The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage 
& Bodywork:
Who is the NCBTMB?
Almost all students and practitioners of massage therapy are familiar with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). This organization upholds some of the highest massage therapy standards in terms of education, ethics, and professional development. It is widely recognized as one of the leaders of massage therapy excellence; in fact, the NCBTMB is so important that certification through the organization is required for a massage therapist to practice in most U.S. states.
The History of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
The NCBTMB has been in existence since 1992. It is a private, nonprofit organization founded as a means to establish a massage therapy certification program recognizable across state borders, thereby making it easier for students and professionals to be held to similar standards across the country. Since its inception, it has been fairly successful in this goal, and is now recognized by a total of 33 states. An estimated 90,000 professionals have been certified so far.
For the most part, the goals of the NCBTMB focus on keeping the public safe from poorly trained or unethical massage therapists. Until it was started, the only other national accountability organization was the Commission on Massage Training Accreditation (COMTA), which focuses more on upholding standards in educational institutions than among professionals. By creating a national certification program, the NCBTMB gave massage therapists the opportunity to appeal to the public on a platform of integrity, ethics, and stability – a move that has contributed greatly to the increased popularity of massage therapy as a valid health care option.
Certification Requirements
Although certification requirements through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork are fairly stringent, they are attainable for any student or professional serious about seeking a career in the field. Requirements include:
• 500 hours of massage therapy instruction
• Passing score on the standardized NCBTMB exam
• Demonstration of necessary skills
• Commitment to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics (including the concepts of professionalism, confidentiality, good business practices, roles and boundaries, and the prevention of sexual misconduct, among others)
• Renewal of NCBTMB credentials every four years (which can be accomplished by working a total of 200 hours in the field during those four years and fulfilling any state- mandated continuing education requirements)
Test Options
There are two options for professionals interested in getting certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. These include the National Certificate Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) and the National Certificate Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). Both tests are fairly similar in their composition; the primary difference are additional questions for the NCETMB exam.
Both exams are regularly updated according to the latest massage therapy technologies and techniques. Although you may be called upon to answer questions ranging from the topics of shiatsu to neuromuscular therapy, the exams are designed to test general competency in the field as a whole. Different states require different certificates in order to legally operate within their borders. If you intend to work in any state, it is important to determine which of these two tests is required.
Accreditation and Governance
Despite the NCBTMB's goal of creating state standards in massage therapy and bodywork, it is not affiliated with any governmental or federal agency. It is accredited by the National Commission for Certified Agencies through the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), an organization that upholds trends and issues in the health care sector. As an institution, it accredits hundreds of health-related certification programs around the country each year.
In addition to fulfilling its obligations to NOCA in terms of maintaining its rigorous standards, the NCBTMB answers to an elected Board of Directors. This nine-member board is composed entirely of professionals in the field. They maintain accountability to the public while ensuring that professional ethics are still upheld.
Why the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork is Important
Not only do many states require certification through the NCBTMB in order to legally work, but being a member of the organization offers a number of professional perks and incentives. If you intend to open your own business, potential clients are able to search for certified professionals though the organization, and many health care workers and doctors will only give referrals unless the certification is carefully maintained. If you plan to work for another organization (such as a spa, cruise line, or office), the certification can give you an edge in employment.
Overall, having a national standard of excellence makes everyone feel better about the field of massage therapy: from clients and colleagues to employers and insurance agencies, a uniform regulatory process means that you are more appealing as a professional in your field.
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