NCBTMB New Web Site Launching January 2001
NCBTMB has revised its Web site over the last few months in an effort to provide even more up-to-the-minute information to its stakeholders. New sections, such as ìWhatís New at NCBî and the ìMedia Room,î have been added, and the ìImportant Formsî section has been revised to include the documents candidates need most often. Another important section added is the ìCandidates Corner.î This section gives candidates seeking National Certification information about becoming certified, answers to frequently asked questions, resources for taking the NCE and contact information for additional needs. 

Enclosed is a sample of what you can find on NCBís Web Site:

Whatís New at NCB - This section provides up-to-the-minute information on changes to the National Certification program, press releases, and other newsworthy items. 

Candidates Corner - This section provides information needed most often, answers to frequently asked questions, common application errors, certificate mailings, testing information, etc. Check this area often for timesaving tips and information affecting your application process. 

Media Room - This section contains NCBís media kit, press releases, and the current Board of Directors list with bioís.

Obtaining Certification - This section contains the most current edition of the Candidate Handbook which can be downloaded. 

Keeping Your Certification - This section provides information about maintaining the NCTMB credential and contains the Recertification Handbook which can be downloaded.

Consumers Guide - This section gives consumers information about selecting a Nationally Certified practitioner and why it is important to select Nationally Certified practitioners.

Practitioners in Your Area - This section is the home of the on-line searchable database of Nationally Certified practitioners in good standing. 

NCB Publications - This section provides the most current and archived issues of NCB Connection and NCB InfoLine (formerly know as Emerging Standards).

Shortcut to Important Forms - This timesaving section provides candidates with forms needed for the National Certification Program. The Score Report form is very important when transferring results to state regulatory boards and other agencies.

Board of Directors - This section allows you to learn more about National Certification Board members. Complete bioís are available for each member simply by clicking on the requested name. 

Contact NCB Staff - This section provides a directory of staff members and their areas of responsibility. Messages can be e-mailed to the specific staff members directly from this section. 


If you have questions about the improvements to the Web Site please contact Jason Thies, Marketing & Communications Manager at 703-610-0236 or jthies@ncbtmb.com. 

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What Is the Standards of Practice Document?
By Garnet Adair, NCTMB, Chair of the Ethics and Standards Committee

The Standards of Practice, as reprinted in the last issue of NCB InfoLine, represents the philosophy of NCBTMB. The Ethics and Standards Committee studied the Standards of Practice from a variety of professions, surveyed certificants for input on the document and received guidance from NCBTMB legal counsel. The Committee also considered past and current complaints that NCBTMB has received about the behaviors of certificants. The Board of Directors spent many hours discussing the Standards of Practice and working with the Ethics and Standards Committee. The document was adopted on February 6, 2000 and implemented on September 15, 2000. Appreciation is extended to those certificants who responded to the Standards of Practice article in the last issue of NCB InfoLine. The following questions and responses are equally important for educators and students since all certificants are held accountable to these standards. 
The NCBTMB has a mission statement and Strategic Plan to guide their decisions. With over 40,000 certificants and more than 1,000 candidates testing each month, the Board of Directors acknowledges that not every certificant will warmly receive this document. However, research and statistics support the strength of the Standards of Practice document as it is currently written. This dynamic document is subject to revision in keeping with the changing demands and expectations of the massage and bodywork profession. 

With this in mind, here are some of the questions that have been posed to NCBTMB.

It appears that these standards are trying to "be everything to everybody." They also seem to have more to do with protection of the therapist than protection of the public.

The mission of NCBTMB is to foster high standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of services through a recognized, credible credentialing program that assures the competency of practitioners of therapeutic massage and bodywork. Since the eligibility requirement to become certified by NCBTMB is based on the completion of a minimum number of hours, it is necessary to list competencies in order for practitioners to assure the public that they are meeting the criteria to which they hold themselves accountable. The ability to recognize standards not only protects the consumer, but also protects the certificant if a complaint is unfounded.

It concerns me that this became policy without a "vote" by the members.

It appears that there is confusion between being a practitioner that is a voting member of an association and being a practitioner that has voluntarily attained a certificate of competency from a certifying body. National Certification is a credentialing body that assures that practitioners operate under consistent standards of competency. An association is an organization of members who have a common interest. Being a member of an association does not assure the public about accountability. 

Why did you eliminate the old NCBTMB Code of Ethics?

The Standards of Practice document does not replace the NCBTMB Code of Ethics. The function of this document is to support the Code of Ethics by clearly identifying behaviors that are recognized as inappropriate when complaints are received from the consumer.

What therapeutic treatments do massage therapists perform in the ear canal, nasal passages and oropharynx and why are they listed in the ìPrevention of Sexual Misconductî (Standard VI)?

As the NCTMB credential covers a variety of bodywork modalities, we had to be sure they were addressed within the Standards of Practice document. Some certificants are trained in RolfingÆ as well as specific neuromuscular therapies. Some of the techniques involve working within the ear canal, nasal passages, oropharynx and anal canal. These were listed in the category of "Prevention of Sexual Misconduct" as we wanted to stress to certificants as well as to consumers that, while there may be treatments that work in these very intimate areas, it is possible that same certificants may inappropriately work these areas under the guise of doing "therapeutic" work. With the client/patient giving voluntary, informed consent that might also require a signature, the certificant is less likely to participate in inappropriate behavior. If inappropriate behavior occurs, and the Ethics and Standards Committee receives a letter of complaint, the committee has more specificity when determining whether the certificant has breached the NCBTMB Code of Ethics or the Standards of Practice.

The decision to maintain liability insurance and methods of accounting should be a personal one. Why are they part of the Standards of Practice? 

The standard to follow acceptable accounting practices is basic record keeping of income and expenses and the ability to track those records. This is standard bookkeeping that is necessary for the practitioner in preparing state and federal tax reporting. The standard to provide adequate liability insurance is to ensure that if a client is injured during a session, or if a client is injured on the practitioner's property, there would be coverage and protection. These two standards are aspects of professional business practices that consumers expect from a certificant who upholds high standards.

I've always considered "multi-dimensional and dual relationships" as good networking. Why are these now to be avoided?

The Standards of Practice do not state that certificants must not develop any relationship with their clients but that they are to avoid dual and multi-dimensional relationships that could impair professional judgment or result in exploitation of the client. The potential exists for certificants to take advantage of their relationship with clients, and that is what is addressed in this particular standard. There have been incidences in the past that have brought harm to the consumer.

Now I have to keep progress notes on all my sessions even if they just want to relax? Why should I use a plan of care instead of intuition? 

The standard to maintain progress notes for each client session is required, if applicable. It is for the protection of both the client and the certificant to show the date of each client session and the focus of the session. The "plan of care" may indicate the needs of the client for that session whether it was for basic relaxation or for specific rehabilitative needs. Listening to the client's wants/needs for each session allows the practitioner to create a client-centered treatment. Although intuition is a beneficial skill, not all practitioners possess that skill nor do all clients desire to rely on a practitioner's intuition to know their needs for a session. Progress notes support what took place during a session if the practitioner ever had a complaint lodged against him/her or if he/she received a subpoena to testify on behalf of a client.

Why do I have to report alleged violations of the law by other practitioners? 

This standard exists to protect the public. All complaints that are received about alleged violations are fully and fairly investigated. Actually, alleged violations of the law are among the clearest determinations of the Ethics and Standards Committee since they rely on the court system to determine the facts. 

The NCBTMB Standards of Practice will continue to evolve with the growth of the profession and will be peer-reviewed on a periodic basis by the Board of Directors. NCBTMB invites your comments about the Standards of Practice via e-mail at info@ncbtmb.com. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I take the National Certification Exam?
Candidates must first show they have met the eligibility requirements to sit for the NCE. To be eligible you must have completed at least 100 hours of Anatomy/Physiology; at least 200 hours of massage and/or bodywork theory and application; and at least 200 hours of related coursework. A notarized copy of the diploma or certificate and an official school transcript must be included in the application. Please see page 5 for a sample copy of a transcript.

What information do I need to send in with my application?
In addition to the application, an official transcript (must be an originalñno photocopies, faxed copies, or notarized copies are accepted) and a notarized photocopy of your diploma or certificate of completion must be included. 

I only have one original transcript and I don't want to send it in. What should I do?
Another official transcript should be requested from your school. If you are not able to request another transcript from your school, you may ask a school official to complete the Verification of Education form in the Candidate Handbook and submit that with your application in lieu of the official transcript. 

I am unable to find a notary willing to notaries my diploma. What should I do?
Some notaries will only notarize a signature. In this event, NCB will also accept one of two things:
1. The candidate may put something in writing stating that the copy of the diploma is a true copy of the original diploma, and have the notary notarize the signature. 
2. The candidate may have the school they graduated from stamp a raised seal on the copy of the diploma. 

I need to take the exam ASAP. What is the fastest way to apply?
Unfortunately, there is no way to "speed up" the application process. The processing time is 4-6 weeks. To ensure that the application is not delayed, make sure all of the appropriate documentation is included with the application. 

When is the next exam date in my area? 
The testing schedule of ASI is tentative depending upon how many candidates will be taking the exam in your area. Our exam is offered at least once a month in every state. When you are approved to sit for the exam, you will receive the most updated information from the testing center for your area.

How do I make an exam reservation?
Once you are eligible to sit for the NCE, you will receive a letter with a toll-free number and information to contact ASI, NCB's testing vendor. ASI will help you:
ï Find a convenient test site;
ï Reserve an examination date and time;
ï Provide the address and directions to the site;
ï Review materials you will need to bring on the day of the examination.

What if I need to reschedule my exam date?
An exam date may be rescheduled as long as it is done within four days of the actual time of the scheduled exam. Contact ASI directly. Dates cannot be rescheduled past the expiration date originally assigned. If an extension is needed, documentation stating the reason must be provided and it must fall under the five exceptions listed in the Candidate Handbook. The eligibility coordinator will determine whether the candidate may extend a test date without a penalty.

How do I study for the examination?
The exam evaluates the skills and knowledge of massage and bodywork professionals. It is not something for which you can study or "cram."

Strict security measures are taken to prevent the removal and/or reproduction of examination questions. Use caution when purchasing study guides or when paying for review courses that may claim to address actual examination items. 

The following items are contained in your Candidate Handbook and may assist you in preparing for the exam:
ï Content Outline of the Exam
ï Sample Questions 
ï Sample Reference List
ï Tips for Preparing to Take the Exam

What happens if I fail the exam?
If you fail the exam, you may retake the exam up to three times. After the third unsuccessful attempt, you must wait three months before re-applying to take it again.

A candidate is required to submit copies of his/her failed score report within 60 days of the originally assigned examination date. Another $225 examination fee is required. Resubmission of a transcript/diploma will not be rquired unless the 60-day time period has lapsed. In that case, the candidate will need to resubmit as a new candidate.

How do I have my scores transferred to my state board?
The Score Report Request form must be completed. This form can be mailed, faxed or downloaded from our Web Site. The completed form is then mailed to our testing center and scores will be forwarded to the state requested. If the exam was taken in the past two years the fee is $15. If the exam was taken more than two years ago the fee is $25.

Does this National License mean that I can work anywhere in the U.S?
The NCBTMB provides the NCTMB credential. This national credential may be used in any state. However, you still must contact your state to obtain its licensing requirements. 

My certificate was destroyed in the mail. How can I get a new one? 
Return the damaged certificate you received to our office and a new one will be sent to you. 

My name was spelled incorrectly on my certificate. How can I get that changed? 
Return the incorrect certificate to our office with the correct spelling of your name printed on an attached note. A new certificate will be issued and mailed to you. 

I recently married and changed my name. Can I get a new certificate? 
You can request a duplicate certificate at any time. There is a $15 fee for duplicate certificates. Request or download a copy of the "Duplicate Certificate Request" form, complete and return it, along with payment and a copy of the marriage certificate/license to NCBTMB. A certificate will be issued and mailed to you. 

My information with NCBTMB has changed. How can I update this information with the Board?
If you have a name change or address change please submit the information to NCBTMB right away. You can submit information by using the Change of Address form found on the Web Site, you can e-mail the information to info@ncbtmb.com or you may call NCBTMB at 703-610-9015. Include the following items when submitting changes:
ï Name (if it is a name change you are submitting, include a copy of the legal document showing the change)
ï Address (include city/state/zipcode)
ï Telephone Number
ï Fax Number
ï E-mail and Web Site (if applicable)
ï Social Security # (verification purposes only)
ï Certification # (if known) 

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What Happens Once I Become Eligible For the NCE?

First 4-6 Weeks
Candidate receives eligibility letter from NCBTMB - typically 4-6 weeks after sending application.

Candidate calls ASI at 800-274-3703 to make the exam reservation. Candidate will need to provide ASI's Customer Care Representative with the following information:
ï Full Name;
ï Social Security Number; and
ï Registration Number (found in the eligibility letter.)

The ASI Customer Care Representative will help the candidate locate the testing center closest to the candidate's home or preferred testing location.The ASI Customer Care Representative will provide the candidate with the following information:
ï Exam date;
ï Exam location;
ï Address of, and directions to, the selected test 
center; and
ï Confirmation number of examination reservation.

Candidate receives confirmation letter from ASI containing examination reservation information - approximately 3-5 days after making reservation.

Candidate reviews ASI's exam reservation confirmation letter and reports any discrepancies directly to ASI.

When should candidates call ASI (800-274-3703)
ï Test center directions;
ï Materials needed on exam day; and
ï Score report requests.

When should candidates call NCBTMB
ï Address changes;
ï Social Security Number corrections;
ï Canceling, rescheduling or missed exams due to illness, death, etc. (see Candidate Handbook for reporting acceptable reasons); and 
ï Candidate information not on file with ASI.

(back to Info Line Contents)