Career Management System:
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General Exam FAQ
A: National Certification was retired as of January 1, 2013 for new applicants. The current National Certification credential will be maintained through December 31, 2016 (the end of the recertification period for those achieving the credential on December 31, 2012).
A: Both the Board Certification credential (for those gaining the credential through recertification of a valid and current National Certification and meeting the new requirements) and the Board Certification exam are currently available.
A: To achieve the Board Certification designation, practitioners must:
- Pass the Board Certification exam (The exam may be taken twice within a six-month period, with a 45-day wait between sittings.)
- Complete a minimum of 750 hours of education (includes the core program and subsequently Completed continuing education)
- Complete 250 hours of professional hands-on experience over no less than six months from graduation
- Pass a thorough national background check
- Obtain a current CPR certification
- Affirm their commitment to the NCBTMB Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
- Commit to opposing Human Trafficking
A: We surveyed education programs across the nation to determine what constituted a modern, higher level of knowledge, skills and abilities. All aspects of the profession of massage therapy have developed and increased over time, with the exception of the average number of required hours of education. 750 hours represents a fair compromise between state requirements and the highest level of education currently found in the massage educational environment in the United States. As standards increase over time, we will revisit the level of competency required for Board Certification.
A: Documented, professional work experience in the field of massage therapy. 25 hours of community service may be credited toward this requirement.
A: Most therapists develop their own technique and it is difficult to fairly evaluate techniques. Requiring 250 hours of work experience, in addition to the 750 hours of education, enables therapists to become comfortable giving massages and developing their own technique.
A: NCBTMB selected a group of massage therapists and other professionals with different levels of experience from across the country. In addition to massage therapists, representatives from the educational, professional and regulatory arenas were also included. This gave a seasoned but fresh approach to the Job Task Analysis. Getting this breadth of input ensures the quality of the JTA and the exam. The JTA is validated by many massage therapists from around the country. For more information read the Massage Therapists Job Analysis Study.
A: Conversion from passing the exam under the NESL option to National Certification needed to have been done by December 31, 2012 and is presently unavailable. There is no conversion from any licensing exam to Board Certification.
A: Yes. You will need to show that you meet the eligibility criteria. Our staff will be happy to help you with transitioning to the new credential.
A: With the new NCBTMB Career Management System, registering for an exam, keeping your information up-to-date or accomplishing most interactions with NCBTMB is easier than ever.