How Was the NCETMB Developed?

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 helps to assure the competency of practitioners of therapeutic massage and bodywork." To support the organization's mission, NCBTMB created the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB). But how was the exam actually created?
In 1996 NCBTMB began a two-year process called a job task analysis, which resulted in the creation of the NCETMB as we know it today. The job task analysis included several strategic steps to ensure the credibility and integrity of a legally defensible exam. The study began with a review of literature and an informal survey of the industry. This review was conducted to gain a feel for what types of certifications already existed and how the development of a national certification program would impact the profession. Once it was determined that NCBTMB should move ahead with the project, a task force was created to define the body of knowledge that would be assessed. The task force then met with subject matter experts (SMEs), individuals who have been trained to develop a national certification exam for massage therapy and bodywork. The result of the meeting was a test construct that measured the knowledge of an "entry level" practitioner, or a practitioner's baseline competency.
The next step in the process was to conduct a study known as role delineation, which is a study designed to amass a list of knowledge, skills, and tasks that would be performed by an entry-level practitioner of massage therapy and bodywork. Once the role delineation was completed, a job task analysis survey was mailed to over 15,000 massage therapists and bodyworkers. This survey asked practitioners their opinions of the data that was gathered in the role delineation process. Based on the results of the survey, areas of content were constructed and weighted in proportion to their importance, frequency of use, and necessity for entry-level practice. The results of this survey yielded an outline (test blue print) from which an examination could be created.
After the test blue print was created, SMEs began to write questions to be included on the exam. Next, the questions were reviewed by a test development editor in order to evaluate spelling, grammar and applicability to the results obtained from the job task analysis survey.
Once the test editorís review was completed, the questions were reviewed again by another group of SMEs. Once the test had been created, NCBTMB had to take steps to ensure the continuing reliability and credibility of the exam. Computer-based technology (CBT) was developed for continual administration of the NCE by reevaluating current test questions and pre-testing new problems before they are implemented. It was decided that every NCE would contain 170 multiple-choice questions, 20 of which should be pre-test questions used to determine the questionís potential for measuring a candidateís ability on future examinations. If a pre-test question performed within the designated parameters, it would be placed in the item pool of questions used to generate the forms of the NCE. The process of including pre-test questions in the certification program has been used to this day to continuously reevaluate the exam.
To further ensure credibility of the certification program, NCB attained accreditation by the National Commision for Certfying Agencies (NCCA). NCCA is the accrediting body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). To maintain currency and reliability of the exam, NCBTMB completes a job analysis every 5 years. The next job analysis will be completed in 2 years. For additional information about NCB, its history and certification program, please visit www.ncbtmb.com.  

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Chairís Letter
By Neal Cross, Ph.D., NCTMB

It does not seem possible that this is my final column as Chair of NCBTMB. The year has gone by at lightening speed. I want to thank all of my colleagues on the Board for their cooperation and especially the members of the Executive Committee who have been there when I needed them. I would like to congratulate the newly elected board members: Garnet Adair, Elaine Calenda, and Tree Bright. I leave office knowing that my successor, Susan Scoboria, will do an outstanding job as Chair of NCBTMB. The May meeting will prove to be interesting, as new Board leadership will be chosen. All in all, the future looks bright for our organization.
As you may know, one of the most important tasks required of the Board of Directors is the development of a strategic plan. During strategic planning sessions, the Board sets goals that NCB can strive to attain. I am very proud to report that during my tenure as Chair, I feel the NCBTMB has successfully accomplished many of its primary goals set forth in the NCBTMB Strategic Plan. Some of the highlights of our accomplishments include: recognition of the National Certification Exam by thirty states and the district; improved services such as the Practitioner Locator Program for our certificants, prospective employers and the general public; increasing the total number of certificants to over 45,000; successfully promoting the worth of the national certification program through the use of a public relations firm (nearly 450,000,000 impressions) ; began to take the steps required to create an advanced certification.
Without the vision, leadership and commitment of three individuals, NCBTMB would not have been able to accomplish the strategic plan highlights listed above as well as the countless other tasks that are not listed. I send my sincere thanks to these individuals, outgoing board members Cliff Korn, Kate Jordan, and Marlene Cohen. I know they will continue to be successful in the endeavors they pursue in the future. I welcome continuing to serve the board as immediate past chair in whatever capacity the board deems appropriate and continue to spread the message of the significance of touch in human health and well being. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you.  

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What Happens if You Fail the Exam?

If you fail the National Certification Examination and wish to take it again, you must submit a copy of your failed score report, which will be given to you before you leave the test center, and the exam fee of $225.00 payable to NCBTMB. The failed score report and fee must be received by NCBTMB by the expiration date stated in your eligibility letter. Once NCBTMB receives your failed score report and fee, you will be given another 3 month window within which to schedule and take the exam. This procedure must be followed anytime a candidate fails the exam and wishes to take it again. Processing will still take 4 - 6 weeks. If you don't submit your failed score report by the expiration, you will need to submit a new application packet. Candidates who fail the NCE will be permitted to retake the examination two (2) more times, if necessary, to achieve a passing score. Candidates who do not achieve a passing score by the third attempt will be required to wait a three month period, from the date of their last examination administration before re-applying. After the three month waiting period, candidates will be required to re-apply for eligibility to take the NCE by submitting a new, completed application form, examination fee and all supporting documentation to NCBTMB.
Candidates who fail the examination and believe this was due to an error in electronic scoring may have their examination results hand scored by submitting a request in writing to NCBTMB. Candidates shall have seven (7) days to request a hand score. Candidates may not have access to the answer key. Candidates whose status changes from fail to pass shall be issued a certificate.
Candidates who think the exam contained errors in content may comment in writing before they receive their score. Comments will be forwarded to the Examination Committee of NCBTMB. If the Examination Committee judges that an item(s) should not be scored, all affected candidates shall be notified promptly. Candidates whose status changes from fail to pass shall be issued a certificate. If you have any additional questions about what to do if you if you fail the exam, please reference your candidate handbook to review NCB's policies and procedures regarding your performance on the exam.
If you have misplaced your candidate handbook, visit our web site at www.ncbtmb.com and review the candidate handbook located on the Obtaining Certification page.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I take the exam?
There are over 180 testing centers nationwide. An ASI Customer Care Representative will help you locate the testing center closest to the your home or preferred testing location.

Do I have to tear the application out of the handbook?
Yes, please tear the application out of the handbook, when turning it into NCB.

Why are there so many non-western (oriental) questions on the exam?
There are actually about 18 non-western questions on the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCE). 15 of these will be used to calculate an individual's performance on the NCE. Three of these will be "pre test" questions that will be used to gather performance data for future examinations. All questions on the NCE will reflect those areas of content and proportions of content as presented in the NCBTMB Content Outline. A brief outline is listed below. For a full content outline please consult your candidate handbook, or visit the web site at www.ncbtmb.com.

I. Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology (27%)
a. Western
b. Non-western

II. Clincial Pathology& Recognition of Various Conditions (20%)
a. History and client intake process
b. Disease and injury related conditions

III. Massage Therapy and Bodywork: Theory, Assessment and Application (41%)
a. Assessment
b. Application
c. Touch therapy modalities
d. Holistic principles

IV. Professional Standards, Ethics, and Business Practices (12%)
a. NCBTMB Code of Ethics
b. Confidentiality of client information
c. Effective inter-professional communication (e.g. doctors, chiropractors, nutritionists, and counselors)
d. Use of proper income reporting procedures
e. Basic business and accounting practices
f. Session record keeping practices
g. Scope of practice: legal & ethical parameters

The current form of the NCE being used to measure the entry-level knowledge and competency of massage therapy and bodywork practitioners is based on the Job Task Analysis Study as explained in the previous article. During this job analysis study no single modality was the area of focus. Rather, NCBTMB gathered information from a number of groups in order to accurately reflect those standards of practice that exist in the areas of touch therapy across the country. Modalities represented during this study included those areas that could be described as Western (Swedish, Sports Medicine, etc.) and Non-Western (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Other Energetic Systems, etc.). By gaining the input from all types of practitioners, NCBTMB was able to develop a content outline that demonstrates those tasks that are consistent among all types of bodywork. The result is a comprehensive instrument that accurately reflects the work of practitioners rather than an exam specific to one modality or type of bodywork.

Why do I need to submit a transcript and a diploma with my application?
Submitting both a transcript and diploma gives both the candidate and NCBTMB certification program added credibility. Additionally, with different sources verifying a candidate's degree of training and the content associated with that training, it helps us to validate the idea or the notion that a candidate has a decent chance of passing the exam, given the level and scope of training they've been afforded. Verification of this training provides NCBTMB an additional means by which to make the inference that someone is competent to practice massage therapy and bodywork safely and effectively.

I am in an 800 hour program, can I apply to take the NCE after I have completed 500 hours of my program? Can I apply before I have graduated?
No, candidates must have graduated with at least 500 in-class clock hours of formal training at an established school of massage and/or bodywork.

How do I get my score transferred from NCBTMB to the state licensing agency?
NCBTMB will not automatically transfer your score to a state licensing/credentialing agency unless you are a Florida licensing agent. You can purchase extra score reports on the day of the test for $15 per report. If your state or local licensing agency requires that you send them an official copy of your score, you will need to complete a score report request form which is located in the Candidate Handbook. This completed form plus the $15.00 fee must be made payable to Assessment Systems, Inc. (ASI). ASI will mail your score directly to the licensing agency within 15 business days of receiving your request and payment. Your payment must be in the form of a money order, cashier's check or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted by ASI. If you took the NCE January 1, 1996 or earlier, please contact NCBTMB to transfer your score.

Where can I get copies of the latest NCBTMB handbooks and forms?
You can download every NCB form and handbook from our web site (www.ncbtmb.com). You may also call our toll free automated line (1-800-296-0664) 24 hours a day to request materials.  

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Approved Provider Corner
As a NCBTMB Category A Approved Provider, what information should I be including on my certificates that are issued to certificants who complete my course? It is required that all certificates have the name of the provider, name of the course, number of CEUs issued, date of completion, and the participant's name.
It is helpful to NCBTMB and the certificant filling out their application if you include the NCBTMB Category A Approved Provider number on the participant's certificate. This helps avoid any confusion when the certificant fills out the Recertification Application.

Remember:
NCBTMB Category A Approved Providers must renew their status every two years from the date of approval. Renewal applications are mailed three months prior to the provider's expiration date. If you do not receive a renewal application, be sure to contact Kelly Koteen, Rectification and Continuing Education Manager, at 703/610-0215 or kkoteen@ncbtmb.com.

How do you add classes?
NCBTMB maintains a record of Approved Provider course(s). Providers must submit the new information when a course is added. This information must be submitted within 30 days of offering the course and must include the course title, course description, number of CEUs being issued, and a resume on the new instructor (if applicable).

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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.

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