NCB Expands Services to Candidates
The NCBTMB has developed new ways to expand its services to Nationally Certified Practitioners and NCE candidates.
    First, the NCBTMB has implemented a new plan to expedite the NCE application process. This initiative, which is effective immediately, is designed to continue the organizationís high level of customer service and to keep up with the increase in demand for the NCE.
    In addition, in an effort to continue to meet the needs of all of its stakeholders, the NCBTMB has doubled its human resources that are dedicated solely to processing examination applications. This will, in turn, shorten the traditional application processing time from four weeks to two weeks (if the candidate provides a complete application). This initiative is driven by the NCBTMBís continued focus on providing excellent customer service to its applicants.
    Also effective immediately is the enhancement of the NCBTMBís technology infrastructures. A new online application process has been implemented through the use of the ExtraWeb Application Process. Candidates preparing to take the NCE are able to apply for the test online at www.ncbtmb.com, 24/7 using a credit card prior to mailing in all supporting documentation to the NCBTMB. (For more information about ìHow to Apply Online,î see the story on the buttom page.) Once the NCBTMB has received the supporting documentation to complete the application, the application will be processed within one week from that date of receipt. At that time, the candidate will receive an authorization to test letter. The candidate can then make arrangements to take the NCE, which is available six days per week at more than 300 Prometric test sites in North America.
    Once a candidate has been tested, the NCBTMB has the ability to send the test performance results to the appropriate State licensing board in a matter of days, which will greatly assist candidates who need to pass the NCE in order to get a license to practice.
    ìWith more than 55,000 Nationally Certified Practitioners in the U.S. today, the NCBTMB will continue to take every measure necessary to meet the needs of all of its stakeholders, as well as the increased demands for the NCTMB credential,î said Christine D. Niero, Ph.D., executive director of the NCBTMB. ìWe have refined our process so that valuable time is saved and so that candidates are offered more opportunity to take our exam. Just as we advocate for a high standard in the practice of massage therapy and bodywork, we too want to offer that same quality in the NCE application process.î
    The Chauncey Group will also conduct a job analysis study to assure that the NCE remains at the leading-edge of the professional practice, in addition to conducting a job analysis study for the development of an advanced credential in massage and an entry level massage exam. (See related story on the new credential on page 2.)

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National Certificationñthe Right Thing to Do!
National Certification for massage therapists and bodyworkers promotes a high standard of service that clients and employers use in selecting professionals, and improves employment and professional opportunities for practitioners.
    In addition, National Certification provides practitioners with national recognition for achievements as a massage therapist and/or bodyworker, and a mobile credential recognized throughout the entire country. In certain state licensure programs, National Certification is required.
    Nationally Certified Practitioners receive nationally recognized logos and are able to display their national credential. They also become listed on the NCBTMB registry so that clients can be referred directly to them. Nationally Certified Practitioners also receive updates on the current events in the profession through current NCB publications and board information.
    Candidates can take the National Certification Examination at testing centers throughout North America. Successful completion of the examination leads to National Certification, which is valid for four years. For more information on how to apply for the National Certification Examination, please visit the NCBTMB web site, www.ncbtmb.com.

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From the Chair
Whitney Lowe, NCTMB
As we move into summer most people think about slowing down and taking vacation breaks from the usual high intensity schedule. However, this is a time of transition for the National Certification Board and we have a great deal going on right now. It has been a privilege and an honor to take over where Susan Scoboria left off as I continue many of the exciting projects that have been developing during her term.
    In May, the NCBTMB celebrated the 10th anniversary of the administration of the National Certification Examination (NCE) with a gala evening in Washington D.C., where four candidates received their certificate before a crowd of Nationally Certified Practitioners and guests who were part of the NCBTMB from the very beginning. (See photos of the four Newly-Certified Practitioners in this issue of the NCB Infoline.)We have come a long way since that first exam and it is exciting to look at many of the upcoming developments. In our effort to continue responding to the needs of our stakeholders, we are proud to unveil the new NCBTMB Study Guide for the NCE. This study guide should be a great benefit for schools and students as they prepare for the exam. For information about how to order the new NCBTMB Study Guide, see the related news story in this issue of the NCB Infoline.
    In addition, a number of new developments will enhance the effectiveness of moving through the process of becoming Nationally Certified. We have a new testing vendor, the Chauncey Group International. Changes and technological improvements with our new vendor will allow us to significantly speed up the time it takes to process applications for the exam. We will soon unveil a new recertification program with many new options for certificants to select to maintain their credential. In addition, we have made headway with development of a new advanced practitioner's credential and a massage only exam. (See the related story about the new credential below).
    These new developments are important steps in following our mission of fostering high standards for practitioners of massage therapy and bodywork. I welcome the opportunity to work toward improvements in all that we are doing for the many who benefit from it.
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NCBTMB Develops New Credentials
MCLEAN, VA ñ June 25, 2002 - The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) announced today that it will begin developing two new credentials, one in massage therapy and one for advanced practice in massage therapy. In addition, the NCBTMB will begin researching the feasibility of developing a ìbodywork specificî certification program for bodywork practitioners. The NCBTMB will continue to offer its current certification in massage therapy and bodywork through the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCE), for which it is conducting its third job analysis study.
    As with the current NCE, the new credentials will require candidates to meet strict eligibility requirements, pass a rigorous exam and agree to uphold the NCBTMBís Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
    In developing the new credentials, the NCBTMB recognizes its important role in serving the public and maintaining public trust. The NCBTMB encourages Nationally Certified Practitioners to choose a credential, successfully complete the National Certification process for that credential, and keep their National Certification current.
    Thirty-one states and hundreds of municipalities regulate the massage and bodywork profession. Twenty-five of these states and the District of Columbia utilize or recognize the NCE, either in statute or in rule. The NCBTMBís new certification programs will offer more options to states that desire to separate regulations for massage and bodywork by providing more specific entry-level credentialing. The NCBTMB will continue to offer the current massage and bodywork credential with a new job task analysis giving regulatory bodies the option to maintain their existing regulations without making any statutory/rule changes.
    ìBy offering these new credentials and maintaining and updating our existing NCE, the NCBTMB is working in lockstep with the needs of states, municipalities and practitioners to continue to offer credentials that are reflective of what our industry professionals are practicing,î said Christine Niero, Ph.D., executive director, NCBTMB. ìThe NCBTMB has always been recognized for its leadership within the industry and this latest step is just one more sign that the board is delivering what is needed for this profession and our stakeholders.î
    Prior to rolling out the new credentials, the NCBTMB will conduct appropriate studies for validity, survey practitioners and create test specifications for the specific bodies of knowledge associated with each certification. Once this is in place, the NCBTMB will pre-test questions and examination forms before launching the exams. The NCBTMB anticipates that the new certification programs and examinations will be in place in 2003.

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Chauncey Delivers NCETMB
As reported in the last issue of the NCB Infoline, the NCBTMB has chosen the Chauncey Group to deliver the NCETMB, which is taken by 1,500 candidates each month. Beginning next month, the examination will be delivered through The Chauncey Groupís partner, Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corporation. Applicants for the NCE will continue to submit their applications to NCBTMB. The examination will be available six days a week at testing sites throughout North America. Candidates can schedule their examination online at www.2test.com, or by visiting the NCB web site, www.ncbtmb.com.

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NCB Exam Study Guide Available for Sale (See Order Form on the Web Site!)
The NCBTMB has published a study guide to help candidates who are preparing to take the National Certification Examination (NCE). The NCBTMB Study Guide includes test-taking strategies, vocabulary used on the NCE, an examination blueprint, a breakdown of the types of questions that are used on the NCE, practice questions, and important documents associated with being a Nationally Certified Practitioner.
    The NCBTMB Examination Study Guide is the only study guide that is written and published by the NCBTMB and is based on NCE questions and subject matter. Be aware of study guides produced by other organizations who claim to have access to the NCE test questions and subject matterñthe NCBTMB does not make that information available to the public.
    Hard copies of the NCBTMB Examination Study Guide are available at the NCB office for a cost of $39.95, which includes regular ground delivery, shipped within 5-7 business days. An option of overnight shipping is available for an extra charge.
    To obtain a hard copy of the study guide, call 1-888-802-6600, have payment ready (Mastercard or Visa). Check or money order payments for the study guide may be mailed to: Attention: NCBTMB Study Guide, Softrac America, 500 Monocacy Boulevard, Frederick, MD 21701. The order will be fulfilled once payment is received. The study guide can also be ordered online with a credit card via the web site, www.ncbtmb.com.

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Application Form Revised
The NCBTMB Candidate Handbook has been updated. The new version, dated July 2002, contains a more expanded, up-to-date application form. The NCBTMB office will only accept completed forms of this version of the NCE application.