Chapter 10:

NCBTMB Certificate


“use the initials NCTMB to designate his/her professional ability and competency to practice therapeutic massage and bodywork only, or the initials NCTM to designate his/her professional ability and competency to practice therapeutic massage only.”

--NCBTMB Standards of Practice I (q)


“remain in good standing with NCBTMB and maintain the NCBTMB certification.”

--NCBTMB Standards of Practice I ( c )


“understand that the NCBTMB certificate may be displayed prominently in the certificant’s principal place of practice.”

--NCBTMB Standards of Practice I (s)


“use the NCBTMB logo and certification number on business cards, brochures, advertisements, and stationery only in a manner that is within established NCBTMB guidelines”

--NCBTMB Standards of Practice I (t)


“not duplicate the NCBTMB certificate for purposes other than verification of the therapist’s credentials.”

--NCBTMB Standards of Practice I (u)


“immediately return the certificate to NCBTMB if certification is revoked”

--NCBTMB Standards of Practice I (v)


“inform NCBTMB of any changes or additions to information included in his/her application for NCBTMB certification or recertification”

--NCBTMB Standards of Practice I (w)


The NCBTMB expects therapists to display the logo and certificate. It demonstrates and promotes a national standard. It supports and furthers the industry’s reputation. Using the NCBTMB logo demonstrates the therapist has passed certain standards of professional ability. One knows the college one attends is acceptable if it approved by a regional accrediting agency. The NCBTMB is providing a similar service verifying therapists.


The Board does have several concerns though. They want the certificate to be used only to establish professional ability or competency in massage or bodywork. Good work in massage and body work should not be hyped into something else that is untrue—stay within the scope of practice.


The only reason the certificate should be duplicated is again to prove professional ability or competency in the field. In Frank W. Abagnale’s fascinating book Catch Me If You Can, lately made into a movie, he describes having a pilot’s license duplicated and using it to get into cockpits. The therapist should keep an eye on the certificate to make sure it is not misused by anyone else.


The certificate should be displayed at the primary place of business.


The NCBTMB standards are also concerned the therapist remains in good standing and if that becomes not true, the NCBTMB may rescind therapist certification. Continuing education in NCBTMB ethics and standards, such as those offered by Apollo Correspondence Classes, is a convenient way to gain knowledge in the NCBTMB requirements. Even if there are problems, the Ethics and Standards Committee may just require further education instead of probation or revocation. In the legal field, if lawyers cooperate with the investigation and express remorse, that is taken into consideration in determining the penalty. Sincerity and cooperation influences the outcome of disciplinary action in nearly all fields and situations.


Since the National Certification Board is also a source of referrals, it is a good idea to keep your file with them up to date, and this standard makes it a requirement. Having the wrong information or poor information may lead to confusion down the line.


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