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Applicants FAQ

General questions
Application/pre-exam questions
Eligible for the exam questions
Post-exam questions

General questions
1a) Why become nationally certified?
The following are key reasons for becoming a nationally certified massage therapist or bodyworker:

Represents the highest professional credential in the field
Denotes the mark of a true professional committed to safe and ethical practice
Gains you recognition, visibility and credibility
Increases your employment opportunities and mobility between states
Allows reimbursement by various insurance companies
Connects you to NCBTMB's locator service for employers and consumers
Provides reassurance to consumers and employers

There are two ways to become nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork. The only difference between the two is the eligibility requirements.

Method 1: Individuals who have graduated with at least 500 hours of formal training at an established school of massage and/or bodywork should use National Certification Examination Candidate Handbook as a reference throughout the certification process.

Method 2: Individuals whose training and experience is equivalent to that of a formal 500-hour program should use the Portfolio Review Handbook for the National Certification Examinations as a reference throughout the certification process. This method allows candidates to build a portfolio demonstrating their training and experience. (back)

1b) How can I take the National Certification Exam (NCE)?
Candidates must first show that they have met the eligibility requirements to sit for one of the National Certification Examinations. Candidates must have completed a minimum of 500 hours of in-class, supervised instruction as follows:

125 hours of body systems, anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
200 hours of massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application
40 hours of pathology
10 hours of business and ethics (minimum of 6 hours in ethics)
125 hours of additional instruction in an area or related field that theoretically completes the massage program of study (back)

1c) How do I make an exam registration?
Once you are eligible to sit for the NCE, you will receive a confirmation email stating your eligibility dates, your ATT number and information on how to schedule your exam.

The email will be followed by a written letter from Pearson VUE (NCBTMB’s testing vendor) with additional information. If you did not provide an email address with your NCE application, a letter will be sent to you within 10 business days once you are made eligible to sit for the NCE.

You may register online at Pearson VUE, which helps you:

Find a convenient test site
Reserve an examination date and time
Receive the address and directions to the site
Review materials you will need to bring on the day of the examination (back)

1d) What material is covered on the examination?
The content of the material is outlined in:

1e) Does national certification mean I can work anywhere in the U.S.?
No, it does not. A license is what is usually required to practice in a particular jurisdiction. Licenses are provided by your local jurisdiction (e.g. state and/or city). You must contact your local jurisdiction to learn more about licensing requirements. (back)

1f) What is the fastest way to apply for the exam? I need to take it ASAP.
Unfortunately, there is no way to "speed up" the application process. The candidate needs to make sure that he or she sends the appropriate documentation with their application to prevent delay due to insufficient documentation. (back)

1g) I need to give NCBTMB my name change. How can I do that?
Submit a copy of the legal documentation of the name change. Once NCBTMB receives that, the information will be changed in the database and all records updated accordingly. (back)

1h) When is the next exam going to be given in my area?
Once you are approved to sit for the exam, you may contact Pearson VUE at 888-699-1808 or www.pearsonvue.com/ncbtmb to find the timetables for exams in your area. (back)

1i) Which exam should I take – the NCETM or NCETMB?
Make sure you check with your state board first to determine which exam(s) it will accept.
Information about the content of each exam can be found in:

1j) How are the questions for the test selected?
Test items for the examinations are written by subject matter experts and then appropriately supported by notable references in the profession. School owners and instructors are strongly encouraged to review the National Certification Examination content outline for information regarding exam content and the proportions in which area of content will appear. Candidates, school owners and educators should be aware that NCBTMB does not endorse or recommend any specific text or training strategies, and the reference list for test questions is not available. NCBTMB suggests instructors and school owners decide for themselves the best tools and instructional strategies necessary for building competent practitioners. (back)

1k) How many test questions appear on the National Certification Exams?
Each exam contains 160 questions. (back)

1l) What is the passing score for National Certification Exams?
A passing score = a scaled score of 300. (back)

1m) How was the passing score determined?
The passing score was established via a systematic procedure (cut-score study) that employed the judgment of a representative group of nationally certified therapeutic massage and bodywork professionals from across the country. The group recommended to the NCBTMB Board of Directors a standard of what an NCE candidate needs to know about the tested content at a minimum in order to obtain the certificate, and a passing score. The NCBTMB Board of Directors decided what the passing score is. (back)

1n) What is a scaled score?
A scale score is a transformed raw test score (the number of test questions answered correctly). The raw score has been transformed into other measurement units, a scale score – something like transforming height (a test performance) from centimeters (a raw score) into inches (a scale score). To interpret any test score, a uniform frame of reference is required. Scale scores provide that frame of reference based on the standard adopted by NCBTMB of the amount of knowledge necessary to receive the national certification designation for this profession without regard to the specific test form or version taken.

A scale score of at least 300 is required to obtain certification; scale scores range from a low score of 100 to a high score of 600. PLEASE NOTE THAT A SCALED SCORE IS NEITHER THE NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ANSWERED CORRECTLY NOR THE PERCENTAGE OF QUESTIONS ANSWERED CORRECTLY. (back)

1o) Is the current test easier or harder than other tests?
Because of NCBTMB's commitment to quality and test security, there are multiple forms of the NCE examination for this certification designation. While these forms were developed from the same set of content specifications, the levels of difficulty of the forms may vary slightly because different questions appear on different forms. Since it would be unfair to require a candidate taking a slightly more difficult form of the test to answer as many questions correctly as a candidate taking an easier form, a statistical procedure known as equating and scaling is used to correct for differences in test difficulty. (back)

1p) Why are scores scaled?
If the number of questions answered correctly (the raw score) were reported on score reports, there would be a different passing score for each form of the test (because of differences in difficulty) and this could be very confusing. In order to keep the passing score constant across forms, while allowing the number of correct answers necessary for passing to vary, scaling and equating is used. Using specifications set by the NCBTMB examination committee, your raw score has been converted to a scale score. (back)

1q) What information will the score report I receive at the test site tell me?
Scaled scores of 300 or above will be reported as PASS; i.e., no numeric score will be reported for passing examinees. If you pass the test, your score report will simply indicate a passing score by saying PASS. If you fail the test, you will receive a numeric scaled score.

If a test is failed, the score report is provided that includes a scaled score and the level achieved in each subject area. These diagnostic scores are designed to help identify those areas in which a candidate may need further study before retaking the examination.

The information used in the diagnostic scores is explained below.Area of improvement: The score you obtained is below an acceptable level; substantial study of this content area is recommended prior to retaking the examination.

Medium: The score you obtained is marginally acceptable; your understanding is not strong and further study is suggested.

High: The score you obtained is above the acceptable level; you have demonstrated an acceptable understanding of the content, but a review of this area may be helpful to you prior to retaking the examination.

The subject areas covered by the NCE examination are listed below:

Subject Area	Questions
General knowledge of body systems	25
Anatomy, physiology and kinesiology	42
Pathology	18
Massage and bodywork assessment	30
Massage and bodywork application	35
Professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices	10
TOTAL	160

1r) If another version of the examination was administered, would the same results be obtained?
If another version of the NCE was taken, a candidate probably would obtain a slightly different score. No test measures performance with perfect accuracy and consistency. The content consistency of the test is about 0.93, using an index that varies from 0.00 (no content consistency) to 1.00 (perfect content homogeneity). This index tells you that the NCE test measures different kinds of content. If you took several different versions of the test, you would probably obtain a number of different scores that cluster around a typical or average value, due to differences in the content of each test form. Some of your scores would be higher and some would be lower than your average score. In actual practice, you do not know your average score, but only your score from this administration. The "error of measurement" can be used to determine where your average score would lie, that is 68% of the time your average score would lie somewhere within a band defined by the error of measurement. A statistical estimate of this variation is called the "standard error of measurement." The standard error of measurement for reported scale scores is less than 14 points. Thus, the standard error of measurement can be said to capture where your average score might lie by adding and subtracting it from your obtained score on this examination (i.e. + 14 points). (back)

1s) If the same test was taken a second time, would the same pass/fail status be obtained?
If you were permitted to take the same version of the NCE a second time, the estimate of consistently passing or failing the same people can be determined through a statistic known as a pass-fail classification reliability index. For candidates taking the NCE for the first time, the probability of obtaining the same passing or failing classification is about 0.89, indicating that without further study were you to take the test a second time, your test performance would have a moderately high probability of being classified as a PASS or FAIL exactly as occurred this time. (back)

1t) I applied under Portfolio Review. How long does this process take?
Once the file has been sent to the panel for review, it takes an additional 6-8 weeks to determine eligibility. (back)

1u) What is the best way to speak to an individual directly?
If you are calling to ask for general information, you may speak to one of our call center agents at (800) 296-0664. The call center agent will not be able to address in-depth questions about your NCE application submission. You must request to be transferred directly to your eligibility coordinator/representative.

Notes:
1. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact NCBTMB (not family members, friends, etc.). Per HIPPA policy, staff can only speak to the applicant, unless there is a disability prohibiting the applicant from communicating. Applicants that need help communicating with our staff –due to a language barrier or a disability such as blindness where applicant is unable to read the materials, etc. – must provide consent for the third person to speak on his/her behalf. The third party must call the office with the applicant present.

2. If the applicant requires the assistance of another person to communicate with NCBTMB, then it is requested that the applicant assign one person only for this task. In order to best serve the applicant, having multiple individuals calling on behalf of the applicant is confusing and further delays the application process.

3. NCBTMB receives many applications and queries daily. Staff members work efficiently and expeditiously to process applications, answer e-mails and speak to applicants person-to-person by phone. If the call center agent is unable to transfer a call to the appropriate eligibility coordinator/representative, please leave a message. Your representative will return your call as soon possible. Be sure to speak clearly and state your first name, last name, phone number and the nature of your call. (back)

1v) How long does it take to process an application?
The turnaround time for processing applications for eligibility to take the National Certification Exam (NCE) is approximately four weeks, provided all of the following are received:

A complete application
All supporting documentation (e.g., copy of driver's license, passport-style photo, notarized copy of diploma)
Transcripts sent directly from the massage therapy school to NCBTMB
Correct payment

A delay in one or more of the aforementioned areas will delay your application process. (back)

Application/pre-exam questions

2a) What information do I need to send to NCBTMB to complete my application?

Official transcript (must be an original – no photocopies, faxed copies or notarized copies are accepted)
Notarized photocopy of your diploma or certificate of completion (do not send the original)
Copy of a driver's license or other government issued photo identification (i.e. passport)
Current photograph (headshot, minimum 1" x 1" within the last year) (back)

2b) How do I acquire extra time for the exam?
In order to have extra time for the exam, a written request must be sent with the application. If you would like to add extra time due to the fact that English is not your first language, you will need to submit a written request and payment of $45 when you submit your application. Once we process the request and payment, NCBTMB will send an ATT letter indicating the extra time. NCBTMB does not allow translators or electrical devices. The only acceptable dictionary a candidate may use during the examination is a strict translation dictionary developed for common use. Any dictionary that has definitions, written notes or additional text will not be allowed. For more information, see # 11 in the National Certification Examination Candidate Handbook. (back)

2c) Are translators available?
NCBTMB does not allow translators for candidates whose primary language is not English. For more information, see # 11 in the National Certification Examination Candidate Handbook. (back)

2d) I only have one original transcript and I don't want to send it in. What should I do?
If you are not able to request another transcript from your school, you may ask the school president or program director to complete the Verification of Education form in the National Certification Examination Candidate Handbook and submit that with your application in lieu of the official transcript. (back)

2e) My school no longer exists and I need my transcripts to be made eligible. What should I do?
You will need to do one of the following:

Contact the state archives in the state where you attended school for the original transcripts
Have the original transcript notarized
Have your school director fill out the Verification of Education (back)

2f) I am unable to find a notary willing to notarize my diploma. What should I do?
Some notary publics will only notarize a signature. In this event, NCBTMB will also accept one of two things:
1. The candidate may put something in writing stating that the copy of the diploma is a true copy of the original diploma, and have the notary notarize his or her signature.
2. The candidate may have the school he or she graduated from stamp a raised seal on the copy of the diploma. (back)

Already eligible for the exam questions
3a) What if I need to reschedule my exam date?

Exam dates may be rescheduled as long as they are done so by noon, two (2) business days prior to your appointment.
Contact Pearson VUE directly at 888-699-1808 or www.pearsonvue.com/ncbtmb.
Dates cannot be rescheduled past the expiration date originally assigned.
If an extension is needed, documentation must be provided stating the reason and it must fall under the six acceptable exceptions: serious illness – either you or an immediate family member, death in the immediate family, disabling traffic accident, court appearance/jury duty, unexpected military duty call-up or a natural disaster.
The eligibility coordinator will determine whether or not the candidate may extend his or her date without a penalty.(back)

3b) What if my name appears differently on my identification? Will I have a problem at the test site?
NCBTMB does accept identification discrepancies. Read the following scenarios carefully regarding name discrepancies that will be accepted and will not be accepted at the test site.
NCBTMB acceptable ID discrepancies:
Single letter discrepancy: Johnson vs. Johmson
Single letter transportation: Alexander vs. Alexandre
Single letter omission: Schultz vs. Shultz
Single letter addition: Miller vs. Mialler
Incorrect letters in one version: Diller vs. Ditter
Name reversed: Russell Evan vs. Evan Russell
One version of the name has middle initial while the other does not: John E. Smith vs. John Smith
First name is formal on one document, but a variation is used on another: Michael Jones vs. Mike Jones
Maiden name as a middle name on one document, while given middle name is used on another document: Mary Elizabeth Smith vs. Mary Jones Smith.
All appendages to names will be ignored: Jr., Sr., II, etc.
One version of the name has a middle initial while another version has the full middle name: Karen A. Scott vs. Karen Ann Scott
Unacceptable ID discrepancies:
Substitutions for either the first or last name are not permitted: Smith to Jones or Smith to Smith-Jones; or Mary to Margaret.
Legal name changes must be approved by NCBTMB prior to scheduling an appointment. Contact the NCBTMB office at (630) 627-8000 for further instructions. (back)

3c) I have a disability that requires special accommodations at the test center. What should I do?
There are several accommodations available for candidates with a disability. NCBTMB requires a letter from a healthcare professional or expert on letterhead stationery with the application in order to process the request in a timely fashion. NCBTMB will review your request and supporting documentation to determine what accommodations will be provided the day of the exam. (back)

3d) I have a name change and my exam is scheduled. What do I do?
It is recommended that you not change any information until you have taken your exam. If you must change your name and your exam is scheduled, you are required to contact your eligibility coordinator/representative at NCBTMB. If you call (800) 296-0664, please ask that your call be transferred to your eligibility coordinator/representative. You may also call the main office at (630) 627-8000.

Notes:
1. If your scheduled test date is on your expiration date and you show up for your scheduled exam date with identification that contains a name change, you may not be granted a seat to take the exam. It is not the responsibility of the testing center to handle name changes. Name changes can only be done by NCBTMB eligibility coordinators/representatives. Please call the main office at (630) 627-8000. It is recommended that you inform NCBTMB before scheduling your exam date about your name change.

2. Name change requests made prior to the exam expiration date are handled by NCBTMB eligibility coordinators/representatives. Your testing exam date may change, but depends on when your request is submitted.

a. First example: Your testing exam date is scheduled for July 31, 2007 (which is also the last date of your eligibility 90-day window to take the exam) and your request for a name change was not submitted to the NCBTMB office at least 10 business days prior to your expiration date. You will need to pay a $100 fee (for name change only) and get a new 90-day testing window for taking the exam. All name changes require additional processing time. It is strongly recommended that you contact the office with sufficient time to not further delay sitting for the exam.

b. Second example: Your testing exam date is scheduled for January 31, 2008 (and your 90-day window does not end until March 31, 2008). You are encouraged to call Pearson VUE at 888-699-1808 to cancel your exam. Once you have canceled your exam, contact your NCBTMB eligibility coordinator/representative and state that you have canceled your exam with Pearson VUE and that you need to submit name change documentation. You will be directed to mail your documentation to NCBTMB. There will be no fee for a name change. (back)

3e) What is the ATT letter?
All eligible candidates will receive an Authorization To Test (ATT) letter, which contains instructions on how to schedule an appointment to test. When you receive your ATT letter, read it carefully and follow the instructions to prevent problems at the testing center. Click here to see a sample ATT letter. (back)

3f) What do I do if I lost my Authorization to Test (ATT) letter?
It is not necessary to have the ATT letter to take the exam. The only information needed on the exam day is a valid government issued photo ID with a signature. The only forms that will be accepted are:

Valid driver’s license
Valid passport
Valid military ID card
Valid state ID card
Canadian provincial citizenship card

The identification must be issued by the national government in the country in which you are testing or, if using a driver’s license, by a state/province of the country in which you are testing.

If your government issued identification is from a country other than the country in which you are testing, you must present your current passport for identification. Candidates who are unable to comply with this requirement must contact NCBTMB at least 7 days prior to testing.

For clarification: Cuban passports will not be accepted as identification due to U.S. Treasury OFAC restrictions. The only acceptable form of non-expired official ID with signature and photograph for Cuban citizens will be: a U.S. Government issued permanent resident card, commonly known as the green card and formerly known as the alien registration card. (back)

3g) How can I receive more than the original three months to take the exam?
To receive an extension, you are required to submit a written request for review. Please send your signed and dated request to:

NCBTMB
Attn: Eligibility coordinators
1901 S. Meyers Rd., Suite 240
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Please allow 10 days for processing. Once received, your eligibility coordinator/representative will review your request and determine if it meets NCBTMB requirements for an extension.

Notes:
1. Additional document/proof may be requested.
2. An extension request is not automatically approved. All requests must be reviewed.
See below acceptable reasons for an extension.

Acceptable/valid excuses
• Serious illness – either you or an immediate family member
• Death in the immediate family
• Disabling traffic accident
• Court appearance/jury duty
• Unexpected military duty call-up
• A natural disaster (back)

3h) How do I reschedule my exam?
For candidates who cancel within the correct time period before their exams (by noon, two (2) business days prior), there is no loss of test fee and the candidate can reschedule with Pearson VUE by calling 888-699-1808 or visiting www.pearsonvue.com/ncbtmb. (back)

Post-exam questions

4a) What are my options if I failed the exam?
If a candidate fails the exam, he or she has the opportunity to retake the exam three times before he or she must re-apply. After the third time, there will be a three-month waiting period before one can re-apply. A new application and documentation will be required.
The candidate must send in a copy of the failed score report and the current examination fee. This information must be received within 60 days of the original examination date. If this information is not received within that time frame, a new application and supporting documentation will be required. (back)

4b) How many times can the exam be retaken?
You can retake the exam three times. After the third failed attempt, there will be a three-month waiting period before you can re-apply. A new application and documentation will be required. Check with an eligiblity coordinator at (630) 627-8000 regarding resubmitting your transcript and diploma, as this policy may change. However, a new application and fee are mandatory to re-apply for the exam. (back)

4c) I failed my exam, what should I do to pass?
NCBTMB cannot endorse any courses to help individuals pass the exam. NCBTMB does offer the NCE Study Guide or Audio CD of the NCE Study Guide (both available for purchase).

We recommend that you review the content outlines for each of the tests, which can be found by clicking here. (back)

4d) I failed my exam, how do I re-apply?
Send a copy of the failed score report within 60 days after taking and failing the exam with a payment of $225 to the following address:

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
c/o Wachovia Bank
P.O. Box 758845
Baltimore, MD 21275-8845

The process time is 2-4 weeks. You will receive a new ATT letter with another 90-day testing window.

Notes:
1. Do not send a copy of the failed score report and payment to NCBTMB’s main office. This will further delay your request.
2. Failed score reports will be sent to you directly. (back)

4e) My certificate was damaged, destroyed or lost. What should I do to get a new one?
Return the damaged certificate to our office and it will be replaced. If your certificate was destroyed or lost due to a natural disaster or unforeseen misfortune, please send a written statement (dated and signed) explaining your situation and a replacement will be sent to you. Be sure to include your updated mailing information. (back)

The office address is:
NCBTMB
Attn: Certificate Replacement Request
1901 S. Meyers Rd., Ste. 240
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

4f) My name was spelled incorrectly on my certificate. How can I get a new one?
Return the certificate to our office, along with a written statement (dated and signed) containing the correct spelling. A new certificate will be issued and mailed to you. Be sure to include your updated mailing information. (back)

4g) I recently married/divorced and need to change the name on my certificate.
Complete the interactive Duplicate Certificate form and include the $15 fee. A copy of the marriage/divorce certificate/license must be included with the request. (back)

4h) How do I have my scores transferred to my state board?
If the exam was taken before January 1, 2008, please follow the directions for payment and mailing – per the directions on the Official Score Report Request form – Prior to January 1, 2008. Mail directly to:

Wachovia Bank/NCBTMB
PO Box 758845
Baltimore, MD 21275-8845

If the exam was taken after January 1, 2008, please follow the directions for payment and mailing – per the directions on the Official Score Report Request form – After January 1, 2008. Mail directly to:

Pearson VUE
C/O NCBTMB Customer Service
5601 Green Valley Drive
Bloomington, MN 55437
(back)

4i) How can I check the status of my score report?
You have two options:
1. If you took your exam after January 1, 2008, simply send an email to the testing agency, Pearson VUE, at NCBTMB@pearson.com and request a status update. Be sure to include the following in your email:

Your first and last name (as it appears on your application)
Each state agency you are requesting your scores be sent to
Your test date

2. If you took your exam before January 1, 2008, contact NCBTMB’s main office at (630) 627-8000 and ask to be directed to the eligibility coordinator/representative that handles score reports.((back)

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Inquiries or general information, call customer care at 1-800-296-0664 (M-F, 8am-5pm CT).