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You can also search our frequently asked questions below.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
Courses/Conferences
Live courses are defined as synchronous learning experiences during which participants are in the presence of an instructor whether in the same or in a remote location.
Distance Learning is defined as courses that are held in a distant location but there is direct communication during the course between the instructor and participants. Communication between the instructor and participants may be by phone, interactive webinar or website. All of the criteria for live courses is replicated in webinars.
If a webinar is recorded and offered as a home study a test must be created to and adherence to home study criteria must be followed.
Further information can be found in the Approved Provider Handbook, downloadable in the Approved Provider Handbook & Tools section here.
How to become Board Certified
To become Board Certified, you must meet or exceed the following requirements:
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. 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.
Apply for Board Certification entirely online with these simple steps:
- Create an account at ncbtmb.org
- In the “Certification” section on your home page, click the “Apply Now” button in the section for the “Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB)”
- You will then be taken through the application wizard.
- For more information, click here for the candidate handbook and application checklist.
Note: It is required to upload documents to this website during this process. Click here for assistance if needed.
That’s it! Contact us at info@ncbtmb.org or by calling 1-800-296-0664 with any questions.
You must successfully pass the NCBTMB Board Certification Exam, as well as meet the requirements, to become Board Certified.
Also, it’s important to check with your state, or any state you wish to practice in, to verify the appropriate state requirements.