Licensure

Obtaining a license in order to practice a profession is mandatory by law in many areas of the United States. Licensure is the process by which the government (federal, state, province, or local governmental agency) grants an individual permission to practice an occupation or profession that is subject to regulation under the government’s authority. Licensing is used to protect the public from harm. Entry-level education is required for licensure. The entry level is considered the most basic, fundamental level of professional practice needed to safely work. Each state indicates the amount and content of entry-level education for massage therapy in the licensing legislation.

Two organizations provide licensing exams that states may use. The state may choose to use only one of the licensing exams, or the state could accept more than one of the available licensing exams. Available licensing exams include the following.

Board certification

In the first quarter of 2013, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) launched a board certification credential. This credential is not a licensing exam. This credential will require 750 hours of education, 250 hours of hands-on work experience, passing of a background check, CPR, and passing of the board certification exam (www.ncbtmb.org/certificants/board-certification).

This is a new credential and not to be confused with the licensing process. Board certification shows that the massage professional has taken the extra steps to receive further education and expertise in massage therapy. Board certification is a voluntary process for massage therapists who are already licensed and have increased their education and professional experience beyond entry level.

Which exam will I take?

It is the responsibility of those who are seeking to take an exam for licensing to contact their governmental regulatory body or local jurisdiction to identify which exam is administered for licensing. This review guide is developed to help you prepare to take any massage therapy exam intended for licensure.

The following link to Massage Magazine lists all the states and links to each state’s massage therapy board: www.massagemag.com/Resources/massage-laws-legislation.php.

What information is covered on the licensing exams?

Information presented in most educational curricula and information required to function as a massage professional can be divided into four areas. These categories form the basis of most licensing and certifying examinations. The four categories are as follows:

Usually, these two categories are studied most effectively in an integrated format. For example, discussion of the anatomy of the nervous system leads to an understanding of the functions of the nervous system. Subsequently, an understanding of how massage affects the nervous system leads to identification of indications for massage and the nervous system, pathologic conditions of the nervous system, and contraindications for applications of massage, including cautions for the use of massage when pathologic conditions are present.

Many find the sciences a difficult area of study. The terminology can seem overwhelming—almost like learning another language. If we can agree that the various methods and theoretic bases of the many different bodywork modalities provide diversity, then the sciences provide commonality. The human body remains consistent in structure and function; therefore, it makes sense that an understanding of the sciences is essential and relevant to massage.

Non-Western science content primarily focuses on traditional Chinese medicine but also covers other systems such as shiatsu, polarity therapy, and ayurveda. The content primarily focuses on the general theory of the system in order for the massage therapist to be knowledgeable about what other forms of bodywork are available, potential referral options, and, of course, safe and professional practice.

In addition to therapeutic massage, general knowledge about complementary bodywork modalities, such as hydrotherapy, Asian theory, and applications such as acupressure, trigger points, and connective tissue massage often is measured.

This review guide is based on information obtained by consolidating multiple curriculum guidelines and exam content outlines. The review material and questions for study and practice should prepare the reader to address these areas on massage licensing and certification exams. The Federation of State Massage Boards and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork websites provide specifics on the exam content outline (Box 1-1).

The massage community has supported the development of a document called the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge (MTBOK.org). The Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge Stewardship group is composed of representatives from each of the following six organizations: American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), AMTA-Council of Schools, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF), and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Although there are certainly a variety of definitions, the definition of body of knowledge (BOK) that the Steward group is guided by is “the domain of essential information, mastery over which is the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to practice.” It would be very helpful to log on to the website and download the document to use as a study guide in addition to the content outline provided in this textbook.

In addition, the massage community has undertaken a project called the Entry Level-Analysis Project (ELAP). Information from this project will inform educational content presented by schools and content and skills tested on licensing exams. Information can be found on the websites for any of the following organizations: