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FAQ
What is NCBTMB?
Why was NCBTMB created?
What does the NCBTMB program consist of?
Who governs NCBTMB?
What are NCBTMB’s missions and goals?
How many practitioners are nationally certified?
What modalities does national certification include?
What is the value in using a nationally certified practitioner?
What is required of a practitioner in order to become nationally certified?
What is NCBTMB’s Code of Ethics?
How can practitioners benefit from holding this credential?
How can employers benefit from national certification?
How can consumers benefit from national certification?
What does the term "massage therapist" or "bodyworker" mean?
Who accredits the NCBTMB program?
What is NCBTMB?
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is an independent, private, nonprofit organization that fosters high standards of ethical and professional practice through a recognized certification program. NCBTMB certifies massage and bodywork practitioners on behalf of the profession for the benefit of consumers, employers and certificants. More than 50 certificants volunteer time for the administration of NCBTMB, which is operated by a staff of full-time employees. NCBTMB’s certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certified Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting branch of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). NOCA is a national, non-governmental, public protection and standards-setting organization. (back)
Why was NCBTMB created?
In an effort to keep pace with the growing field of massage therapy and bodywork, and to demonstrate a commitment to quality service, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) was established in 1992. NCBTMB originated with a focus of protecting the public, as well as upholding a national standard for the industry that, until that time, did not exist.
The goals of NCBTMB are to establish national certification as a recognized credential of professional and ethical standards; promote the worth of national certification to health, therapeutic massage and bodywork professionals, public policy makers and the general public; assure and maintain the integrity, stability and quality of the national certification program; and periodically update the program to reflect state-of-the-art practices in therapeutic massage and bodywork. (back)
What does the NCBTMB program consist of?
The NCBTMB program promotes the status and credibility of the profession to advance more uniform standards of practice and ethical conduct. NCBTMB develops and maintains examinations that cover a core body of knowledge shared by practitioners, promotes continuing professional development, and has a recertification program to renew the credential. Each practitioner who holds the NCBTMB credential must comply with the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, developed to ensure that the integrity and safety of each client are protected. In addition, the program helps clients and employers select professionals through its Find a Practitioner online resource, and makes it possible for practitioners to meet other professionals within the industry. (back)
Who governs NCBTMB?
NCBTMB is governed by a Board of Directors made up of nine voting members who are elected by nationally certified practitioners via secret ballot. Each serves a four-year term. Seven of the Board members may include any of the following:- Practitioners of therapeutic massage and/or bodywork
- Researchers, educators or others who contribute professionally to the field of therapeutic massage and/or bodywork
- Owners or administrators of therapeutic massage and/or bodywork schools
- Employees or members of government agencies or boards that regulate therapeutic massage and/or bodywork
At least one Board member, but no more than two, is a “public member” and represents the interests of the general public. The CEO serves on the Board of Directors ex-officio, and without vote. (back)
What are NCBTMB’s missions and goals?
To define and advance the highest standards in the massage therapy and bodywork profession.
NCBTMB has identified five goals in its Strategic Plan, which include:
- Scope of certification: NCBTMB’s certification program is in sync with the practice of massage therapy and bodywork and reflective of the profession’s evolution
- Knowledge of the environment: NCBTMB understands the issues affecting the practice of massage therapy and bodywork and uses this information to make knowledge-based decisions
- Value of the credential: Massage therapy and bodywork professionals and those who use and/or regulate their services will recognize and value the credential
- NCBTMB positioning: The NCBTMB program is respected as a model of excellence within the certification community
- Organizational effectiveness: NCBTMB is a well-managed, effectively governed, fiscally sound organization responsive to stakeholders’ needs (back)
How many practitioners are nationally certified?
Today, there are more than 90,000
nationally certified practitioners serving millions of consumers. (back)
What modalities does national certification include?
The NCBTMB certification program is designed to include practitioners from all modalities and disciplines, including Swedish massage, shiatsu, polarity therapy, Rolfing®, Trager® techniques, reflexology, neuromuscular therapy and more. The certification examination tests a practitioner’s knowledge of the areas of commonality among the various modalities. (back)
What is the value in using a nationally certified practitioner?
National certification strives to protect the consumer, the profession and employers by ensuring that individuals who obtain this credential possess core knowledge and attributes necessary to perform at entry level. National certification increases the mobility of practitioners as standards become nationalized and fosters uniform and improved standards of professional practice and conduct. In addition, it offers a formal process for grievances and non-compliance with professional standards. (back)
What is required of a practitioner in order to become nationally certified?
To become certified, a massage therapist or bodyworker must:
What is NCBTMB’s Code of Ethics?
Each candidate for national certification must read and agree to uphold the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The Code of Ethics statement reads: Massage therapists and bodyworkers shall act in a manner that justifies public trust and competence, enhances the reputation of the profession and safeguards the interests of individual clients. The Standards of Practice were developed to help the public understand the duties and responsibilities of practitioners – and to provide practitioners with a definitive guide to professional conduct and practice. (back)
How can practitioners benefit from holding this credential?
For a practitioner, there are many benefits. National certification:
- Represents the highest credential in the field
- Communicates a commitment to safe, ethical practice
- Provides a competitive edge
- Gains visibility and credibility
- Increases employment opportunities within/between states
- Allows reimbursement by some insurance companies
- Reassures clients and employers
- Includes a listing in NCBTMB’s practitioner locator service
- Establishes practitioners as healthcare providers on par with other professionals requiring certification (back)
How can employers benefit from national certification?
National certification acknowledges that a candidate for employment possesses a core body of knowledge. It stands as a commitment to professional and ethical service, self-improvement, and a pledge to uphold the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Employers find that nationally certified practitioners attract clients because the credential stands for quality, integrity and professional service. National certification also provides a formal process for filing grievances if a therapist is not in compliance. (back)
How can consumers benefit from national certification?
National certification assures consumers that their interests are being protected. Consumers can trust that they are being served by a professional whose practices are aligned with the national standard.
NCBTMB’s six professional standards include:
- Professionalism
- Legal and ethical requirements
- Confidentiality
- Business practices
- Roles and boundaries
- Prevention of sexual misconduct
If a nationally certified practitioner engages in a behavior that violates the NCBTMB Standards of Practice, a complaint or grievance can be filed. Anyone can submit a formal complaint, including a client, coworker or another nationally certified practitioner. To do so, click here. (back)
What does the term "massage therapist" or "bodyworker" mean?
Therapeutic massage and bodywork encompasses a large variety of touch therapies from Western and non-Western traditions. Using a conceptual and philosophical framework, the practitioner of therapeutic massage and bodywork incorporates knowledge of various systems of anatomy, physiology and pathology to apply a plan of care for those with a variety of soft tissue dysfunctions, stress related conditions and energetic imbalances.
Therapeutic massage and bodywork provides benefits on a physical, mental and emotional level for a wide variety of consumers. Some use it to strengthen the immune system, as a form of health maintenance or as a form of rehabilitation. Others use it to provide stress reduction and relaxation. (back)
Who accredits the NCBTMB program?
The NCBTMB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certified Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting branch of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). NCCA is the only national accreditation body for private certification organizations, in all disciplines, to demonstrate adherence to established standards. (back) |
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