MASSAGE THERAPY CERTIFICATION – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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CORE DOMAINS
* Anatomy and Physiology
* Kinesiology
* Pathology and Contraindications
* Massage Therapy Fundamentals
* Professional Ethics and Boundaries
* Business Practices and Legal Regulations
* Client Assessment and Documentation
INTRODUCTION
*The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the competency of entry-level massa
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,1. Which muscle is the primary mover for elbow flexion?
A. Triceps brachii
B. Brachialis
C. Anconeus
D. Pronator teres
🟢 B. Brachialis
🔴 RATIONALE: The brachialis is the primary flexor of the elbow joint, while the
biceps brachii is a secondary flexor and the triceps is an extensor.
2. A client arrives with a localized, warm, red, and swollen area on their calf. What is
the most appropriate action?
A. Apply deep tissue massage to break up the inflammation
B. Perform lymphatic drainage
C. Refer the client to a physician and avoid the area
D. Apply ice and continue with a relaxation massage
🟢 C. Refer the client to a physician and avoid the area
🔴 RATIONALE: These symptoms are classic indicators of potential deep vein
thrombosis (DVT), which is an absolute contraindication for massage.
3. Which plane of the body divides it into superior and inferior portions?
A. Sagittal
B. Frontal
C. Transverse
D. Coronal
, 🟢 C. Transverse
🔴 RATIONALE: The transverse plane divides the body into top (superior) and
bottom (inferior) segments.
4. What is the main purpose of draping a client?
A. To keep the client warm
B. To maintain client privacy and professional boundaries
C. To prevent oil from staining the sheets
D. To comply with insurance requirements
🟢 B. To maintain client privacy and professional boundaries
🔴 RATIONALE: Draping is essential to maintain professional standards and
ensure the client feels safe, secure, and respected throughout the session.
5. Which of the following is considered an ethical violation regarding dual
relationships?
A. Providing a discount for a referral
B. Treating a close family member
C. Maintaining professional liability insurance
D. Asking for feedback after a session
🟢 B. Treating a close family member
🔴 RATIONALE: Treating family members is a dual relationship that often blurs
professional boundaries, potentially compromising the therapist-client dynamic.
, 6. Which term describes the movement of moving a limb away from the midline of the
body?
A. Adduction
B. Flexion
C. Abduction
D. Extension
🟢 C. Abduction
🔴 RATIONALE: Abduction is defined as moving a body part away from the median
plane or midline of the body.
7. How often should a therapist update a client’s health intake form?
A. Only on the first visit
B. Once a year
C. At every session or whenever changes occur
D. Only when the client asks
🟢 C. At every session or whenever changes occur
🔴 RATIONALE: Standard practice requires therapists to review the health intake
form at every visit to ensure no new medical conditions or contraindications have
arisen.
8. Which stroke is best suited for assessing tissue texture and temperature?
A. Petrissage
B. Effleurage
C. Friction
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
* Anatomy and Physiology
* Kinesiology
* Pathology and Contraindications
* Massage Therapy Fundamentals
* Professional Ethics and Boundaries
* Business Practices and Legal Regulations
* Client Assessment and Documentation
INTRODUCTION
*The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the competency of entry-level massa
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,1. Which muscle is the primary mover for elbow flexion?
A. Triceps brachii
B. Brachialis
C. Anconeus
D. Pronator teres
🟢 B. Brachialis
🔴 RATIONALE: The brachialis is the primary flexor of the elbow joint, while the
biceps brachii is a secondary flexor and the triceps is an extensor.
2. A client arrives with a localized, warm, red, and swollen area on their calf. What is
the most appropriate action?
A. Apply deep tissue massage to break up the inflammation
B. Perform lymphatic drainage
C. Refer the client to a physician and avoid the area
D. Apply ice and continue with a relaxation massage
🟢 C. Refer the client to a physician and avoid the area
🔴 RATIONALE: These symptoms are classic indicators of potential deep vein
thrombosis (DVT), which is an absolute contraindication for massage.
3. Which plane of the body divides it into superior and inferior portions?
A. Sagittal
B. Frontal
C. Transverse
D. Coronal
, 🟢 C. Transverse
🔴 RATIONALE: The transverse plane divides the body into top (superior) and
bottom (inferior) segments.
4. What is the main purpose of draping a client?
A. To keep the client warm
B. To maintain client privacy and professional boundaries
C. To prevent oil from staining the sheets
D. To comply with insurance requirements
🟢 B. To maintain client privacy and professional boundaries
🔴 RATIONALE: Draping is essential to maintain professional standards and
ensure the client feels safe, secure, and respected throughout the session.
5. Which of the following is considered an ethical violation regarding dual
relationships?
A. Providing a discount for a referral
B. Treating a close family member
C. Maintaining professional liability insurance
D. Asking for feedback after a session
🟢 B. Treating a close family member
🔴 RATIONALE: Treating family members is a dual relationship that often blurs
professional boundaries, potentially compromising the therapist-client dynamic.
, 6. Which term describes the movement of moving a limb away from the midline of the
body?
A. Adduction
B. Flexion
C. Abduction
D. Extension
🟢 C. Abduction
🔴 RATIONALE: Abduction is defined as moving a body part away from the median
plane or midline of the body.
7. How often should a therapist update a client’s health intake form?
A. Only on the first visit
B. Once a year
C. At every session or whenever changes occur
D. Only when the client asks
🟢 C. At every session or whenever changes occur
🔴 RATIONALE: Standard practice requires therapists to review the health intake
form at every visit to ensure no new medical conditions or contraindications have
arisen.
8. Which stroke is best suited for assessing tissue texture and temperature?
A. Petrissage
B. Effleurage
C. Friction
