NCB Helps Candidates With Special Requests
Sometimes, candidates taking the NCE need special help, such as a translator, or assistance relating to a disability.

The NCBTMB provides assistance to those candidates who need special accommodations to take the NCE, but these requests must be submitted in writing with the completed application. Special requests may include a reader, a professional translator, additional time beyond the three-hour testing timeframe to complete the test, or a private testing room. All special requests must be approved by the NCBTMB and candidates who are granted these requests will be responsible for the costs of the request(s). All special requests must be submitted with the candidate’s application.
   The candidate must select these special requests on their application form under the section, “Special Requests for Examination Options.” Candidates who do not submit requests for special accommodations with their application will have to re-submit their application with the proper documentation, thus delaying the process of their application.

For Special ESL Accommodations:
For candidates whose primary language is not English, and who need special assistance with language translation to successfully complete the NCETMB, they may specially request a professional translator. Such special requests must be submitted in English with the application. Chauncey, the official testing vendor for the NCE, will select the translator for the candidate and the candidate will be responsible for the costs of the professional services rendered by the translator. In addition, testing proctors will closely inspect all translation dictionaries at the start of the examination.

For Candidates with a Documented Disability:
Candidates applying to take the NCETMB who have a disability may submit special requests with their application. The disability must be diagnosed and documented by a professional such as a medical doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist, school counselor, or other health care professional. The disability must be stated in writing, and the disability must be diagnosed within the past five years.

Readers and translators will be selected by Chauncey, the testing vendor, at the candidate’s expense.
   For more information about these special requests, see the NCBTMB Candidate Handbook, or visit the website at www.ncbtmb.com/obtaining_certification.htm

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From the Chair
Whitney Lowe, NCTMB
Fall generally signals a time for change and that is certainly true this fall for those of us working with the NCBTMB. We are in the middle of three new job analysis surveys, which will help to validate the content outlines in the two new credential programs (as featured in the last issue of the NCB Infoline), as well as the current credential in massage therapy and bodywork. A new entry-level credential for massage therapy will begin sometime in 2003. In addition, the new advanced credential in massage will open up a number of new opportunities for practitioners to designate a more specific area of competency.
    Of particular interest to approved providers and school programs will be the new recertification program. Traditionally the way most practitioners maintained their National Certification status was through attendance at continuing education workshops that granted credit for hours of attendance. There are an increasing number of approved providers for these education experiences, but there is often great difficulty for many Nationally Certified Practitioners to get to these courses because of financial or geographic restrictions.
    The NCBTMB has been aware of this challenge, and for some time has been in the process of addressing this issue through the development of the new recertification program. Educational experiences are an important part of the recertification program. Now those experiences will be easier to achieve than ever before. The new recertification program has multiple options for Nationally Certified Practitioners. In addition to the traditional methods of classroom courses, there will now be credit available for various distance learning programs, internships, professional presentations, research, college courses or degrees, as well as a detailed option involving a comprehensive self-directed learning program.
Input from practitioners, educators, administrators, and others has been an invaluable part of the process of determining what kinds of learning activities would be beneficial. It will be important that we hear back from all stakeholders once this program is fully operational next year. Feedback on innovative programs like this is crucial for continual improvement and growth.
    Thus far, we've appreciated the suggestions and ideas from people across the spectrum of our field on these program changes. We look forward to hearing more from you as these, as well as other changes, are implemented.

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Stay Current!
Candidates: You can now submit your address changes quickly and easily from the NCB’s web site, www.ncbtmb.com. Please notify the NCB office when your address and other contact information changes. Don't forget to update your phone, fax, email, and web site information. Submit changes to the NCB office at 703-610-0238 or by email at www.ncbtmb.com.

Educators: Please remind your graduates who have applied to take the NCETMB to keep their contact information current with the NCB office. The NCBTMB receives many candidate eligibility letters returned from the post office marked “undeliverable” or “moved - no forwarding information available.” It is important for the candidate to keep us informed so they do not miss their eligibility window to test.

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NCB Makes Score Transferring Easy!
Candidates who have completed the NCE may now download the “Official Score Report Request Form”from the NCB web site, www.ncbtmb.com, under the option, “Shortcut to Important Forms.”
    The “Official Score Report Request Form” is now available on the web site and allows candidates to request one or more official copies of their score report to be forwarded directly to a state credentialing or licensing agency.
Performance on the NCE is held in confidence and may only be released with written permission by the certificant. To ensure this confidentiality, the “Official Score Report Request Form” serves as written authorization by the certificant to release this information.