NCBTMB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NCBTMB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What kind of massage therapy strokes are recommended if you want to compress the top layers of tissue into the bone and underlying tissue? → Friction
2. During the initial client interview, which of the following questions is the best example of an open-ended question to assess the nature of a client's pain? → Can you describe what the pain feels like?
3. Which of the following marketing statements is considered outside the professional scope of practice for a massage therapist? → "My deep tissue technique can realign your spine."
4. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered an absolute contraindication for massage primarily because: → Massage could dislodge the clot, potentially causing fatal pulmonary embolism
5. The primary purpose for a massage therapist to maintain accurate and detailed client records is to: → Track client progress, ensure continuity of care, and make informed clinical decisions.
6. Which of the following advertising claims is unethical and outside the professional scope of a massage therapist? → "Our miracle massage is guaranteed to cure your fibromyalgia."
7. What actions should you do if you get a tip? → Record it for tax purposes
8. Which of the following practices would you classify as supplementary and alternative medicine? → Both A and B
9. A client offers numerous sexual ideas while getting a massage. What steps need to be taken? → None of the above
10. Which of the following physiological responses is primarily associated with the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system during a massage session? → Lowered blood pressure and heart rate.
11. Which of the following is the primary muscle responsible for the first 15-30 degrees of shoulder abduction? → Supraspinatus
12. The ethical principle requiring that a professional act in the best interests of the client, promoting their health and well-being, is known as: → Beneficence
13. A client with significant obesity schedules a massage. Which adaptation is most appropriate? → Use additional bolsters and adjust table height for proper body mechanics
14. What is the primary purpose of developing a comprehensive business plan for a new massage therapy practice? → To create a strategic roadmap for decision-making and to secure potential financing.
15. You spot a rash on the client's back during a session. What course of action is appropriate? → Ask the client if they are aware of the rash and avoid the area
16. Which situation represents a local contraindication for massage in a client undergoing cancer treatment? → An area currently receiving radiation therapy
17. Which of the following kind of safety gear is recommended for massage therapists? → Liability insurance
18. A client with Type 1 diabetes arrives for a massage with a recent insulin injection in the left thigh. What is the most important precaution? → Avoid massaging the site of the recent insulin injection
19. A client with multiple sclerosis experiences Uhthoff's phenomenon. What does this mean for the treatment plan? → Avoid elevating the client's body temperature during the session
20. A client who is 6 weeks post-mastectomy asks for a full-body massage. What is the most important consideration for the arm on the affected side? → Check for signs of lymphedema and use only very light strokes on the arm
21. Which of the following is considered an absolute and systemic contraindication for massage, meaning no massage should be performed on any part of the body? → A client with a fever of 101°F and body aches.
22. Which component of SOAP charting includes the therapist's observations of the client's posture, gait, and range of motion? → Objective
23. A client presents with anterior pelvic tilt. Which pair of muscles would a massage therapist most likely find to be tight and shortened? → Iliopsoas and rectus femoris
24. Which of these nerves has its source in the brachial plexus? → Median nerve
25. Which trauma-informed care principle is most critical when massaging a client with PTSD? → Ensuring the client has control and agency throughout the session
26. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), meaning the therapy should not be performed under any circumstances? → Congestive Heart Failure
27. How does aging affect skin integrity, and how should massage technique be adapted? → Aging reduces skin elasticity and collagen content, requiring lighter, gentler techniques
28. What should you do if you hear a report that one of your coworkers has been behaving improperly around clients? → Speak immediately with your supervisor
29. Which muscle should you stretch if a customer complains of a tight bicep femoris? → Hamstrings
30. What is the primary clinical reason for including questions about a client's occupation and hobbies on a health history form? → To identify potential sources of repetitive strain, postural imbalances, and stress.