Wisconsin Massage Therapist License Exam
To get licensed in Wisconsin, massage therapists are required to take a massage exam that covers such subjects as anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Whether you live in Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison or another city or county, the resources below will help you get started on the path to receive your massage license.
Need of a Massage License: A massage therapist needs a license to practice massage therapy in Wisconsin.
Who Grants a License: Licenses are granted by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Qualifications to receive a License: A candidate needs to complete a minimum of 600 hours of instruction from an approved school or program.
The candidate must also pass the following exams:
- The candidate must pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the exam given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
- The candidate must pass the state law exam.
Applying for the Massage Exam: Candidates can apply online to take the MBLEx. More information can be found on the MBLEx in a Candidate Handbook.
The application to take the NCCAOM Exam can be found at NCCAOM application. More information can be found on the NCCAOM Exam in the Certification Handbook. Information on NCCAOM’s Asian Bodywork Therapy can be found in the ABT Certification Handbook.
Test Content: The MBLEx exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with four choices provided for each question. Test takers have 110 minutes to complete the computer-based exam.
The exam is divided into eight content areas:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations
- Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue
- Client Assessment, Reassessment, & Treatment Planning
- Overview of Massage & Bodywork History/Culture/Modalities
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations
- Guidelines for Professional Practice
NCCAOM - Asian Bodywork Therapy Exam
The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and test takers have two hours and thirty minutes to complete the computer-based exam. The exam uses an adaptive testing process, where the computer-based exam determines the level of the candidate based on whether a correct answer is given to a specific question. If a question is answered correctly, the next question is a bit more difficult. If the answer to a question is incorrect, the next question will be a bit easier. You are unable to return to a previous answer in the adaptive testing process. The adaptive testing process determines a candidate’s knowledge level and a certain level must be attained to pass the exam.
The exam is divided into eight content areas:
- Practice Management
- Assessment
- Analysis and Differentiation of Syndromes/Patterns
- Treatment Principle
- Evaluation/Adjustment of Treatment
- Client Education
- Apply Treatment
Wisconsin State Law Exam: The exam is an open-book, online exam covering Wisconsin statutes and administrative code provisions covering massage therapy. To take the test, a candidate must first submit an application to the Department and the Department will issue an identification number and password to give you access to take the test online. A passing score is required for licensure. When the candidate completes the test online, the results page must be printed by following the “Print Test Feedback Report” instructions. The results page must be included with the candidate’s application package. The Department cannot access a candidate's test scores.
How to Apply for the License: Candidates must provide the Department the following: (1) completed application; (2) transcript of completed course of study; (3)Wisconsin State Law exam results page; (4) proof of professional liability insurance and (5) verification of passing the NCETM, NCETMB, MBLEx or NCCOAM exams. The documents should be sent to:
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
PO Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
Phone: (608) 266-2112
Official results from the MBLEx or the NCCAOM exam must be sent directly to the Department from those organizations.
Fees: There are fees to apply to become a licensed massage therapist.
License Renewal Requirements: A massage therapist must renew her license every two years.
Who Administers the Massage Tests: The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and Pearson Vue.
Applicable Regulations: Massage therapists in Wisconsin are governed by Administrative Code, Chapter 460, Massage Therapy and Bodywork.
