FSMTB and NCBTMB Clarify Agreement Purpose

(Overland Park, Kan. / Burr Ridge, Ill. – March 20) – The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) issue the following joint statement in response to recent legislative activity.

FSMTB and NCBTMB entered into an Agreement in October 2014 whereby, effective February 1, 2015, NCBTMB agreed to no longer offer any of its examinations for the intended use by State Boards for licensure eligibility.  NCBTMB agreed that it would not develop or implement an examination for licensure.  Currently, NCBTMB has one examination – its Board Certification Examination. The BCETM is intended to be used for NCBTMB certification only. FSMTB developed and administers the FSMTB Massage and Bodywork Licensure Examination (MBLEx).  The MBLEx is an entry-level assessment mechanism for use by State Boards as one component of licensure eligibility.  As described above, the BCETM and MBLEx are different examinations with different intended purposes.

NCBTMB and FSMTB have been, and remain, in full compliance with the terms of the Agreement and they will continue to cooperate and work with State Boards and state licensure applicants to ensure a smooth transition of credentialing data and the examination process.  Applicants seeking to be licensed should contact the applicable State Board for information.

Information regarding the FSMTB and MBLEx can be found at www.fsmtb.org or by contacting mblex@fsmtb.org.  Information regarding Board Certification and the programs offered by NCBTMB can be found at www.ncbtmb.org or by contacting info@ncbtmb.org.

About FSMTB
The Federation’s mission is to support its member boards in their work to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public in a safe and effective manner. For more information, please visit www.fsmtb.org.

About NCBTMB
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is an independent, private, nonprofit organization founded in 1992. The mission of NCBTMB is to define and advance the highest standards in the massage therapy and bodywork. In support of this mission, NCBTMB serves the profession through Board Certification, Approved Providers, and Assigned Schools. For more information, please visit www.ncbtmb.org.

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