HOW DO I BECOME BOARD CERTIFIED?
If you are practicing in a license state:
- Verification of current massage therapy state license
- Passing score on the Board Certification Exam
- Pass a criminal background check
- Agree to uphold NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
If you are practicing in a state without state licensure:
- Graduation from a NCBTMB Assigned School*
- Passing score on the Board Certification Exam
- Pass a criminal background check
- Agree to uphold NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
The cost to apply for Board Certification is $275
*If you did not graduate from a NCBTMB Assigned School, your school is now closed, or you completed international training, you may instead apply for Board Certification via Portfolio Review. (additional $75 fee). Please access the Board Certification Handbook here.
**If submitting a transcript with transfer credits, the original transcript where credits were transferred from must be submitted as well.
RENEWAL
Once earned, you must achieve a minimum 24 CEs-including 3 CEs in Ethics-every 2 years, as well as pass a criminal background check to maintain your credential.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
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Modalities, Techniques & Manual Forces (20%)
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Applied Science (25%)
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Communication & Documentation (15%)
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Professionalism & Ethics (10%)
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Laws & Business Practices (5%)
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Client Assessment & Treatment (25%)
To download the full BCETMB breakdown, click here.
EXAM PREP
- Online Practice Exam
- Board Certification Study Guide
- BCETMB Reference List
- Brick by Brick: Applied Sciences Webinar with Portia Resnick, PH.D., ATC, BCTMB, LMT
- Brick by Brick: Communication & Documentation Webinar with Douglas Nelson, BCTMB, LMT
- Brick by Brick: Assessment with Christopher Jones, MS, BCTMB, LMT
- Brick by Brick: Massage Modalities with Matthew Gavzy, PTA, BCTMB, LMT
- Brick by Brick: Professionalism, Ethics, Business and Law with Nancy Porambo, MS, CMNT, BCTMB, LMT
EXAM MATERIAL ARTICLES
First appearing in a Massage Magazine series, these articles provide insight into how the categories covered in the exam help your practice. The articles also provide insight into what you need to know to prepare for the exam. Check back to read the next article in the series.
- Brick by Brick: 3 Ways Professional Communication Helps You Build Your Practice by Douglas Nelson, BCTMB, LMT
- Brick by Brick: This is How Your Knowledge of Pathology, Movement, Anatomy & Medication Improves Your Massage by Portia B. Resnick, PH.D., ATC, BCTMB, LMT
- Brick by Brick: The Value of Adding Assessment to Massage Therapy Sessions by Christopher V. Jones, BCTMB, LMT
- Brick by Brick: Understanding Advanced Massage Techniques Will Elevate Your Practice by Matthew Gavzy, PTA, BCTMB, LMT
- Brick by Brick: Professional Practices Protect your Massage Career by Nancy M. Porambo, CNMT, BCTMB, LMT
*For a full BCETMB breakdown, click here.
**All massage therapists must be licensed in states that regulate massage therapy—this is also required prior to achieving Board Certification.