Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

[J&JLove]

My state just passed the licensing law for MT's last year. I finally have a state license. Prior to that I was just nationally certified through the NCBTMB. However, now that my state requires a license to practice massage, the national certification isn't really necessary? Most MT's I know never took the exam in the first place, since it was never a "requirement" and they are now state licensed.

I'm debating whether or not I should keep up with my NCBTMB certification? I mean a state license is really all I need. I know, yes, I did study hard, take that test, paid a lot of money for it and passed it, I feel like I should keep it updated.

My husband had to take a national exam to get his state license to practice his profession, and he's not required to pay them regular dues, he just renews his state license. Isn't that the way it is with most licensed professionals? So why should I keep my NCBTMB certification?

What do you think? Should I keep it, or let it expire? Let it go into a lapsed status for a year or two and take my time to decide?

 

[Gary Y]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

I've been wondering that myself. My state laws are different, NCBTMB certification or the MBLEx is required to get your initial license, but when you go to renew your state license you just double check that all your information is the same, pay them $50 and you're good to go. There's nowhere that they check to see if you're still NCBTMB certified. Between keeping that up and renewing with AMTA every year, I'm feeling sucked dry! My business isn't going all that well and I simply can't afford it.

 

[colorprodigy]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

So why should I keep my NCBTMB certification?

The only reason to keep it is if you want to be able to put those initials after your name on your marketing materials "Elliemare, LMT, NCBTMB" (or whatever the intials are) or "Nationally Certified"

Personally, I don't think it's worth it. You've passed the test. If you move to another state you still have those test results that will get forwarded to them and allow you to get licensed there. If you have to be "Certified" to be licensed you can do that at that time. I'm sure there are other threads on here discussing the whole idea of the NCBTMB, but in general, I think it's a racket.

But keep your state license current no matter what! That will make it much easier to transfer to other states in the future (even if you don't plan on moving, you never know!). If they see you are currently licensed in another state it's usually a lot easier to transfer, even if they have greatly different requirements than your home state.

 

[Little Pooky]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. It was a big deal in my state to say one was "nationally certified" prior to the state licensing law, but now that everyone is licensed, the NCBTMB certification doesn't really mean much?

Many, many MT's were grandfathered in and got their licenses just by providing tax returns for the past five years. Those people will never take the exam.

I think I may let it expire. Last time I renewed my certification I was told over the phone that there is actually a three year grace period for renewal, so if I don't renew next year, I still have three years after that to change my mind and possibly renew if I see a need for it.

 

[DanP]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

National Certification is a distinction that you worked hard to earn. Nationally Certified practitioners graduate with at least 500 hours of education, pledge to uphold a rigorous Code of Ethics and adhere to the NCBTMB Standards of Practice. Nation Certification is renewable every four years. There are no yearly dues like other professional organizations, just the renewal fee of $125 every four years.

There are many benefits of National Certification. As a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, you are listed in the “Find a Practitioner” directory on our website at http://www.ncbtmb.org, which is the top viewed page on our site. Consumers are coming to our site to find you!

National Certification opens the door to many career opportunities. It is a requirement at many hospitals, chiropractic offices, hotels and spas. In fact, more and more employers are contacting us to request verification of certification. And National Certification also provides greater ease of obtaining licensure when moving to a different state (National Certification is recognized in 38 states as part of licensing requirements, and in 39 states for portability).

NCBTMB is working hard on your behalf to strengthen the value of your certification. We actively seek opportunities to educate the public about the benefits of massage therapy and the advaneforum.xxxes of seeking Nationally Certified Therapists.

We continually look for ways to better serve our certificants. Currently, we are:

• Re-launching the Center of Excellence Program for businesses who employ only Nationally Certified Massage Therapists
• Developing a new credential to establish a career pathway for the profession
• Creating a robust online career center with a job bank and tools for building your business
• Championing the cause to eliminate human trafficking from the profession
• Providing networking and volunteer opportunities
• Establishing ways to stay better connected with you

The letters of your credential do matter – NCTM or NCTMB – stands for credibility, integrity and professional commitment. By renewing your National Certification, you are renewing your commitment to your career and to your profession. NCBTMB is here to support you. Contact our Recertification team at [email protected] for more information.

 

[BossResurfacing]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

Cross-link: Anyone not renewing?

 

[Josef S]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

Thanks for the cross link.

I'm coming up on my fourth renewal. I tested and became nationally certified right out of school because no one else was doing it! It was an easy way to distinguish myself from the rest. However, now that state licensing is the real requirement, I don't see much use for it? It hasn't done much for me after 12 years of certifcation, now that I'm just a part time therapist and have no desire to really grow a huge business I really don't see a need for it.

 

[Raptor Jesus]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

If PA doesn't require me to maintain my NCBTMB certification, I will not renew. I don't have any plans of moving out of PA or practicing outside of PA.

Access to a job bank is not needed as I'm self employed. My prior employers didn't care if I was NCBTMB certified.

I have not had a single client inquire about it or be impressed by my NCTMB certification. All my clients care about is how good their massage is.

There has been one networking/volunteer opportunity (free massages at IKEA, located an hour drive from my office). Not worth the renewal fee. The local massage school constantly post volunteer opportunities closer to my office.

The only benefit was less paperwork to gain my PA license versus applying through the grandfather clause.

 

[Alexei]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

National Certification is a distinction that you worked hard to earn. Nationally Certified practitioners graduate with at least 500 hours of education, pledge to uphold a rigorous Code of Ethics and adhere to the NCBTMB Standards of Practice. Nation Certification is renewable every four years. There are no yearly dues like other professional organizations, just the renewal fee of $125 every four years.

There are many benefits of National Certification. As a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, you are listed in the “Find a Practitioner” directory on our website at http://www.ncbtmb.org, which is the top viewed page on our site. Consumers are coming to our site to find you!

National Certification opens the door to many career opportunities. It is a requirement at many hospitals, chiropractic offices, hotels and spas. In fact, more and more employers are contacting us to request verification of certification. And National Certification also provides greater ease of obtaining licensure when moving to a different state (National Certification is recognized in 38 states as part of licensing requirements, and in 39 states for portability).

NCBTMB is working hard on your behalf to strengthen the value of your certification. We actively seek opportunities to educate the public about the benefits of massage therapy and the advaneforum.xxxes of seeking Nationally Certified Therapists.

We continually look for ways to better serve our certificants. Currently, we are:

• Re-launching the Center of Excellence Program for businesses who employ only Nationally Certified Massage Therapists
• Developing a new credential to establish a career pathway for the profession
• Creating a robust online career center with a job bank and tools for building your business
• Championing the cause to eliminate human trafficking from the profession
• Providing networking and volunteer opportunities
• Establishing ways to stay better connected with you

The letters of your credential do matter – NCTM or NCTMB – stands for credibility, integrity and professional commitment. By renewing your National Certification, you are renewing your commitment to your career and to your profession. NCBTMB is here to support you. Contact our Recertification team at [email protected] for more information.

Sooo.... have you guys gotten any better with your own credibility/ professionalism/being organized than you were when I first certified in 2005? I went through lots of headache trying to go through the process, due to ncbtmb "losing" my paperwork & transcripts which bumped my test taking back for MONTHS. Not an awesome way to try to start your career, esp when my state required me to have taken & passed your test. Had my city not offered a "practioner" license, I would have been unemployable during that time.

 

[Cov]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

Do ANY states require one to pass the test and maintain their certification via dues paid every four years? Or do states that require the NCBTMB exam just want you to pass the test, once and done?

 

[Astey]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

Do ANY states require one to pass the test and maintain their certification via dues paid every four years? Or do states that require the NCBTMB exam just want you to pass the test, once and done?

I just read the requirements for license renewal in New Hampshire and there was absolutely NO mention of national certification (http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/oos/blc/massage/documents/massagerules.pdf). So it looks like NH only requires national certification for the initial licensing and not beyond.

I never took it when I got licensed in NY as I was positive I'd never move. Then life happened! : I haven't seen any benefit of it yet and have no intention of renewing if not required to. I have nothing against the concept of national certification and think it is great for those in non-/minimum licensing states as a way to distinguish themselves, but I don't see the point if your state licenses MT's and requires more than 500 hrs. to start with.

 

[thecoolnessest]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

Do ANY states require one to pass the test and maintain their certification via dues paid every four years? Or do states that require the NCBTMB exam just want you to pass the test, once and done?

It is my understanding that the states who participate by allowing the National Board as a limbo-stick want the therapist to pass the test. It is my understanding that the National Board wants individual therapists to continuing paying for years to come, in order to be listed as therapist who passed the test.

While I understand state licensure, I do not understand why the National Board thinks it should be ok to continuing charging therapists to be listed as a "pass-ee" after they have payed to take the exam and have completed it with a passing grade. Once the National exam is passed, it is my belief that should be the end of that payment requirement.

They are not a state regulating board, but a testing board. They've given the test. Done.

I do know that one doesn't pay the chiropractic National Boards at any point once they have passed the National exams. They do however pay a fee to maintain their state license in the state they choose to practice. This makes much more sense. And, is what most MT's also have to do. Additional monies to a National Board is just being overly obnoxious as far as I am concerned.

Last and on a different note, as far as I am concerned, the NCBTMB is by definition "national", and therefore is expected to be portable, so I am not sure why this is even considered to be a bright spot by akinder.

 

[owlcroft]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

It is my understanding that the states who participate by allowing the National Board as a limbo-stick want the therapist to pass the test. It is my understanding that the National Board wants individual therapists to continuing paying for years to come, in order to be listed as therapist who passed the test.

My understanding is that the NCETMB was not created for the purpose of nor intended to be a state licensing exam, but that some states decided it was easier to adopt that as it's licensing exam rather than going though the trouble of creating their own. I believe it was initially intended to offer additional credentials to those that wanted to show that they were going above just the basic requirements, or to show some type of certification in the case of states that have no requirements for practice.

While I understand state licensure, I do not understand why the National Board thinks it should be ok to continuing charging therapists to be listed as a "pass-ee" after they have payed to take the exam and have completed it with a passing grade. Once the National exam is passed, it is my belief that should be the end of that payment requirement.

I don't believe that the NCBTMB is charging people to be listed as passees(?) but they're charging people who *choose* to maintain their certification so they can continue to use the credentials. If you want to keep the credentials, you have to show that you're furthering your education, and I think you have to show that you're practicing at some level (whether it's paid, volunteer work, education etc.)

As far as the use of the word "National", knowing that different states have different requirements I never assumed that having certification through them would mean I could practice in other states. There are other entities offering certification in different things that use the words "national" or "American", or heck - just the term "certification" or "certified" itself can be intentionally, or unintentionally misleading. I can take an online class and print off a certificate, but does it necessarily mean that I'm certified in anything? t102

 

[The Blonde Bird]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

It is my understanding that the states who participate by allowing the National Board as a limbo-stick want the therapist to pass the test. It is my understanding that the National Board wants individual therapists to continuing paying for years to come, in order to be listed as therapist who passed the test.

My understanding is that the NCETMB was not created for the purpose of nor intended to be a state licensing exam, but that some states decided it was easier to adopt that as it's licensing exam rather than going though the trouble of creating their own. I believe it was initially intended to offer additional credentials to those that wanted to show that they were going above just the basic requirements, or to show some type of certification in the case of states that have no requirements for practice.

I hear that.

While I understand state licensure, I do not understand why the National Board thinks it should be ok to continuing charging therapists to be listed as a "pass-ee" after they have payed to take the exam and have completed it with a passing grade. Once the National exam is passed, it is my belief that should be the end of that payment requirement.

I don't believe that the NCBTMB is charging people to be listed as passees(?) but they're charging people who *choose* to maintain their certification so they can continue to use the credentials. If you want to keep the credentials, you have to show that you're furthering your education, and I think you have to show that you're practicing at some level (whether it's paid, volunteer work, education etc.)

You've added to what I was trying to say. I definitely hear that too.

But, I don't think that one should have to maintain a national certification. Once credentialled, I believe it should stand.

As far as the use of the word "National", knowing that different states have different requirements I never assumed that having certification through them would mean I could practice in other states. There are other entities offering certification in different things that use the words "national" or "American", or heck - just the term "certification" or "certified" itself can be intentionally, or unintentionally misleading. I can take an online class and print off a certificate, but does it necessarily mean that I'm certified in anything? t102

I can understand that line of reasoning. However, I firmly believe that they are not using the terminology like many other entities you are suggesting (ie: "Oh come here, we're the National School of Massage"). I believe they are interested in purporting their test as a "National" standard, not misleading people into thinking as much. I believe there is an agenda. Otherwise they wouldn't continue to charge for one to "keep" the certification.

If they weren't acting in that manner, I don't think we wouldn't have so many people worried each year if they should keep their certification or not.

And, now that you've written this and made me think more about it, I definitely don't want to be part of their process if I can at all stay away from it.

 

[Lauralie]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

I don't believe that the NCBTMB is charging people to be listed as passees(?) but they're charging people who *choose* to maintain their certification so they can continue to use the credentials. If you want to keep the credentials, you have to show that you're furthering your education, and I think you have to show that you're practicing at some level (whether it's paid, volunteer work, education etc.)

My understanding is that you cannot look up who has passed the test, if you go to their website. You can only look up who is paying for the credential. Therefore, they are charging people to be listed as passees.

 

[Renolouie09]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

I'm really grateful for the feedback as my suspicions were correct.

My state now requires 500 hours of education to become licensed. My state also requires 24 CE hours every 2 years, so I still see no real point in maintaining the certification?

As stated before, many licensed professionals have to renew their state license, and maintain continuing education, but I don't know of any other testing organization that requires $125 every four years just for the right to say "I passed the test"?? Makes no sense to me?

 

[Erica =)]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

I don't believe that the NCBTMB is charging people to be listed as passees(?) but they're charging people who *choose* to maintain their certification so they can continue to use the credentials. If you want to keep the credentials, you have to show that you're furthering your education, and I think you have to show that you're practicing at some level (whether it's paid, volunteer work, education etc.)

My understanding is that you cannot look up who has passed the test, if you go to their website. You can only look up who is paying for the credential. Therefore, they are charging people to be listed as passees.

I guess it all depends on how you want to look at it, and for what purposes you're passing the test for.

If my only concern was to pass the test for licensing, then there would be no reason to renew. I'd still have the information showing that I passed the test, and I'm willing to bet that if it were in question, I (or a state licensing board?) could request verification from the NCBTMB to prove that. I can't imagine that because I didn't renew, they would deny that I ever passed it in the first place.

While those listed on their website have obviously passed the test, I don't see it being a "you have to pay us forever so that people know you passed the test" type situation (at least that's the thought I'm hearing from the comments.) What I see is a listing of people who not only passed the test, but have made the decision to maintain their credentials by taking continuing ed classes (at least 48hrs worth/4yrs) and have performed 200hrs of work/volunteering/research/education/etc. and agree to a code of ethics, because they've decided they want to continue to be associated with the NCBTMB (where one of the benefits of such is having their name listed.)

Once credentialled, I believe it should stand.

Would you hold First Aid/CPR/AED and other such certification to the same standard? I don't see the NCTMB credential as any different. Just because you've passed the test once, doesn't mean that you don't need a refresher or additional education to maintain the standards that the certification board (for whatever we're talking about) requires.

I can't say that I'm certified by the Red Cross to perform CPR unless I've taken the class by someone authorized by them and received my card (which costs money each time). Just because I passed the class several years ago, doesn't mean I'm performing at the same standards today. I'm guessing the Red Cross wouldn't be too happy if several years down the road I was presenting myself as Red Cross Certified if I haven't taken the proper steps and followed their rules and renewed... The same as the NCBTMB wouldn't be happy if someone who many years ago (sure, they may have passed it at one time) were still claiming credentials when they hadn't followed through on the renewals for.

t102

 

[evolution is a muthafuka]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

I don't believe that the NCBTMB is charging people to be listed as passees(?) but they're charging people who *choose* to maintain their certification so they can continue to use the credentials. If you want to keep the credentials, you have to show that you're furthering your education, and I think you have to show that you're practicing at some level (whether it's paid, volunteer work, education etc.)

My understanding is that you cannot look up who has passed the test, if you go to their website. You can only look up who is paying for the credential. Therefore, they are charging people to be listed as passees.

I guess it all depends on how you want to look at it, and for what purposes you're passing the test for.

If my only concern was to pass the test for licensing, then there would be no reason to renew. I'd still have the information showing that I passed the test, and I'm willing to bet that if it were in question, I (or a state licensing board?) could request verification from the NCBTMB to prove that. I can't imagine that because I didn't renew, they would deny that I ever passed it in the first place.

While those listed on their website have obviously passed the test, I don't see it being a "you have to pay us forever so that people know you passed the test" type situation (at least that's the thought I'm hearing from the comments.) What I see is a listing of people who not only passed the test, but have made the decision to maintain their credentials by taking continuing ed classes (at least 48hrs worth/4yrs) and have performed 200hrs of work/volunteering/research/education/etc. and agree to a code of ethics, because they've decided they want to continue to be associated with the NCBTMB (where one of the benefits of such is having their name listed.)

Once credentialled, I believe it should stand.

Would you hold First Aid/CPR/AED and other such certification to the same standard? I don't see the NCTMB credential as any different. Just because you've passed the test once, doesn't mean that you don't need a refresher or additional education to maintain the standards that the certification board (for whatever we're talking about) requires.

I can't say that I'm certified by the Red Cross to perform CPR unless I've taken the class by someone authorized by them and received my card (which costs money each time). Just because I passed the class several years ago, doesn't mean I'm performing at the same standards today. I'm guessing the Red Cross wouldn't be too happy if several years down the road I was presenting myself as Red Cross Certified if I haven't taken the proper steps and followed their rules and renewed... The same as the NCBTMB wouldn't be happy if someone who many years ago (sure, they may have passed it at one time) were still claiming credentials when they hadn't followed through on the renewals for.

t102

My friend, who has been a massage therapist for over a decade, had to apply for his PA license through the grandfather clause. Because he did not maintain his NCBTMB membership, they did not have his test results on file.

He has, as well as I have, taken more than the NCBTMB's required continuing education credits. PA requires massage therapists to take the same amount of continuing education credits to renew their license. PA licensure gives PA LMTs legitimacy. An instructor/school gives PA LMTs legitimacy when they certified the PA LMT in a particular modality. Why pay NCBTMB then? You are comparing NCBTMB to the American Red Cross. That is not a true comparison. The Red Cross is certifying people completing their course. It would be like Vodder certifying people completing Vodder's Level 4 course.

 

[Ham and Cucumber]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

I'd still have the information showing that I passed the test, and I'm willing to bet that if it were in question, I (or a state licensing board?) could request verification from the NCBTMB to prove that. I can't imagine that because I didn't renew, they would deny that I ever passed it in the first place.

Really? You can't imagine that? --- Well I sure can!

What an interesting thought. Would you be willing to thoroughly check that out with them (sometime in the future) and getting back to us on that? I would be very interested to hear what you find out and if that is for as long as the therapist is licensed.

I wonder just what a state licensing board would accept from the NCBTMB that would take care of that situation. IS the NCBTMB really willing to write a letter to a state licensing board saying that the therapist passed the test, even if they aren't maintaining their NCBTMB membership? And, is the state in question willing to accept that as the passing requirement, even if the membership were not maintained?

I'd love to see something in writing from the NCBTMB stating as much and from some of the states who say they require this.

Once credentialled, I believe it should stand.

Would you hold First Aid/CPR/AED and other such certification to the same standard? I don't see the NCTMB credential as any different. Just because you've passed the test once, doesn't mean that you don't need a refresher or additional education to maintain the standards that the certification board (for whatever we're talking about) requires.

I am not aware of any charges to maintain CPR certification. One just takes the test when needed and pays their $15 bucks, right? CPR is not that hard to understand -- unlike the NCBTMB exam which changes, and can have a myriad of questions asked. Depending on how high-on-the-horse the examiners are, will also reverberate to what the testing is like. Much of it is mental masturbation. So, for me, your question doesn't really fly.

I guess if the NCBTMB membership was $15 per year to maintain the records, I might not be so annoyed over it. At least then it wouldn't feel like they were out there just to gig people.

Until we can move from state to state with that one exam, and no other state requirements (except jurisprudence for that specific state) --- I think this NCBTMB is a bunch of hogwash.

 

[MarinaFerrari]

Maintaining my NCBTMB certification?

Really? You can't imagine that? --- Well I sure can!

What an interesting thought. Would you be willing to thoroughly check that out with them (sometime in the future) and getting back to us on that? I would be very interested to hear what you find out and if that is for as long as the therapist is licensed.

I wonder just what a state licensing board would accept from the NCBTMB that would take care of that situation. IS the NCBTMB really willing to write a letter to a state licensing board saying that the therapist passed the test, even if they aren't maintaining their NCBTMB membership? And, is the state in question willing to accept that as the passing requirement, even if the membership were not maintained?

I'd love to see something in writing from the NCBTMB stating as much and from some of the states who say they require this.

As much as we like to think mean things like that, you do get a hard copy of your pass notification and can request your actual scores. I can't say what would happen if you didn't get anything in writing, but they are simply unable to deny anything.