Requirements & Resources

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.

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RENEWAL

Once earned, you must achieve a minimum 24 CEs-including 3 CEs in Ethics-every 2 years, provide a valid massage therapy license (in states that require a license), as well as pass a criminal background check to maintain your credential.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

  • Modalities, Techniques & Manual Forces (20%)

  • Applied Science (25%)

  • Communication & Documentation (15%)

  • Professionalism & Ethics (10%)

  • Laws & Business Practices (5%)

  • Client Assessment & Treatment (25%)

To download the full BCETMB breakdown, click here.

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EXAM PREP

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.

*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.