What you need to know
Depending on your area of interest and expertise, you may choose to take either the NCETM (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage) or the NCETMB (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork). Both lead to national certification, but there are slight differences in exam content.
Content areas
The content areas of the two exams are similar, with slight variations in the percentage weights of content areas. The critical difference between the two is that the NCETMB includes questions about bodywork assessment and application. Content areas of both exams include:
- General knowledge of body systems
- Detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- Pathology
- Therapeutic assessment
- Therapeutic application
- Professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices
For a comprehensive breakdown of content areas and percentages, see the National Certification Examination Candidate Handbook.
Eligibility criteria for Certification
The eligibility criteria for NCETM and NCETMB are the same:
- A minimum of 500 hours of instruction as follows:
125 hours of body systems (anatomy, physiology and kinesiology)
200 hours of massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application, in-class and supervised
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
- Graduate of a NCBTMB Assigned School Code with a current valid transcript submitted to NCBTMB
For individuals who do not meet these eligibility requirements, there is an alternative known as Portfolio Review. This process allows applicants the opportunity to demonstrate that they have education equivalent to the standard eligibility requirements. See the Portfolio Review Handbook for details.
Additional option
NCBTMB offers an option to the NCETM and NCETMB. The NESL (National Examination for State Licensing) was adopted for states that use NCBTMB exams, but do not require applicants for licensure to become certified by NCBTMB. The cost is $175 and applicants take the same exams, but are not required to become certified.
The NESL can be taken at any time during a student’s training. Students who pass have the opportunity to become immediately eligible for state licensure upon completion of education and hands-on requirements. If they wish, students can later apply for full national certification by completing the NESL conversion form.
Before deciding on the NESL, students and educators should make sure their state accepts this option. For more information about the NESL, call 1-800-296-0664 or e-mail questions to schooloutreach@ncbtmb.org. |
