NCETM / NCETMB Test Guide

NCETM Summary
What: National Certification Examination of Theraputic Massag e (NCETM)
Who: The NCETM is administered by the National Certification Board of Theraputic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Where: The exam in given in 33 states and the District of Columbia.
When: The test time may be selected by the candidate from times set by the NCBTMB.
How: The NCETM is a computer based exam.
Type: The NCETM is a multiple-choice exam.
Why: The NCETM leads to certificaiton and licensure in massage and bodyworks.
Time: The exam is 2 hours and 40 minutes in duration.
Language: Spanish and English.
Preparation:
Cost:

By Kara Arnold, Tests.com Contributing Writer

Massage and bodywork are growing fields, since people are increasingly relying on therapeutic massage and bodywork as a means of relaxation, pain relief, health concerns, rehabilitation and general wellness, year after year. Massage therapists must be licensed in their state. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) administers an exam called the National Certification Exam for Theraputic Massage (NCETM) recognized by many states as part of the licensing process.

The NCBTMB also offers an exam including certification for bodywork, called the National Certification Examination for Theraputic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). The NCETM and NCETMB are similar and differ in that the NCETMB has questions on bodywork assessment and application and weights some areas of the test differently.

According to NCBTMB, 33 US states and the District of Columbia use or recognize the NCETM exam, including: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Even in states that do not required certification, it is wise for practitioners to attain certification, as it is a mark of a successful career and distinguishes individuals as dedicated professionals.

Receiving certification involves completing a minimum of 500 hours of instruction, demonstrating mastery of core skills and knowledge, passing the standardized NCETM exam, upholding NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and completing continuing education to retain recertification.

The exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions with four choices provided for each question. Test takers have two hours and forty minutes to complete the computer-based exam.

The exam is divided into six content areas:

General knowledge of body systems
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
Pathology
Therapeutic massage and bodywork assessment
Therapeutic massage and bodywork application
Professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices

The NCETM is offered in both Spanish and English.

Test takers receive unofficial pass or fail scores immediately after completing the exam, and official score reports are mailed approximately two business days following the exam. A passing score is scaled at 300 or above. Six weeks after passing the exam, the candidate will receive a certificate.

To apply for the exam and certification, candidates must complete an application that includes a photocopy of a picture ID, copy of certificate or diploma, official school transcript and an exam fee.

The completed application will be processed in two to three weeks, and approved applicants will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) with information on how to make an exam reservation.

Candidates may register for the examination at any of Pearson VUE’s North American testing centers online 24 hours a day or by calling 888-699-1808 Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Individuals may reschedule the exam at least one business day before the exam by phone by calling the Pearson VUE Registration center toll-free at 888-699-1808 by 8:00 PM Eastern time. If rescheduled online, it must be done at least 24 hours before the exam appointment and time. The rescheduled date must fall within the original three-month eligibility period. If candidates fail to follow these guidelines, their entire exam fee will be forfeited.

Candidates should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment and bring a government-issued photo ID (Social Security cards are not accepted) on the day of the exam and be prepared to have their photograph and an electronic fingerprint taken. No personal items are allowed in the testing room, including cell phones and pagers, which should be turned off and locked in a locker at the site. Eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking and making distracting noise is not permitted in the testing room. Test administrators will provide examinees with erasable note boards and markers. The administrator may allow unscheduled restroom and food breaks, but the exam clock will not stop.

Interested in becoming a certified and licensed massage therapist? Check out our NCETM Directory for information about the NCETM and test preparation services.