A reflection type photomask blank includes: a substrate; a multilayer reflection film formed on the substrate for reflecting exposure light; a protection film formed on the multilayer reflection film for protecting the multilayer reflection film; an absorber layer for absorbing the exposure light on the protection film; and a shock absorbing film formed between the absorber layer and the protection film, with a resistance to etching which is performed when an exposure transfer pattern of the absorber layer is formed, in which the protection film is: a compound including Zr and Si; a compound including Zr, Si, and at least either one of O and N; or a single element or a compound including at least any one of Ru, C, and Y.