What is National Certification?

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) is a private corporation that created the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), which it provides as a service to states that do not administer their own tests.

There is no longer a credential called “National Certification” so a therapist cannot become “Nationally Certified.”  Rather, you may take the NCETMB as part of your mandated or voluntary state certification or licensure process.

As of January, 1, 2015, California will require all applicants for certification to have a minimum of 500-hours from an approved school, and a passing score on either the NCETMB or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).  Graduates of the Arcata School of Massage have a 100% pass rate on both exams.