors and dependent adults)
    • Skills — Follow local and state laws and regulations for massage therapy practice, operating within scope of practice
    • Skills — Maintain client information and records, safeguarding client confidentiality
    • Skills — Apply ethical principles in professional interactions
    • Skills — Establish and maintain professional, culturally sensitive relationships with clients
    • Skills — Identify and manage legal and ethical conflicts
    • Skills — Establish, communicate, and respect therapist/client roles and boundaries
    • Skills — Report inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct to the proper authorities

How to use these free practice questions

Choose an answer, check the explanation, and review your progress by chapter. Practice questions and explanations are free to access without signing up.

These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view Board Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork details.