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From
the Chair
Whitney Lowe, NCTMB
 Most
of us will admit that we often find change to be difficult.
When processes or systems that we have become accustomed to
change, it feels like one more thing we have to pay attention
to in our busy lives. However, it is important to remember that
change is often a sign of growth and, many times, when this
change is happening it is occurring for a good reason.
Change is in store for new individuals and
organizations who are seeking to become approved providers with
the NCBTMB. A new application process for approved providers
will become effective January 1, 2003. Those of you who are
already familiar with this process will notice that the application
is now becoming more thorough and complex. There are several
reasons for this important change.
The program of approved providers was originally
established to designate a standard of quality for continuing
education programs that were offered to massage and bodywork
professionals. Because most states and associations have requirements
for continuing education, there is a large market of individuals
who need continuing education in order to stay licensed or maintain
their membership in certain organizations. As so often happens,
when there is a large market there will be a large number of
people who will come to that market and fill it with products
ranging from the exceptional to the poor.
The NCBTMB has been watching this trend for
several years and recognizing that the standard for quality
continuing education is moving. There are now a larger number
of continuing education offerings for individuals to choose
from. Unfortunately many of those offerings are not of very
high quality. As a result, the NCBTMB has increased the oversight
of continuing education providers and the application process
to become an approved provider is now more rigorous. It is our
desire to evaluate new providers and continue observing existing
ones in order to ensure that they are offering the highest quality
programs for Nationally Certified Practitioners. While this
may seem like more work for the providers, it is actually beneficial
for everyone because it helps to improve the quality of program
offerings available.
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Security Measures in Place
at NCETMB Test Sites
Security has become an important issue
for testing proctors at NCETMB test sites, and Chauncy, Int.,
the testing vendor for the NCBTMB, is taking the necessary steps
to ensure a safe and secure examination process for all NCTMB
candidates.
Candidates who are preparing to take the NCE
should follow these guidelines:
1. Arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes before the
test is scheduled to begin. Check in with the testing proctor
as soon as you arrive. It is at this time that the proctor will
examine all testing aids such as a translation dictionary, or
other special requirements the candidate may have.
2. Be aware that all personal items will need
to be left outside of the testing area.
3. Be sure to bring two forms of identification
as proof of identity. One must bear a recent photograph; both
must bear the examinee's signature.
Example of acceptable forms of photo identification include:
• Driver's License
• Passport
• Military Identification
• Employee identification card
Acceptable forms of non-photo
identification include:
• Credit Card
• Check Cashing Card
Unacceptable forms of identification include:
• Social Security Card
If the candidate does not have
a photo ID, two non-photo IDs are acceptable, as long as one
contains a physical description.
4. When the candidate has completed the examination,
the proctor will escort the candidate out of the room. The proctor
will officially release the candidate and retrieve all scratch
paper or other testing aids.
For more information about preparing
for the NCE, visit Chauncey’s web site at www.2test.com.
(back to InfoLine Contents)
NCBTMB
Announces New School Outreach Program
In an ongoing effort to increase and improve
communications with massage and bodywork schools across the
nation, the NCBTMB has initiated a School Outreach Program.
This program is being coordinated by Susan Scoboria, NCTMB,
who has been a volunteer for the NCBTMB since 1997, with former
Board experiences including her role as Chair which she completed
in May of 2002. She has also been a massage therapy school administrator
and director since 1987. This outreach program to schools will
focus on several initiatives. These include:
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Strengthening and increasing quality communications
with schools;
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Determining how the NCBTMB can better serve
schools and their students;
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Clarifying the role, position, goals and
mission of the NCB programs to schools;
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Assisting schools in implementing programs
offered by the NCBTMB; and
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Continuing to promote the NCBTMB’s
commitment to gathering, analyzing and utilizing data in order
to make knowledge based decisions about the future of NCB
and its relationships with schools.
“The NCB wants to support
the goals of the schools, listen to their concerns, and determine
how we can better provide them with access to our services and
programs,” Susan Scoboria said. The goals of the School
Outreach Program are to determine areas of strategic importance
to schools that relate to the National Certification Board’s
mission and goals, and to facilitate the communication in these
areas.
Scoboria said that the NCBTMB supports high
standards of education for the massage therapy and bodywork
profession, and provides assistance to schools regarding National
Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. “The
School Outreach Program is a way for the NCB to establish a
communication network dedicated specifically to addressing the
unique needs and interests of schools,” Scoboria said.
This will be accomplished through direct telephone contacts.
The School Outreach Program has already been implemented, and
phone calls regarding any school-related issues are being accepted
by Susan Scoboria, NCB School Outreach Coordinator, at 860-202-5652.
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Two New Credentials Available
in the New Year
As announced in previous editions of
the NCB Infoline, the NCBTMB is developing
two new credentials, the NCTM for massage therapy and the NCTM-Advanced
for advanced practice in massage therapy. These new credentials
will be available to NCB candidates in the year 2003.
The new credentials in massage therapy will
require candidates to:
• meet strict eligibility requirements,
• pass a rigorous examination, and
• agree to uphold the NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice
and Code of Ethics.
The NCBTMB encourages candidates
to choose a credential, successfully complete the National Certification
process for that credential, and keep their National Certification
current.
The NCBTMB will continue to offer the current
massage and bodywork credential, the NCTMB, attained through
the successful completion of the National Certification Examination
for Therapeutic (NCETMB). The new credentials will not change
the current certification credential, or the current National
Certification Process for the NCTMB.
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Find It All on the Web Site!
Look on the NCB web site and you will find:
• Applications for certification and recertification,
• Handbooks
• Study guide information
• And lots more helpful information!
The NCBTMB’s web address
is www.ncbtmb.com.
Click on the box “NCBTMB’s Online
Applications,” and you will reach the ExtraWeb Selection
Menu. From here, you can apply online to take the NCETMB, check
on your individual certification status (password required), apply
for recertification, and find out more information about the NCBTMB
Portfolio Review Process.
You can also download the NCBTMB Candidate
Review Handbook (Adobe Acrobat required), as well as
the NCBTMB Portfolio Review Handbook. To order
multiple copies of the NCBTMB Candidate Review Handbook,
click on the box, “Order Free Candidate Handbooks,”
found on the home page of the NCBTMB’s web site.
Candidates can also learn about study resources,
including examination content outline, a reference list, samples
test questions, and suggestions for preparing for the examination.
Candidates--and certificants as well–-can update their mailing
address information online, thereby assuring that they are receiving
the most up-to-date information from the NCB office.
Under “Shortcut to Important Forms,”
candidates can obtain Score Transfer Request Forms, in addition
to a Duplicate Certificate Request Form, and an Accommodation
Form for Candidates with Special Requests.
Once a candidate has passed the NCE and has
achieved National Certification status, they may find out about
continuing education opportunities in order to recertify. Under
this page, users can find approved provider courses in their area,
as well as where the nearest ethics course provider is located.
For more information, check it out–www.ncbtmb.com
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Tell
Us What You Want!
Educators: The NCBTMB
would like to know more about what you and your students would
like from the NCBTMB. Please take a moment to complete this survey,
and supply us with the answers that will fill your needs, as well
as the students in your classrooms.
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What information about the NCBTMB is valuable
to you?
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What general questions do you have for the
board?
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What questions do your students have for
the board?
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What kind of information would you like to
receive from the board?
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What do your students want to know about
the NCBTMB?
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What is your opinion of the NCBTMB Approved
Provider Program?
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What other comments do you have about the
NCBTMB?
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What comments do your students have about
the NCBTMB?
Please send your comments to the NCBTMB office
by mail:
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102 or by fax, 703-610-9005.
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What
Happens to My Application Once I Mail It?
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The application and payment first arrives
at the bank’s P.O. Box address and the NCBTMB’s
accounting department processes the payment. NCB staff members
receive applications in batches from the accounting department.
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NCB staff members review each application
and verify all supporting documentation. Approximately 35
applications are reviewed each day.
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A candidate’s eligibility information
is determined then entered into the NCB database.
Eligible Candidates
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Eligible applicants will receive a letter
of eligibility containing the testing window and testing reservation
information.
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Candidates will have three months to reserve
the test site, date, and time, and confirm their examination
date with the testing vendor. Candidates are urged
to reserve their testing site, date, and time immediately
upon receipt of this eligibility letter.
Denied Candidates
Denied applicants will receive a letter of denial. The letter
will state the items missing from the application or the reason
the application was denied. If you receive a letter of
denial, the process will be delayed beyond the two-week timeframe,
and you will have 90 days to submit the missing materials.
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How
to Submit a Complete Application
By Mail: 2 Weeks
 Candidates
complete the application and mail it with payment and all supporting
documentation to the P.O. Box address listed in the NCB Candidate
Handbook. Staff members review each application, verify transcripts
and diplomas. Eligibility is determined and that information is
entered into the NCB database. At the end of the two week period,
candidates will receive a letter stating that their application
was either accepted and they are eligible to take the NCE, or
denied and they must re-submit the application with the correct
supporting documentation. Eligible applicants will receive an
authorization to test letter that will explain the testing window
and testing reservation information.
Online: 1 Week
 Candidates
complete the application online through the NCB web site, www.ncbtmb.com.
Candidates submit their credit card payment with the application.
The candidate must then mail an official school transcript and
notarized photocopy of his/her diploma or certificate of completion
to the NCB. Staff members review each application, verify transcripts
and diplomas. Eligibility is determined and that information is
entered into the NCB database. At the end of the one week period,
candidates will receive a letter stating that their application
was either accepted and they are eligible to take the NCE, or
denied and they must re-submit the application with the correct
supporting documentation. Eligible applicants will receive an
authorization to test letter that will explain the testing window
and testing reservation information.
Candidates who submit a complete application–either
by mail or online–have more success at becoming eligible
to take the NCETMB. They also experience a more efficient application
process in a timely manner.
To submit a completed application–either
by mail or online–please follow these guidelines.
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Complete and sign the application form neatly,
and in English.
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Include payment by credit card, money order,
personal check or certified check.
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Include a notarized copy of certificate or
diploma.
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Include official school transcripts. Schools
that have a transcript security system may issue a student’s
transcript in a sealed envelope.
Official school transcripts must include the following
information:
1. School name, address and phone number
2. Official school seal or logo
3. Start and ending/graduation dates
4. Authorized and dated signature of administrator/director
5. Course title, hours and grade
*If you require special accommodations, be sure
to submit with the application all documentation supporting special
needs. See page 8 of the NCB Candidate Handbook
for instructions on how to request special accommodations.
If you are submitting your application by
mail,
send it to:
NCBTMB
Attention: Eligibility Department
c/o First Union Bank
P.O. Box 85080
Richmond, VA 23285
Sending your application by express mail, Federal
Express, or other overnight carriers to the NCB office street
address will not speed the application process. All applications
must first be processed by the bank at the P.O. Box address listed
above. Therefore, sending applications to the NCB office address
only slows down your application process, as your fee needs to
be processed by the bank first.
(back to InfoLine Contents)
NCBTMB
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
703-610-9015 … 703-610-9005
1-800-296-0664 (totally automated line)
e-mail: info@ncbtmb.com
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Contents
Security Measures in
Place at NCETMB Test Sites
NCBTMB Announces New
School Outreach Program
Two New Credentials Available
in the New Year
Find It All on the Web
Site!
Tell Us What You Want!
What Happens To My
Application Once I Mail It?
How to Submit a Complete
Application
Board
of
Directors
Whitney Lowe, NCTMB, Chair
Bend, OR, 2003
Garnet Adair, NCTMB, Chair-Elect
Tucson, AZ, 2004
William Stoehs, Public Member, Treasurer
Miramar, FL, 2003
Tree Bright, NCTMB
Winston-Salem, NC, 2004
Elaine Calenda, NCTMB
Longmont, CO, 2004
Judy Dean, M.Ed., R.N., BC, NCTMB
LaPorte, IN, 2005
Leena Guptha, D.O., Ph.D., NCTMB
Lake Bluff, IL, 2003
Pam Laubscher, D.O., Public Member
Oro Valley, AZ, 2003
Elizabeth McIntyre, R.N., MAS, NCTMB
Lancaster, PA, 2005
Susan Scoboria, NCTMB, Immediate Past Chair
Westport, CT
NCB
InfoLine
Published by the
National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage & Bodywork
8201 Greensboro Dr., Suite 300 • McLean,
VA 22102
703-610-9015
Fax: 703-610-9005
Don't forget to visit us on the web –
http://www.ncbtmb.com
NCB InfoLine is distributed six times
per year to all training institutions recorded
in the NCBTMB database.
Copyright ©2002
Edited by: Paula Miller
Designer: Daniel Tedla
Please direct inquires to Ashleigh
Millner, Manager of Administration,
703-610-0236,
the above address, or e-mail: amillner@ncbtmb.com
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