California Massage Therapy Exam (MTLE) Pass Rates 2021 – CAMTC

California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) reported 2021 MTLE pass rates for the MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards exam).

Group	Pass Rate	N (approx)
Overall	79.5%	~2,500
First-Time Takers	84.7%	~1,800
Repeat Takers	32.9%	~700

Context

• MBLEx is national; CAMTC administers CA certification.
• CA requires 500-hr program, MBLEx pass, background check.
• First-time pass reflects program quality; repeat pass low suggests remediation gaps.
• Rates vary by school (some >95%, some <60%).

National Comparison (FSMTB 2021)

• National first-time pass: ~73%.
• CA first-time (84.7%) exceeds national average.

For Candidates

• Choose CAMTC-approved school with high pass rate.
• Use FSMTB study guide, practice exams.
• Schedule exam soon after graduation (knowledge decay).
• If repeat: targeted review, tutoring, anxiety management.

Source: CAMTC Annual Report 2021; FSMTB MBLEx Statistics.