Translators No Longer an Option for NCE Candidates
The NCBTMB will no longer allow translators to assist candidates with the National Certification Examination (NCE). Candidates whose primary
language is not English may:

The only acceptable dictionary a candidate may use during the NCE is a strict translation dictionary developed for common use. Any dictionary that has definitions, any handwritten notes, or additional text will not be allowed. Electronic and medical dictionaries are not allowed. The examination proctor will inspect all dictionaries that are brought to the testing center, including each individual page of the dictionary, and will seize dictionaries on site if it is determined that the dictionary contains information that will aid the candidate who is taking the test in an unfair manner.
Any candidate who refuses to allow the proctor to inspect his/her dictionary will not be admitted to the testing area. In this case, the candidate will be given the option of taking the NCE without the dictionary, or rescheduling the test.
Candidates who request additional time to take the examination must submit the request in writing with the application. The request must specify the amount of time desired. The NCBTMB will review each request individually and may grant additional time up to but not exceeding 90 minutes. The NCBTMB will notify the candidate in writing as to how much additional time is allotted.
     Extended time can be allotted in half-hour increments for $7 per half hour. Candidates who request additional time are required to submit payment for the request with the application. Payment for additional time is non-refundable, even if full time allotted is not used.
    If you have any questions, please contact Lucy Warner, Eligibility Coordinator, at lwarner@ncbtmb.com or 703-610-0234.

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Approved Provider Corner
Editor’s Note: The NCBTMB “Approved Provider Application for Continuing Education” has been revised to establish standards that are focused on quality continued education based on the concept of continued competence. Below are some frequently asked questions about the new NCB Approved Provider Program. For further information about the NCB Approved Provider Program, please visit the NCB web site at www.ncbtmb.com and click on the link “Continuing Education.”

Who is affected by the changes to the Approved Provider Program?
The changes to the NCBTMB Approved Provider Program affect both massage and bodywork education providers and Nationally Certified Practitioners. Under the new recertification program, certificants who select the continuing professional education option (Option #1) are required to obtain their credits from an NCBTMB Approved Provider.
    The new NCBTMB Recertification Program allows Nationally Certified Practitioners to select from 10 learning options to build a recertification program that fits their professional goals, lifestyle, budget, and schedule.
    Massage and bodywork schools and education providers that wish to offer continuing professional education to NCBTMB certified practitioners, or who plan to renew their approval status, are required to submit the new “NCBTMB Approved Provider Application for Continuing Education.” The application establishes standards that are focused on quality continued education that is based on continued competence and enables the certificant to build on their knowledge, skills and abilities.

When will the program be implemented?
The NCBTMB Approved Provider Application for Continuing Education became available January 1, 2003 online at www.ncbtmb.com. It can also be obtained by calling the NCB office at 1-800-296-0664. Please leave a message, speaking slowly and spelling necessary information (such as street address), including your name, street address, city, state and zip code. For more information about the NCBTMB Approved Provider Program, please contact the NCB office by email at info@ncbtmb.com.

Why did the NCBTMB revise the Approved Provider Program?
The Approved Provider Program was enhanced to meet the needs of certificants who are renewing their National Certification credential, and to ensure that relevant, vital continued education is provided with the seal of approval from the NCBTMB.
    Providers must build on the foundation of knowledge required for certification by offering organized, systematic, and evaluative programs designed to increase knowledge, improve skills and develop approaches that enhance massage therapy and bodywork and the wellness of the public.

How can a provider apply?
The NCBTMB Approved Provider Application for Continuing Education became available January 1, 2003 online at www.ncbtmb.com, or can be obtained by calling the NCB office at 1-800-296-0664. The applicant must submit four index-tabbed, typed and bound completed application packets. The processing time is four to six weeks.

What is the length of approval status?
Approval status is granted for a period of up to two years. Providers must apply for renewal status with an application for renewal that will be sent by the NCBTMB six months before approval expiration.

What is the cost?
The application fee for the NCBTMB Approved Provider Program is $100 for an individual application (only one person) and $250 for an organizational application (more than one person, a school, an association, an association chapter, an agency, corporation, etc.).

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NCBTMB Study Guide Helps Prepare More Than 2,000 NCE Applicants
The NCBTMB has helped thousands of candidates prepare for the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) by offering the NCE Study Guide. Since the guide’s release last July, the NCBTMB has sold more than 2,000 copies of the comprehensive guide.
    The study guide contains review materials concerning the content, structure and vocabulary on the NCE. Applicants can also use the study guide to practice test-taking skills using the practice questions that are designed and formatted similar to those within the NCE. The guide provides NCB candidates with test taking strategies, content review, a reference list, a content outline and the NCBTMB Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
    “The NCE study guide is one way that the NCBTMB has committed to providing candidates with the resources they need to achieve the industry national standard,” said Christine D. Niero, PhD, executive director, NCBTMB. “The success of the study guide illustrates the dedication of our applicants to their examination and professional preparedness.”
    Candidates who are preparing to take the NCE may purchase the study guide for $39.95 by calling 1-888-802-6600, or by ordering it from the NCBTMB’s web site, www.ncbtmb.com. Massage and bodywork schools interested in purchasing 20 or more copies should call 1-800-899-3455 to receive a discounted price of $34.95. Schools can also request a free desk copy to review by contacting the NCBTMB.

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What Happens to My Application Once I Mail It?

• The application and payment first arrive at the bank’s P.O. Box address and the NCBTMB’s accounting department processes the payment. NCB staff members receive applications in batches from the accounting department.
• NCB staff members review each application and verify all supporting documentation.
• A candidate’s eligibility information is determined then entered into the NCB database.

• Eligible applicants will receive a letter of eligibility containing the testing window and testing reservation information.
• Candidates will have three months to reserve the test site, date, and time, and confirm their examination date with the testing vendor. Candidates are urged to reserve their testing site, date, and time immediately upon receipt of this eligibility letter.

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How to Submit a Complete Application

By Mail: 2 Weeks
Candidates complete the application and mail it with payment and all supporting documentation to the P.O. Box address listed in the NCB Candidate Handbook. Staff members review each application, verify transcripts and diplomas. Eligibility is determined and that information is entered into the NCB database. At the end of the two week period, candidates will receive a letter stating that their application was either accepted and they are eligible to take the NCE, or denied and they must re-submit the application with the correct supporting documentation. Eligible applicants will receive an authorization to test letter that will explain the testing window and testing reservation information.

Online: 1 Week
Candidates complete the application online through the NCB web site, www.ncbtmb.com. Candidates submit their credit card payment with the application. The candidate must then mail an official school transcript and notarized photocopy of his/her diploma or certificate of completion to the NCB. Staff members review each application, verify transcripts and diplomas. Eligibility is determined and that information is entered into the NCB database. At the end of the one week period, candidates will receive a letter stating that their application was either accepted and they are eligible to take the NCE, or denied and they must re-submit the application with the correct supporting documentation. Eligible applicants will receive an authorization to test letter that will explain the testing window and testing reservation information.

    Candidates who submit a complete application–either by mail or online–have more success at becoming eligible to take the NCETMB. They also experience a more efficient application process in a timely manner.
    To submit a completed application–either by mail or online–please follow these guidelines.

• Complete and sign the application form neatly, and in English.
• Include payment by credit card, money order, personal check or certified check.
• Include a notarized copy of certificate or diploma.
• Include official school transcripts. Schools that have a transcript security system may issue a student’s transcript in a sealed envelope.

Official school transcripts must include the following information:
1. School name, address and phone number
2. Official school seal or logo
3. Start and ending/graduation dates
4. Authorized and dated signature of administrator/director
5. Course title, hours and grade

    Candidates requiring special accommodations, must submit with the application all documentation supporting special needs. See page 8 of the NCB Candidate Handbook for instructions on how to request special accommodations.

Candidates submitting their application by mail, should send it to:
NCBTMB
Attention: Eligibility Department
c/o First Union Bank
P.O. Box 85080, Richmond, VA 23285

Sending applications by express mail, Federal Express, or other overnight carriers to the NCB office street address will not speed the application process. All applications must first be processed by the bank at the P.O. Box address listed above. Therefore, sending applications to the NCB office address only slows down the application process, as fees need to be processed by the bank first.

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NCBTMB
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
703-610-9015 … 703-610-9005
1-800-296-0664 (totally automated line)
e-mail: info@ncbtmb.com