Massage Therapist Practice Test: Get Ready for Your Exam! (2024 Updated)

This exam contains questions that cover the realms of therapeutic massage and bodywork practice.

The Massage Therapist Practice Exam has questions in regard to these topics: ethics, business, and legal practices, professional standards, body systems, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.

Good luck 😉

Massage Therapist Practice Exam

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Question 1

Please mark the appropriate action that ought to be taken if a client makes repeated sexual suggestions during a massage:

A	Ask the client to leave
B	Stop immediately and politely tell the client that the massage is over
C	Call the supervisor and tell them to escort the client off the premises
D	None of the above

Question 1 Explanation:

Stop immediately and politely tell the client that the massage is over

Question 2

Please mark the term which describes the set of moral ideals that shape a person’s or group’s behavior:

A	Philosophy
B	Ethics
C	Laws
D	Human rights

Question 2 Explanation:

Ethics

Question 3

Please mark the one which describes an economical way to boost your business:

A	TV show
B	Highway billboard
C	Gift cards
D	Rent a small shop

Question 3 Explanation:

Gift cards

Question 4

How long should tax records be kept?

A	10 years
B	1 year
C	Indefinitely
D	5 years

Question 4 Explanation:

Tax records should be indefinitely kept in case of an audition by the IRS.

Question 5

What should one do if they receive a tip?

A	Put it in their pocket and forget about it
B	Record it for tax purposes
C	Refuse to accept it
D	Offer it to charity

Question 5 Explanation:

Record it for tax purposes

Question 6

Please mark what WOULDN'T help in smart business planning:

A	Setting goals
B	Purchasing a three years supply of facial oils
C	Creating a business plan
D	Creating a mission statement

Question 6 Explanation:

Purchasing a three years supply of facial oils

Question 7

How many owners/partners are there in a sole proprietorship?

A	2
B	3+
C	1
D	10+

Question 7 Explanation:

1 owner

Question 8

Please mark the type of protection that a massage therapist should have:

A	Brass knuckles
B	Life insurance
C	Liability insurance
D	Retirement fund

Question 8 Explanation:

Massage therapists should have liability insurance.

Question 9

When a client gives one's contact information to potential clients, this is considered:

A	Illegal disclosure
B	Advertising
C	Referrals
D	Bartering

Question 9 Explanation:

Referrals

Question 10

Please mark one of the following which is not considered a business expense:

A	Flowers for the massage office
B	Uniform
C	Hand soap for the massage toilet
D	Pedicure for the massage therapist

Question 10 Explanation:

Pedicure for the massage therapist is not a business expense.

Question 11

Please mark the correct description of ABMP:

A	Agreement Between Massage Professionals
B	Applied Basics for the Massage Profession
C	Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
D	Always Believe in Massage Principles

Question 11 Explanation:

ABMP stands for Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

Question 12

Please mark one of the following which is not a massage organization:

A	AMMA
B	ABMP
C	IMA
D	AMTA

Question 12 Explanation:

AMMA is not a massage organization.

Question 13

Please mark one of the following which is not a violation of the NCBTMB code of ethics:

A	Offering sexual massage to a client
B	Telling a client massage can cure their disease
C	Refusing to treat a person that you may feel uncomfortable massaging
D	Letting other therapists read a client’s file without his/her permission

Question 13 Explanation:

Refusing to treat a person that you may feel uncomfortable massaging is not a violation of the NCBTMB code.

Question 14

Please mark the agency which is responsible for protecting the privacy of health information:

A	HHS
B	HIPAA
C	TSA
D	Homeland Security

Question 14 Explanation:

HIPAA is responsible for protecting the privacy of health information.

Question 15

What should the therapist do if they notice a spot that keeps on enlarging on the skin of their regular client?

A	The therapist should bring it to their client's attention and suggest to see a doctor
B	The therapist should ignore it
C	The therapist should try to massage it away
D	The therapist should stop the massage

Question 15 Explanation:

The therapist should bring it to the client's attention and suggest to see a doctor.

Question 16

What action should be taken by the therapists when it is time for the client to disrobe?

A	The therapist should stay in the room and act cool
B	The therapist should offer help
C	The therapist should excuse themselves from the room
D	The therapist should just turn around

Question 16 Explanation:

The therapist should excuse themselves from the room

Question 17

Please mark the professional way of interviewing a client:

A	Add them on Instagram
B	Examine the information sheet they filled out with them before starting
C	Take them out for a drink
D	Start massaging and start a chit chat

Question 17 Explanation:

Examine the information sheet they filled out with them before starting.

Question 18

Please mark the two forms of communication during a massage session:

A	Loud and clear
B	Soft and low
C	Verbal and non-verbal
D	Passive and aggressive

Question 18 Explanation:

Verbal and non-verbal communication.

Question 19

Which of these tactics would increase the income in one's massage business?

A	Undercharging for the rates
B	Keeping poor records
C	Selling packages for multiple sessions to a client to ensure future visits
D	Lacking organization

Question 19 Explanation:

Selling packages for multiple sessions to a client to ensure future visits.

Question 20

Please mark one of the following of which a small business owner is not responsible for:

A	Paying their own taxes
B	Getting good health coverage
C	Creating their own oils
D	Stock and inventory

Question 20 Explanation:

Small business owners are not responsible for creating their own oils.

Question 21

Please mark one of the following which you consider not to be a part of practicing good ethics:

A	Being honest with the clients
B	Burning candles in the massage room
C	Washing sheets after each massage
D	Keeping the client’s confidentiality

Question 21 Explanation:

Burning candles in the massage room is not a part of practicing good ethics.

Question 22

What could happen to a therapist if they give a massage while under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

A	The therapist could make a bad judgment.
B	The therapist could be sued.
C	The therapist could lose their massage license.
D	All of the above.

Question 22 Explanation:

All of the above.

Question 23

Who is responsible for renting a space for massage?

A	Construction builder
B	Police agent
C	Leasing agent
D	IRS agent

Question 23 Explanation:

The leasing agent is responsible for renting spaces.

Question 24

Please mark the significant aspect of assessing and treating a client:

A	Insurance questionnaire
B	Initial telephone interview
C	SOAP notes
D	Personality test

Question 24 Explanation:

SOAP notes are a significant aspect of assessing and treating a client.

Question 25

Please mark one of the following which would not increase one's business:

A	Put fliers on car windows
B	Waiting for people to walk in the door
C	Offer a discount to a local business office
D	Printing business cards

Question 25 Explanation:

Waiting for people to walk in the door would not increase one's business.

Question 26

What is expected from an employee of a massage business?

A	Promptness
B	A proper dress code
C	Showing courtesy to clients
D	All of the above

Question 26 Explanation:

All of the above

Question 27

What should a therapist do if they hear a rumor that one of their colleagues has been actin inappropriately with clients?

A	Argue with the colleague
B	Ignore the entire situation
C	Speak with their supervisor as soon as possible
D	Ask the clients about the rumor

Question 27 Explanation:

The therapist should speak with their supervisor as soon as possible.

Question 28

Please mark the method of payment that one can expect to be taxed for:

A	Bartering
B	Gift certificates
C	Both A and B
D	None of the above

Question 28 Explanation:

One can expect to be taxed for both bartering and gift certificates.

Question 29

Please mark the most appropriate way for a therapist to handle extremely unpleasant post-massage feedback from a client:

A	Defend yourself and dispute their remarks
B	Listen carefully and express gratitude for their input
C	Refuse payment
D	Offer a discount for the next sessions

Question 29 Explanation:

The therapist should listen carefully to the client and express gratitude for their input.

Question 30

In which part of SOAP notes would the assessing posture take place?

A	S
B	O
C	A
D	P

Question 30 Explanation:

It takes place in the "O" part of SOAP notes.

Question 31

Please mark the energy-based treatment that is non-invasive and used to restore balance and health to the entire body:

A	Shiatsu
B	Reflexology
C	Therapeutic Touch
D	Rolfing

Question 31 Explanation:

It is the Therapeutic Touch.

Question 32

What is the name of one of the categories of physiological effects of massage?

A	Resisted
B	Assisted
C	Manual
D	Mechanical

Question 32 Explanation:

Mechanical physiological effect of massage

Question 33

Please mark what you consider to be the most significant question that ought to be posed to a new client?

A	Have you ever had a massage before?
B	Where do you live?
C	Do you prefer heat in your massage session?
D	Who referred you to me for this treatment?

Question 33 Explanation:

The most important question to ask the client is if they have ever had a massage before.

Question 34

Please mark the correct type of Swedish massage strokes according to lifting, pulling, rolling, and squeezing strokes:

A	Vibration
B	Petrissage
C	Percussion
D	Friction

Question 34 Explanation:

Petrissage

Question 35

What would be the correct order of strokes according to Swedish massage techniques?

A	Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Vibration, and Tapotement
B	Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement, and Vibration
C	Effleurage, Friction, Petrissage, Vibration, and Tapotement
D	Effleurage, Vibration, Petrissage, Friction, and Tapotement

Question 35 Explanation:

The correct order is effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, and tapotement.

Question 36

What muscle group should be stretched to a client who is complaining about a tight bicep femoris?

A	Hamstrings
B	Quadriceps
C	Flexors of the humerus
D	Extensors of the humerus

Question 36 Explanation:

The hamstrings should be stretched in the case of a tight bicep femoris.

Question 37

What should a massage therapist do if they face a client with an extreme case of dandruff who insists to have a scalp massage during treatment?

A	The therapist should ignore the client and complete the massage without a scalp treatment.
B	The therapist should inform the client that they have a bad case of dandruff and it is contraindicated to massage the scalp.
C	The therapist should tell the client that they need to address the dandruff prior to coming for a massage session.
D	The therapist should latex gloves to do the scalp massage.

Question 37 Explanation:

The massage therapist should use latex gloves to do the scalp massage.

Question 38

What should a therapist do if their client asks to be helped into a seated position because they feel dizzy and disoriented after the session?

A	The therapist should help the client sit up and stay with them
B	The therapist should call the client’s doctor or an emergency if their condition worsens
C	The therapist should provide the client with some water or juice to drink
D	All of the above

Question 38 Explanation:

All of the above

Question 39

What should a therapist who is performing ROM exercises with his client do if they want to assess the deltoid muscle?

A	Supination
B	Pronation
C	Adduction
D	Abduction

Question 39 Explanation:

They should do an abduction.

Question 40

What type of massage therapy would be best to use on the lower legs in the case of edema (swelling)?

A	Shiatsu
B	Lymphatic drain
C	Trigger point therapy
D	Acupressure

Question 40 Explanation:

Lymphatic drain technique is the best type of massage technique for edema.

Question 41

Please mark the appropriate type of massage therapy stroke that should be used if one plans to compress the superficial layers of tissue into underlying tissue and bone:

A	Petrissage
B	Effleurage
C	Friction
D	Vibration

Question 41 Explanation:

Friction is the best massage therapy stroke to use in this case.

Question 42

Please mark which f the following is/are not considered a true benefit of massage:

A	Eliminates cellulite
B	Reduces weight
C	Increases muscle tone
D	All of the above

Question 42 Explanation:

All of the above.

Question 43

Which muscles should be treated in the case of torticollis?

A	Levator scapula
B	Sternocleidomastoid
C	Erector spinae
D	Platysma

Question 43 Explanation:

Sternocleidomastoid

Question 44

What are the primary areas the therapist should focus on to help pain relieve caused by plantar fasciitis?

A	Neck and chest
B	Arms and hands
C	Thighs and gluteals
D	Lower legs and feet

Question 44 Explanation:

Lower legs and feet should be the primary areas of focus.

Question 45

What does the letter C in R.I.C.E stand for?

A	Compress
B	Cryotherapy
C	Cervical
D	Cranium

Question 45 Explanation:

C-Compress.

Question 46

Which area is assessed by the therapist in a case of inflammation in the inguinal lymph nodes?

A	Cervical
B	Femoral
C	Popliteal
D	Axillary

Question 46 Explanation:

The femoral endangerment area.

Question 47

The suffix "itis" at the end of a root word indicates:

A	Inflammation
B	Infection
C	Dehydration
D	Both B and C

Question 47 Explanation:

The suffix “itis” indicates inflammation.

Question 48

On which bone would one palpate the origin of the pectoralis minor?

A	The acromion process
B	The acromion process
C	The first to third ribs
D	The third to fifth ribs

Question 48 Explanation:

The pectoralis minor originates in the anterior surfaces of the third to fifth ribs.

Question 49

Please mark the sign that indicates the effects caused by "Bell's palsy":

A	Pain in the chest
B	Edema in the lower legs
C	Weakness, drooping or paralysis in the face
D	Lower back pain

Question 49 Explanation:

One of the signs is weakness, drooping or paralysis in the face.

Question 50

What should a therapist do if they during a session they notice a rash on the client's back?

A	The therapist should use light Swedish massage over the area
B	The therapist should end the massage after letting the client know that they have a contagious skin infection
C	The therapist should ask the client if they are aware of the rash and avoid the area
D	The therapist should apply hot packs to the area