OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Wisconsin Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-WI · License preparation

720 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

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.

Bridge Temporary Credential

Temporary credential permitting a health care provider to practice within the scope of an existing credential, subject to statutory conditions.

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Affiliated Credentialing Board / Department of Safety and Professional Services · Application information

Discretionary extension of a bridge temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Attestations
Attest to first Wisconsin service date, other-state credential, absence of investigation or restrictions, and permanent application. For in-person services the employer submits the credential and investigation attestations within ten days.
Duration
Wis. Stat. § 440.094(2)(c)2.a ends the ordinary credential when the permanent application is granted or denied. The DSPS Bridge page describes a 90-day licence: "The Bridge/Act 10 license is only valid for 90 days from the date issued." This implementation statement is shown as an applicant condition; the controlling statute defines legal expiry.
Employment
Provide health services for a Wisconsin health care employer; apply within 30 days of beginning services.
Extension
DSPS may issue a 30-day extension when all permanent application materials are submitted and Legal, Board or Credentialing Team review remains pending; request through LicensE support. More than one extension may be requested.
Other Credential
Hold a valid, unexpired and unrestricted credential in another state authorizing substantially the same massage/bodywork acts.
Permanent Application
Submit the separate permanent Wisconsin massage/bodywork application and its PAR number. Its examination requirements belong to that permanent route; the temporary bridge requirements prescribe no examination.
Practice
Practice within the other credential’s scope and comply with applicable Wisconsin professional responsibilities, malpractice insurance and scope restrictions; telehealth is permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Bridge temporary credential while the permanent application is pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Attestations
Attest to first Wisconsin service date, other-state credential, absence of investigation or restrictions, and permanent application. For in-person services the employer submits the credential and investigation attestations within ten days.
Duration
Wis. Stat. § 440.094(2)(c)2.a ends the ordinary credential when the permanent application is granted or denied. The DSPS Bridge page describes a 90-day licence: "The Bridge/Act 10 license is only valid for 90 days from the date issued." This implementation statement is shown as an applicant condition; the controlling statute defines legal expiry.
Employment
Provide health services for a Wisconsin health care employer; apply within 30 days of beginning services.
Other Credential
Hold a valid, unexpired and unrestricted credential in another state authorizing substantially the same massage/bodywork acts.
Permanent Application
Submit the separate permanent Wisconsin massage/bodywork application and its PAR number. Its examination requirements belong to that permanent route; the temporary bridge requirements prescribe no examination.
Practice
Practice within the other credential’s scope and comply with applicable Wisconsin professional responsibilities, malpractice insurance and scope restrictions; telehealth is permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massage Therapy Temporary Licensee or Bodywork Therapy Temporary Licensee

Temporary license for supervised practice after taking a national examination but before receiving a passing result, with written informed consent from all clients.

Licensing authority: Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Affiliated Credentialing Board · Application information

Temporary licensure after taking a national examination
Aed
Current AED proficiency through an approved instructor and current CPR/AED documentation.
Application
Submit full licensure and temporary-licence applications and the required fee; the supervisor submits Form 2968.
Criminal History
No disqualifying offense listed in Wis. Stat. § 460.05(1)(h); other substantially related convictions are reviewed under Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335.
Education
Successfully complete an educational program defined in MTBT 3.01.
Expiry
Expires after six months or when the department provides notice of passing the required examination, whichever occurs first; no renewal and no second temporary licence.
First Aid
Five classroom hours of adult CPR and standard first aid if not included in the completed program.
Historical Alternatives
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)3–5 accepts NCETMB or NCETM offered before February 1, 2015, and the Asian Bodywork Therapy Examination offered before December 31, 2012, as prior passing-score evidence; none is a current examination leaf.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
National Result
Take the approved national examination; a passing national result is not required before temporary issuance. The Board may review a failed applicant for competency and revoke the temporary licence at its discretion.
Older Instructions
Form 2960 (July 6, 2022) says the permit expires on a passing or failing national result. Current MTBT 6.02, amended effective October 1, 2025, makes automatic expiry depend on passing and gives the Board discretion after failure. The amended rule controls.
Other Approved Examinations
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)6–7 also permits an examination administered by an NCCA-accredited national board, or a substantially equivalent examination approved by the Board; the unnamed alternatives are applicant conditions.
School Completion
High-school graduation or recognized equivalency.
Score Delivery
National scores must be sent directly by the examination service.
State Exam Timing
Pass the state statutes and rules examination before temporary issuance.
State Law Education
Complete at least six classroom hours in Wisconsin law and Board rules through an approved provider.
Supervision
Practice under a licensed massage/bodywork therapist with the supervision necessary to avoid unacceptable risk; disclose supervisor details and obtain written informed consent acknowledging temporary status.

Massage Therapist or Bodywork Therapist

License as a massage therapist or bodywork therapist.

Licensing authority: massage therapy and bodywork therapy affiliated credentialing board · Application information

Reinstatement after cancellation for an unpaid credential fee
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Prior credential canceled under Wis. Stat. § 440.23 for an unpaid check or card demand.
Payments
Pay the underlying fee, any applicable late renewal fee, unpaid-draft processing charge and $30 reinstatement fee; reinstatement is discretionary.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

First renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Aed
Submit evidence of current AED proficiency through an approved instructor.
Application
Submit the renewal form and renewal fee by the applicable odd-year renewal date.
Continuing Education
The first renewal is exempt from continuing education under MTBT 7.02(1).
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Aed
Current AED proficiency through an approved instructor and current CPR/AED documentation.
Application
Submit the Board application and pay the applicable fee.
Criminal History
No disqualifying offense listed in Wis. Stat. § 460.05(1)(h); other substantially related convictions are reviewed under Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335.
Education
Graduate from an approved massage/bodywork school or complete an approved training program with at least 600 classroom hours.
First Aid
Five classroom hours of adult CPR and standard first aid if not included in the completed program.
Historical Alternatives
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)3–5 accepts NCETMB or NCETM offered before February 1, 2015, and the Asian Bodywork Therapy Examination offered before December 31, 2012, as prior passing-score evidence; none is a current examination leaf.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Other Approved Examinations
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)6–7 also permits an examination administered by an NCCA-accredited national board, or a substantially equivalent examination approved by the Board; the unnamed alternatives are applicant conditions.
School Completion
High-school graduation or recognized equivalency.
Score Delivery
National scores must be sent directly by the examination service.
State Exam Timing
Apply before DSPS assigns examination credentials; Wisconsin-school graduates must pass the state examination before graduation and preserve their score report.
State Law Education
Complete at least six classroom hours in Wisconsin law and Board rules through an approved provider.
Initial licensure with mandatory education waiver for certified applicants
Aed
Current AED proficiency through an approved instructor and current CPR/AED documentation.
Application
Submit the Board application and pay the applicable fee.
Criminal History
No disqualifying offense listed in Wis. Stat. § 460.05(1)(h); other substantially related convictions are reviewed under Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335.
Education
MTBT 2.015 waives MTBT 2.01(3)(a) and (b) when the applicant completes five classroom hours of adult CPR and standard first aid and is currently NCBTMB certified/recertified, or currently certified/recertified, active and in good standing by another NCCA-accredited massage/bodywork certifying organization.
First Aid
Five classroom hours of adult CPR and standard first aid if not included in the completed program.
Historical Alternatives
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)3–5 accepts NCETMB or NCETM offered before February 1, 2015, and the Asian Bodywork Therapy Examination offered before December 31, 2012, as prior passing-score evidence; none is a current examination leaf.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Other Approved Examinations
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)6–7 also permits an examination administered by an NCCA-accredited national board, or a substantially equivalent examination approved by the Board; the unnamed alternatives are applicant conditions.
School Completion
High-school graduation or recognized equivalency.
Score Delivery
National scores must be sent directly by the examination service.
State Exam Timing
Apply before DSPS assigns examination credentials; Wisconsin-school graduates must pass the state examination before graduation and preserve their score report.
State Law Education
Waived under MTBT 2.015; the state-law examination remains required.
Initial licensure with discretionary waiver for equivalent education, training or experience
Aed
Current AED proficiency through an approved instructor and current CPR/AED documentation.
Application
Submit the Board application and pay the applicable fee.
Criminal History
No disqualifying offense listed in Wis. Stat. § 460.05(1)(h); other substantially related convictions are reviewed under Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335.
Education
The Board may waive a Wis. Stat. § 460.05(1)(e) requirement upon satisfactory proof of substantially equivalent education, training or other experience.
First Aid
Five classroom hours of adult CPR and standard first aid if not included in the completed program.
Historical Alternatives
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)3–5 accepts NCETMB or NCETM offered before February 1, 2015, and the Asian Bodywork Therapy Examination offered before December 31, 2012, as prior passing-score evidence; none is a current examination leaf.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Other Approved Examinations
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)6–7 also permits an examination administered by an NCCA-accredited national board, or a substantially equivalent examination approved by the Board; the unnamed alternatives are applicant conditions.
School Completion
High-school graduation or recognized equivalency.
Score Delivery
National scores must be sent directly by the examination service.
State Exam Timing
Apply before DSPS assigns examination credentials; Wisconsin-school graduates must pass the state examination before graduation and preserve their score report.
State Law Education
The Board may waive this educational requirement upon satisfactory evidence of equivalency under Wis. Stat. § 460.05(2); examination requirements remain.
Late renewal more than five years after expiration
Massage Therapist Jurisprudence Exam
Aed
Submit evidence of current AED proficiency through an approved instructor.
Application
Apply more than five years after expiration and satisfy MTBT 4.04(1).
Competence
Submit successful coursework or an examination required by the Board to protect public health, safety and welfare. The current application page makes examination dependent on individual circumstances.
Continuing Education
Provide 24 acceptable hours, including two ethics hours, from the preceding biennium; the current page also accepts more recent courses, which cannot be reused at the next renewal.
Curriculum
Form 2960 requests school curriculum documentation and an official transcript if the school is not approved.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.
Named State Examination
Form 2960 (revised July 6, 2022), which expressly covers late renewal after five years, names the Wisconsin State Law Examination in item 6. It is retained as the identified examination; whether the Board requires it of a particular applicant is a condition.
National Score
The same form limits national examination evidence to examination applicants, so no national-exam leaf is assigned to this renewal route.
Late renewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Aed
Submit evidence of current AED proficiency through an approved instructor.
Application
Apply within five years; submit renewal application, renewal fee and late fee.
Continuing Education
Certify 24 hours of acceptable continuing education in the preceding two-year period, including at least two ethics hours; first renewal is exempt, and the Board may waive requirements for prolonged illness, disability or other exceptional circumstances.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reciprocity for service members, former service members and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, fee and verification of military and licensure status; an affidavit may substitute for unavailable military-status documentation under Wis. Stat. § 440.09(2m).
Military Status
Service member, former service member discharged under conditions other than dishonorable within four years, or qualifying spouse, including a qualifying surviving spouse.
Other Credential
Hold a government-issued credential outside Wisconsin authorizing the same acts; remain in good standing in every credentialing jurisdiction.
Renewal
The reciprocal credential follows the applicable renewal date, with the first renewal deferred to the second scheduled date if the first is within 180 days of issuance.
Residency
Reside in Wisconsin.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocal licensure based on certification equivalency
Aed
Current AED proficiency through an approved instructor and current CPR/AED documentation.
Application
Submit the Board application and pay the applicable fee.
Criminal History
No disqualifying offense listed in Wis. Stat. § 460.05(1)(h); other substantially related convictions are reviewed under Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335.
Equivalency
The other jurisdiction requires NCBTMB certification or certification by another NCCA-accredited massage/bodywork certifying organization (MTBT 2.03(2)(a)).
Historical Alternatives
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)3–5 accepts NCETMB or NCETM offered before February 1, 2015, and the Asian Bodywork Therapy Examination offered before December 31, 2012, as prior passing-score evidence; none is a current examination leaf.
Implementation Difference
Form 2960 (July 6, 2022) limits separate national-score submissions to examination applicants and describes 600 school hours for reciprocity. MTBT 2.03(2)(b) specifies 500 hours; Wis. Stat. § 460.06 establishes passing national and state examinations. The current reciprocal application page also names both national and state examinations. Applicant-specific documentary credit for an existing certification or prior score does not remove a currently offered exam from this survey.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.
Other Approved Examinations
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)6–7 also permits an examination administered by an NCCA-accredited national board, or a substantially equivalent examination approved by the Board; the unnamed alternatives are applicant conditions.
Other Credential
Hold a current similar state, territorial or foreign massage/bodywork license, registration or certificate, and provide direct verification; the Board determines substantial equivalency.
Source Quote
Form 2960: "Proof of passing National exam received directly from National Exam Services (exam applicants only)".
Reciprocal licensure based on examination and education equivalency
Aed
Current AED proficiency through an approved instructor and current CPR/AED documentation.
Application
Submit the Board application and pay the applicable fee.
Criminal History
No disqualifying offense listed in Wis. Stat. § 460.05(1)(h); other substantially related convictions are reviewed under Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335.
Equivalency
The other jurisdiction requires passing an examination under MTBT 2.01(3)(g) and at least 500 classroom hours at a qualifying school (MTBT 2.03(2)(b)).
Historical Alternatives
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)3–5 accepts NCETMB or NCETM offered before February 1, 2015, and the Asian Bodywork Therapy Examination offered before December 31, 2012, as prior passing-score evidence; none is a current examination leaf.
Implementation Difference
Form 2960 (July 6, 2022) limits separate national-score submissions to examination applicants and describes 600 school hours for reciprocity. MTBT 2.03(2)(b) specifies 500 hours; Wis. Stat. § 460.06 establishes passing national and state examinations. The current reciprocal application page also names both national and state examinations. Applicant-specific documentary credit for an existing certification or prior score does not remove a currently offered exam from this survey.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.
Other Approved Examinations
MTBT 2.01(3)(g)6–7 also permits an examination administered by an NCCA-accredited national board, or a substantially equivalent examination approved by the Board; the unnamed alternatives are applicant conditions.
Other Credential
Hold a current similar state, territorial or foreign massage/bodywork license, registration or certificate, and provide direct verification; the Board determines substantial equivalency.
Source Quote
Form 2960: "Proof of passing National exam received directly from National Exam Services (exam applicants only)".
Subsequent regular renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Aed
Submit evidence of current AED proficiency through an approved instructor.
Application
Submit the renewal form and renewal fee by the applicable odd-year renewal date.
Continuing Education
Certify 24 hours of acceptable continuing education in the preceding two-year period, including at least two ethics hours; first renewal is exempt, and the Board may waive requirements for prolonged illness, disability or other exceptional circumstances.
Insurance
Malpractice liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year, as policyholder and insured.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

Board Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

Provider
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork; developed, administered and scored with Prometric at Prometric test centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice certification examination; four choices per question with one correct answer; results communicated on screen at completion as Pass or No Pass
Exam questions
140 multiple-choice questions
Time limit
140 minutes
Passing score
Scale score; each question graded right or wrong with no partial credit; reported as Pass or No Pass
Exam fee
$275 Board Certification Examination Fee
Examination outline
  • Assessment, Care Planning, and Documentation (25%)
    • 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 (24%)
    • 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 (24%)
    • 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 (14%)
    • 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 (13%)
    • 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
Examination sources

Massage Therapist Jurisprudence Exam

Provider
Wisconsin DSPS
Format
Online open-book; multiple-choice and true/false questions
Exam questions
40
Time limit
Not timed
Passing score
85%
Examination outline
  • Authority, Intent and Definitions
  • Application
  • Education
  • Requirements for Renewal and Reinstatement
  • Unprofessional Conduct
  • Temporary Licensure
  • Continuing Education
  • Children’s Code
  • Miscellaneous Health Provisions
  • Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy
Examination sources