TEXAS MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
QUESTION 1:
Which organization regulates massage therapy licensing in the state of Texas?
A. Texas Board of Nursing
B. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
C. Texas Massage Therapy Association (TMTA)
D. Texas Medical Board
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
RATIONALE: The TDLR oversees the licensing, compliance, and education standards for massage
therapists in Texas. The TMTA is a professional association, not a regulatory body.
QUESTION 2:
What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a massage therapy license in Texas?
A. 17 years
B. 18 years
C. 20 years
D. 21 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 18 years
RATIONALE: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to legally become licensed in Texas,
ensuring compliance with adult consent and contractual laws.
QUESTION 3:
The Texas Massage Therapy licensure exam primarily assesses which of the following?
A. Equipment maintenance and office management
B. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and massage techniques
C. Sales and marketing strategies
D. Reflexology and hydrotherapy only
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and massage techniques
RATIONALE: Core exam components focus on biological sciences and therapeutic application of
massage, aligned with state competency standards.
QUESTION 4:
Which of the following best describes effleurage?
A. Rapid, percussive movements using the edge of the hand
B. Long, gliding strokes toward the heart
C. Deep, circular friction on targeted areas
D. Static pressure applied to reflex points
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Long, gliding strokes toward the heart
RATIONALE: Effleurage involves smooth, flowing strokes that promote circulation and relaxation;
it is typically used at the beginning and end of a session.
QUESTION 5:
How many hours of massage therapy instruction are required to apply for licensure in Texas (as
of current TDLR regulations)?
A. 250 hours
B. 300 hours
C. 500 hours
D. 1,000 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 500 hours
RATIONALE: Texas requires at least 500 hours of approved instruction covering multiple areas:
anatomy, physiology, ethics, and massage techniques.
QUESTION 6:
Which body system is primarily affected by lymphatic drainage massage?
A. Nervous system
B. Circulatory system
C. Lymphatic system
D. Endocrine system
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. Lymphatic system
RATIONALE: Lymphatic drainage assists in returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream,
reducing swelling and supporting immune function.
QUESTION 7:
Which of the following client conditions is a contraindication for massage therapy?
A. Mild stress
B. Hypertension
C. Open wounds or contagious skin infections
D. Muscle fatigue
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Open wounds or contagious skin infections
RATIONALE: Massage in these cases can spread infection or worsen tissue damage; proper
referral or deferral is required.
QUESTION 8:
During a massage, a therapist notices a suspicious mole. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Ignore it to maintain client comfort
B. Apply a hot compress to the area
C. Suggest the client consult a physician
D. Attempt to remove it gently
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Suggest the client consult a physician
RATIONALE: Massage therapists must avoid diagnosis or treatment outside their scope and refer
the client to a licensed healthcare provider.
QUESTION 9:
Which stroke technique is most beneficial for breaking down adhesions in deep tissues?
A. Tapotement
B. Vibration
C. Petrissage
D. Friction
, CORRECT ANSWER: D. Friction
RATIONALE: Friction employs deep, circular motions that help separate and realign collagen
fibers in connective tissue.
QUESTION 10:
Which of the following best defines Tapotement?
A. Rapid, rhythmic percussion
B. Gentle rocking motions
C. Sustained traction
D. Long effleurage strokes
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Rapid, rhythmic percussion
RATIONALE: Tapotement provides stimulation through brisk strikes using the hands, improving
local circulation and muscle tone.
QUESTION 11:
Which type of joint movement decreases the angle between two bones?
A. Extension
B. Abduction
C. Flexion
D. Rotation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Flexion
RATIONALE: Flexion reduces the angle at a joint (e.g., bending the elbow), while extension
increases it.
QUESTION 12:
A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should receive:
A. Deep tissue massage
B. Reflexology
C. No massage until medically cleared
D. Lymphatic drainage
CORRECT ANSWER: C. No massage until medically cleared
RATIONALE: Massage can dislodge a clot, causing a life-threatening embolism; contraindicated
until cleared by a physician.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
QUESTION 1:
Which organization regulates massage therapy licensing in the state of Texas?
A. Texas Board of Nursing
B. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
C. Texas Massage Therapy Association (TMTA)
D. Texas Medical Board
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
RATIONALE: The TDLR oversees the licensing, compliance, and education standards for massage
therapists in Texas. The TMTA is a professional association, not a regulatory body.
QUESTION 2:
What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a massage therapy license in Texas?
A. 17 years
B. 18 years
C. 20 years
D. 21 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 18 years
RATIONALE: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to legally become licensed in Texas,
ensuring compliance with adult consent and contractual laws.
QUESTION 3:
The Texas Massage Therapy licensure exam primarily assesses which of the following?
A. Equipment maintenance and office management
B. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and massage techniques
C. Sales and marketing strategies
D. Reflexology and hydrotherapy only
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and massage techniques
RATIONALE: Core exam components focus on biological sciences and therapeutic application of
massage, aligned with state competency standards.
QUESTION 4:
Which of the following best describes effleurage?
A. Rapid, percussive movements using the edge of the hand
B. Long, gliding strokes toward the heart
C. Deep, circular friction on targeted areas
D. Static pressure applied to reflex points
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Long, gliding strokes toward the heart
RATIONALE: Effleurage involves smooth, flowing strokes that promote circulation and relaxation;
it is typically used at the beginning and end of a session.
QUESTION 5:
How many hours of massage therapy instruction are required to apply for licensure in Texas (as
of current TDLR regulations)?
A. 250 hours
B. 300 hours
C. 500 hours
D. 1,000 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 500 hours
RATIONALE: Texas requires at least 500 hours of approved instruction covering multiple areas:
anatomy, physiology, ethics, and massage techniques.
QUESTION 6:
Which body system is primarily affected by lymphatic drainage massage?
A. Nervous system
B. Circulatory system
C. Lymphatic system
D. Endocrine system
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. Lymphatic system
RATIONALE: Lymphatic drainage assists in returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream,
reducing swelling and supporting immune function.
QUESTION 7:
Which of the following client conditions is a contraindication for massage therapy?
A. Mild stress
B. Hypertension
C. Open wounds or contagious skin infections
D. Muscle fatigue
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Open wounds or contagious skin infections
RATIONALE: Massage in these cases can spread infection or worsen tissue damage; proper
referral or deferral is required.
QUESTION 8:
During a massage, a therapist notices a suspicious mole. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Ignore it to maintain client comfort
B. Apply a hot compress to the area
C. Suggest the client consult a physician
D. Attempt to remove it gently
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Suggest the client consult a physician
RATIONALE: Massage therapists must avoid diagnosis or treatment outside their scope and refer
the client to a licensed healthcare provider.
QUESTION 9:
Which stroke technique is most beneficial for breaking down adhesions in deep tissues?
A. Tapotement
B. Vibration
C. Petrissage
D. Friction
, CORRECT ANSWER: D. Friction
RATIONALE: Friction employs deep, circular motions that help separate and realign collagen
fibers in connective tissue.
QUESTION 10:
Which of the following best defines Tapotement?
A. Rapid, rhythmic percussion
B. Gentle rocking motions
C. Sustained traction
D. Long effleurage strokes
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Rapid, rhythmic percussion
RATIONALE: Tapotement provides stimulation through brisk strikes using the hands, improving
local circulation and muscle tone.
QUESTION 11:
Which type of joint movement decreases the angle between two bones?
A. Extension
B. Abduction
C. Flexion
D. Rotation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Flexion
RATIONALE: Flexion reduces the angle at a joint (e.g., bending the elbow), while extension
increases it.
QUESTION 12:
A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should receive:
A. Deep tissue massage
B. Reflexology
C. No massage until medically cleared
D. Lymphatic drainage
CORRECT ANSWER: C. No massage until medically cleared
RATIONALE: Massage can dislodge a clot, causing a life-threatening embolism; contraindicated
until cleared by a physician.
