National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
NCBTMB is an independent nonprofit founded in 1992 that issues the NCCA-accredited Board Certification (BCTMB), the highest voluntary credential for U.S. massage therapists, and accredits continuing education providers serving 10,000+ certificants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersNaperville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork does
NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) is an independent, private nonprofit credentialing organization founded in 1992, with operational headquarters in Evanston, IL, and a registered office in Virginia. Its sole corporate Member is the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and it is governed by an independently elected five-member Certification Board plus CEO Shelly Johnson. NCBTMB issues the Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB), the highest voluntary credential in the massage therapy profession, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). It also administers the Approved Provider Program for continuing education, the MTAC preparation assessment, a public directory, and (through June 3, 2026) the Assigned School Program, which is being transitioned to COMTA.
The organization operates a web-based credentialing platform (my.ncbtmb.org) that supports online applications, CE reporting, exam scheduling via Prometric's nationwide testing center network, and digital badging through Credly. Board Certification candidates take the 140-question BCETMB exam (2024 pass rate: 50%), a criminal background check, and agree to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics; the 120-question MTAC provides diagnostic scoring across five content domains. Core technology is conventional credential-management SaaS, with Prometric handling exam delivery and Credly providing verifiable digital credentials — there is no disclosed AI/ML capability.
NCBTMB generates revenue primarily through a one-time $275 Board Certification application fee, a $140 biennial renewal, MTAC fees of $135, Approved Provider fees of $225 (individuals) or $450 (organizations) for 3-year approval, and ancillary charges ($35 per course review, $40 per state score report, $5 processing fees). It serves over 10,000 Board Certificants, 2,000+ Approved Providers, and (pending transition) 250+ Assigned Schools, distributing its programs through a self-serve portal, the Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations, video testimonials, social media, and a public directory — a community-led, inside-sales go-to-market model with no enterprise customers.
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Legal name
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, Inc.
- Website
- https://ncbtmb.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- NCBTMB is an independent nonprofit founded in 1992 that issues the NCCA-accredited Board Certification (BCTMB), the highest voluntary credential for U.S. massage therapists, and accredits continuing education providers serving 10,000+ certificants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Credentialing Services
- NAICS
- Professional Organizations (81392)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Healthcare & Clinical Professional Certifications (EDAAANAI)
Keywords
Where National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Naperville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Board Certification Fees: One-time application fee of $275 for initial Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB), covering eligibility review, background check, and exam scheduling. Plus $140 biennial renewal fee.
- MTAC Assessment Fees: Massage Therapy Assessment for Certification (MTAC) fee of $135 per candidate, including application, exam, and criminal background check.
- Approved Provider Program Fees: Approved Provider applications: $225 for individuals, $450 for organizations or conference/tradeshow providers. Each new course submission costs $35. Three-year validity, renewable at the same rate.
- Course Review Fees: NCBTMB charges $35 per new course submitted for review and approval. Conferences/tradeshows: $50 per 1–50 courses, $50 per each additional 1–50 courses. New York Sponsorship approval: $450.
- Score Report and Duplicate Certificate Fees: Score reports sent to state licensing boards: $40 per report. Duplicate certificate requests: fee with $5 processing charge.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Board Certification application fee — $275 one-time |
| Subscription | Annual | Board Certification renewal — $140 biennial |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | MTAC (Massage Therapy Assessment for Certification) — $135 |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Approved Provider individual — $225 for 3-year approval |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Approved Provider organization — $450 for 3-year approval |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Approved Provider renewal — $450 for New York Sponsorship |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NCBTMB is an independent, private nonprofit credentialing organization that administers Board Certification (BCTMB) for massage therapists through a rigorous computer-based examination, criminal background checks, and adherence to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. It also operates the Approved Provider Program, which evaluates and approves continuing education providers and courses that Board Certificants must complete for biennial renewal.
Product overview
NCBTMB offers a credentialing platform with three main programs: Board Certification (BCTMB®) as the highest credential for massage therapists, the Approved Provider Program for continuing education providers, and the Assigned Schools Program (in transition as of June 2026). Supporting products include MTAC (preparation assessment), Online Practice Exam, and Directory Services for verificaton. The organization serves over 10,000 Board Certificants, 2,000+ Approved Providers, and 250+ Assigned Schools.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Board Certification (BCTMB) The highest credential within the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Requires passing the Board Certification Exam (BCETMB), criminal background check, and agreement to uphold NCBTMB's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Provides biennial renewal with 24 CE hours.
- Approved Provider Program Approval program for massage therapy continuing education providers (individuals and organizations) and their courses. Approved Providers gain access to the 10K+ Board Certificant audience that must earn 24 CEs from Approved Providers every two years.
- Massage Therapy Assessment for Certification (MTAC) A personalized 120-question assessment of an individual's strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the Board Certification Exam, covering Massage Modalities, Applied Science, Professional Communication, Professionalism and Ethics, and Laws and Business Practices.
- Online Practice Exam Exclusive online practice exam containing Level 1 (entry-level) questions to prepare for licensing exams, and Level 2 questions to prepare for the Board Certification (BCETMB) exam.
- Directory Services Online directory enabling search of Board Certified Therapists, Assigned Schools, Approved CE Providers, and Courses, with verification functionality for state boards, employers, and the general public.
- Assigned Schools Program Program for massage therapy schools to become assigned to NCBTMB. NCBTMB is transitioning out of this program as of June 3, 2026, referring schools to COMTA for accreditation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2024 BCETMB Pass Rate: 50%
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature4 records
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)coreNCBTMB and COMTA announced a strategic collaboration as NCBTMB transitions out of its Assigned School Program. NCBTMB will focus on Board Certification and the Approved Provider Program while supporting COMTA's leadership in school accreditation and curriculum endorsement. NCBTMB will no longer accept new school applications for the Assigned School Program beginning June 3, 2026. Current Assigned Schools will maintain status through their expiration dates. The partnership underscores each organization's commitment to upholding the highest standards in the massage therapy profession.
- Coalition of National Massage Therapy OrganizationscoreNCBTMB is a proud member of the Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations, alongside ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals), AFMTE (Alliance for Massage Therapy Education), AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association), COMTA, FSMTB (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards), and MTF (Massage Therapy Foundation). The coalition collectively elevates the massage therapy profession through advocacy, education, and credentialing standards.
- PrometriccoreNCBTMB partners with Prometric, a computer-based testing solutions provider, to administer the BCETMB and MTAC exams. Prometric operates testing centers across all U.S. states. Candidates schedule exams within their 90-day eligibility window through Prometric's platform.
- American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)coreAMTA is the sole Member of NCBTMB per the bylaws (incorporated in Virginia). AMTA's Board of Directors exercises all Member rights. This governance relationship makes AMTA the ultimate supervisory body of NCBTMB's operations.
- Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)minorABMP is a member of the Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations and its logo appears alongside other coalition members on NCBTMB's website, indicating cross-promotional and collaborative marketing relationships.
- Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE)minorAFMTE is a member of the Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations and its logo appears alongside other coalition members on NCBTMB's website, indicating cross-promotional and collaborative marketing relationships.
- Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)minorFSMTB is a member of the Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations and its logo appears alongside other coalition members on NCBTMB's website, indicating cross-promotional and collaborative marketing relationships.
- Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF)minorMTF is a member of the Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations and its logo appears alongside other coalition members on NCBTMB's website, indicating cross-promotional and collaborative relationships.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA): AMTA is the largest US massage therapy membership association and NCBTMB's sole Member under the bylaws. Directly comparable as a leading massage therapy professional organization with broader membership, advocacy, and continuing education scope than NCBTMB's credentialing focus.
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): NBCC is a long-established NCCA-accredited healthcare professional certification body. Comparable as a peer credentialing nonprofit operating the same NCCA-accredited certification model at greater scale in the counseling field, providing a structural benchmark for NCBTMB's operating approach.
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA): NCCPA is the NCCA-accredited certifying body for physician assistants. Comparable as a healthcare professional certification nonprofit demonstrating the scale and governance model NCBTMB's credentialing program could reach as massage therapy professionalization advances.
- National Certification Corporation (NCC): NCC provides NCCA-accredited certification for nurses in obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal specialties. Comparable as an NCCA-accredited healthcare certification nonprofit with comparable credentialing economics (application fees, biennial renewals, CE requirements).
Direct peers
- Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP): ABMP is a major membership association for massage therapists and bodyworkers and a fellow Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations member. Directly comparable as a competing professional association serving the same licensed massage therapist population with overlapping CE and credentialing offerings.
- Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB): FSMTB coordinates state licensure through the MBLEx exam and is a fellow Coalition member. Directly comparable as a credentialing/standardization body operating in the same massage therapy regulatory ecosystem, though focused on state-level licensure rather than voluntary board certification.
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA): COMTA accredits massage therapy schools and has assumed NCBTMB's Assigned School Program effective June 2026. Directly comparable as a massage therapy accreditation organization, now positioned as NCBTMB's strategic partner handling a complementary credentialing vertical.
- Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE): AFMTE represents massage therapy educators and schools and is a fellow Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations member. Comparable as a stakeholder organization in the same credentialing ecosystem, particularly relevant given the Assigned School Program transition.
- Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF): MTF is a fellow Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations member focused on research and education in massage therapy. Comparable as a mission-aligned nonprofit in the same professional ecosystem, addressing complementary aspects of massage therapy professionalization.
Others
- Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE): ICE is the parent organization of the NCCA, which accredits NCBTMB's Board Certification. Comparable as the standards-setting body whose accreditation framework NCBTMB operates within, relevant for understanding credentialing governance and best practices.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks2 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork social profiles
Digital presenceNational Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
What does National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork do?
NCBTMB is an independent, private nonprofit credentialing organization that administers Board Certification (BCTMB) for massage therapists through a rigorous computer-based examination, criminal background checks, and adherence to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. It also operates the Approved Provider Program, which evaluates and approves continuing education providers and courses that Board Certificants must complete for biennial renewal.
Is National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork a public or private company?
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork founded?
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork was founded in 1992. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork based?
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is headquartered in Naperville, United States, in the North America region.
How does National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Board Certification Fees are the primary driver. The others are MTAC Assessment Fees, approved Provider Program Fees, course Review Fees and score Report and Duplicate Certificate Fees.
Who are National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and National Certification Corporation (NCC). Direct peers are Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE) and Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF). Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) is listed as an others.
Does National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork have an API?
No public API is recorded for National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
What industry is National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in?
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork's product category is Professional Credentialing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAANAI, Healthcare & Clinical Professional Certifications. Its NAICS code is 81392.