Is applying for an Illinois massage license in your future career plans? Obtaining a professional license is something to be celebrated. A license means you have completed all of the required steps by the State of Illinois, including an board-approved Illinois massage exam.
If you haven’t taken a massage licensing exam (like the MBLEx) yet, or have questions about a massage exam you already took, let’s answer those questions below and help get you on the right path to getting your Illinois massage license.
If you are applying for an Illinois massage license, there are a few reasons you may find yourself preparing for the a massage exam:
- New Massage School Graduate: If you’ve recently completed your massage program in Illinois or another state, passing the MBLEx is likely the final step toward licensure.
- Moving or License Transfer: If you’re licensed in another state and want to work in Illinois, you may need to pass the MBLEx if you haven’t already taken the NCETMB or MBLEx in the past.
- Returning to the Field: Illinois has not always required a licensing exam, but they do now. Maybe you completed massage school years ago but your didn’t take or failed the exam and are now be ready to complete the licensing process.
Illinois Massage Licensing Exam Options
What exams does Illinois accept? According to Illinois Board Rules, there are two accepted options for massage licensing exam in Illinois, the NCETMB and the MBLEx.
Currently, the MBLEx is the only licensing exam still offered, as the NCETMB was retired years ago. However, if you took the NCETMB in the past, no need to panic, you can still use your old NCETMB scores to apply for your Illinois massage license and complete the examination requirement.
Let’s review the Illinois Massage Board Rules about approved exams before we move onto the exam FAQ:
Section 1284.30 Application for Licensure
a) Any applicant for a massage therapy license shall meet all of the following requirements:
2) The applicant has successfully completed an approved massage therapy program in accordance with Section 1284.20 or a substantially similar massage therapy program from another jurisdiction and passed the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork’s (NCBTMB) examination or the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
If you are moving to Illinois and applying for a license by endorsement, Illinois rules state:
Section 1284.40 Endorsement
c) A report of the applicant’s examination record forwarded directly from NCBTMB or FSMTB;
Illinois Massage Exam FAQ
Is the MBLEx specific to Illinois?
No, the MBLEx is not state-specific, which makes it widely accepted in most states across the U.S., including Illinois. There will not be questions pertaining to Illinois massage laws or rules on the exam. Once you pass the MBLEx, your score can be transferred if you choose to practice in another state that also accepts it. This flexibility is one of the benefits of choosing the MBLEx for your licensing exam.
Does Illinois accept other State massage exams?
If you’re moving to Illinois and have to take a state-specific exam, like those required in Hawaii or New York, chances are, you will need to take the MBLEx to obtain an Illinois license. You can contact the Illinois Massage Board if you are in this situation.
What if I wasn’t required to take an exam to get my massage license in another state?
The endorsement rules above state that applicants need to provide proof of passing an approved licensing exam as part of the application process. If you received your license in another state without taking an exam, you will need to take the MBLEx to obtain an Illinois massage license.
I passed the MBLEx and NCETMB years ago, how do I get a score report to the Illinois Board of Massage?
Here’s how to request a score report from the NCBTMB (for the NCETMB exam) or FSMTB (for the MBLEx):
NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork)
If you took the NCETMB and need an official score report:
- Visit the NCBTMB website and log into your account or create one if needed.
- Locate the “Score Report Request”
- Pay fee ($25).
- NCBTMB will then send your score report directly to the licensing board or entity you specify.
FSMTB (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards)
If you took the MBLEx and need an official score report:
- Log into your FSMTB account on the FSMTB website.
- Find the “Score Transfer” option, which allows you to request an official score report
- Pay a fee ($25).
- FSMTB will send the score report to the licensing board (such as Illinois’s IDFPR) you choose
About the MBLEx
Need to take the MBLEx? It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves about the exam. Learning about the exam is the first step to passing it. Here is a little bit about the exam:
- Test Content: The MBLEx covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, and more. It’s comprehensive, but FSMTB provides an exam outline that can help guide your study plan.
- Test Format: The MBLEx is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), meaning it adapts to your performance level. This format can be intimidating, but it also means the test adjusts to show questions suited to your understanding.
- Timing: You’ll have a limited amount of time to complete the test, so practicing with timed study sessions can be helpful.
Where to Take the MBLEx
The MBLEx is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers across Illinois. You can schedule your exam at a location that’s convenient for you through the FSMTB website. Pearson VUE centers are located in major cities like Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, and Naperville, among others, making it relatively easy to find a location nearby.
Cost of the MBLEx
The current fee for taking the MBLEx is $265. This fee covers one test attempt, and if you need to retake the exam, you’ll need to pay this fee each time. It’s a good idea to budget for this cost as you prepare for licensure.
Tips for Studying
Preparing for the MBLEx takes commitment, but with the right approach, you can set yourself up for success:
- Review Course Materials: Go back to your massage school textbooks and notes, focusing on the exam content outline provided by FSMTB.
- Practice Exams: Taking practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare. Practice exams can help you get familiar with the question style and timing.
- Study Regularly: Set a study schedule and stick to it, covering a little each day rather than cramming all at once.
- Consider Study Guides and Practice Exams: There are a few MBLEx preparation programs. These resources often include practice questions and outlines that mirror the real exam.
What if You Went to School Years Ago and Never Took the Exam or Didn’t Pass?
If it’s been years since you completed your massage program in Illinois and you never took or passed the exam, you’re not alone (read this). Many people take time before they decide to get licensed. Here’s what you can do:
- Brush Up on Skills and Knowledge: Consider an MBLEx prep program to brush up on your skills. We promise all that knowledge from massage school is still in your brain. It just needs some practice to bring it back out.
- Stay Positive and Persistent: If you didn’t pass before, remember that each attempt builds your familiarity with the test. Identify the areas you struggled with and focus on improving in those sections.
Good Luck on Your Exam!
Whether you’re a recent graduate, moving to Illinois, or revisiting licensure after a few years, taking a licensing exam is an important step in starting your career. We suggest you put together a plan to pass your exam and commit to the preparation a professional licensing exam requires. Good luck on your journey to becoming a licensed massage therapist in Illinois!
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