When I graduated there was no choice for examinations. You took the NCETMB. So, that is what I did. I wrote out my check to the NCBTMB, took my exam, and complained about CAM and Asian theory being on the exam like everyone else.
As an added bonus, the NCETMB exam was not given in entire state of Iowa at all the year I graduated. I had to drive 150 miles to Illinois to take it. Obviously I am not over it yet.
On April 7th, 2001, My parents and boyfriend (my husband) dropped me off Knox college in Galesburg and told me “good luck”, “they would be thinking about me”, and that they would be back in about 3 hours. I was there 30 minutes early with 2 IDs. I made my way to room A-107 (I still have my directions) and joined a few of my classmates that had also made the journey to take the test that day. I sat there for the next two hours and tried to recall every detail I had learned in the past six months and punch it into a computer(oid). The only thing I recall is that I had 3 questions on wry neck/torticollis. That seems excessive, right?
I passed.
It did not kill me, but remember being glad I never, ever have to do that again…
So, now we have the MBLEx.
- The cheaper exam.
- The shorter exam.
- The one without Asian theory.
- The “easier” exam.
Each week I assist colleagues who are transfering their massage licenses to Florida. For some of these colleagues, taking the MBLEx, NCETMB, or the NESL is mandatory because they never had to take an exam to get their current license in the state they are currently residing (usually due to grandfathering). Because of this, I am frequently asked:
Which exam would you take?
Which exam do you recommend?
I have not heard anything bad about the MBLEx*, and typically that is what I recommend. It seems to be the preferred exam right now.
So, I am not confident at all in the foreshadowing attempt earlier, but some of you may have guessed I am taking the MBLEx.
Actually, I already did.
Today. About an hour ago.
I will write more about my experience, results, and how I may need to find better things to do with my time on another day.
What do you think about the NCETMB? I want someone to give me a reason why someone should still take the NCETMB (other than your state requires it). Coincidentally, Laura Allen wrote a great blog a few weeks ago suggesting that is time for the NCBTMB to step away from the entry level exam. It is a good read, and there are great comments and insights by other colleagues.
And I leave you with this – the best part about this blog post: My NCETMB score sheet and photo. I wish someone told me they would be taking my picture that day.
~ Ivy
*Actually one school administrator told me she hated the MBLEx because students would go to school and leave before the program was complete, take the MBLEx to get licensed in their state, and not pay her the remaining tuition.
Sooooo, you have to take a state exam to practice in that state….. No matter where you move to? And if so then what does the NCETMB offer then, just a CMT as appose to a LMT behind your name but you still need to pass a state test to practice? I’m so lost.
-07graduate trying to get back on track
Your exam scores will transfer from state to state. There is no need to take an exam each time you move. Most states accept both the NCETMB and MBLEx (There are exceptions – NYS, Ohio, HI – to name a few). You just need to contact the exam admin – either the NCBMTB if you took the NCETMB or the FSMTB if you took the MBLEx and ask for you scores to be sent to the new state your are moving to.
I have recently moved from Minneapolis to Tampa..I will hopefully be taking the “Mblex” sooner than later. Ivy, I’m glad I found your website…you have given me hope for a profession I love, and am quite darn good at….it’s what I love, it’s what I want to do…MASSAGE!!! Unfortunately each state is soooo different with it’s requirements….the states are $$$ driven. I believe in having credentials, but from what I have seen from state to state…..it all screams $$$ signs,,,thanks for being here Ivy!!:)
Glad you are here too! This blog all started because I wanted more massage therapists to talk to.
Just in case you did not know – I deal a lot with helping people transfer licenses to Florida. If you need some direction – here is my link to some resources I have. You are most likely an examination candidate – so print off that checklist. It will make that process sooo much easier. I am honestly not trying to be money-driven – just helpful on this one. I have seen a lot of people spend more money on this process than necessary.
Let me know if you have questions about anything.
Great site – I am glad I stumbled onto it!
I will just be reaching ten years in the profession, and like you I’ve spent my entire twenties’ learning and growing with it.
I earned the NCTMB (with CAM) in 2005 when certain MA towns required it. Since then we’ve become state licensed. I found the renewal requirements expensive and the paperwork was too much. The ever-changing requirements frustrated me.
Never once has a client seemed that impressed by the fact that I’d been certified. I have a 900-hour education and solid advanced training beyond that. My skills, and demonstrating my knowledge of anatomy and treatment protocol with RESULTS is what has grown my business, along with communication, education, and business skills.
I’m a bit resentful of this group of people who wants to be a big brother and consume my resources for little benefit. Although I want to someday teach, I will resist re-certifying for as long as I can!
Thanks for a thoughtful site, Ivy – I will be back.
Nicole
….”consume my resources for little benefit”.
That comment got me. You are right! What is the benefit for you and I? I cannot think of one that is honestly going to improve my business or skills at all. I will not re-certify just to impress colleagues, or because everyone else is doing it. It has to be something more than that.
Thank you for your insight!
Dear Ivy,
Thank you for addressing this issue of Nationals. I’m in California and I have been a M.T. 28 years now. I truly love what I do and I’m good at it. But this is what happen to me. First off CA is now state certified and it’s the best thing that has ever happen to this state regarding M.T. I worked in a pretty good or well know spa called Glen Ivy Day Hot Springs. One day we where all told that we had to be NCETMB Certified. We all looked horrified and then proceeded to tell us that if we didn’t do it in 1 year we could be terminated from this job. Yep! you heard me right, now I was pretty new at this job and there had been other M.T. there for a lot longer then myself, but that didn’t matter. We all said why we are getting our state license what the reason. “no answer given” so I started studying and I was one month pass the year date before I was to take the test and this is what happen. The people that had taken and passed which were few got moved up in the books so that they would be booked first the other co-workers got push in the back of the books. So the discrimination that started taking place was very apparent. Eventually people started to quit because they didn’t have the money to keep paying to take the test over and over again. I could say that I was one of the top M.T. there and I hadn’t taken the test. Well I got mad and I quit before I took the test. But I took the test two weeks later and passed in 30 min time. Yes that’s what I was thinking is this it? What the hell! ok so I have it and it has done me zero good in CA. But now with there new rules I have to go back to school for another 250 hours. yep! what a waste of time not to be grandfathered in and it does me zero good here in California. So how’s that for a story! I think that every state should have there own process and lets get rid of the Nationals! I believe that on hands education is the best and that’s what should count in the long run. Thank you for Listen, Jenny
Happy to let you vent! I can see that a lot of the anger should be directed at the spa. If CA is now certified, why would they make you have additional requirements (NCB certifications)? That seems unnecessary to me and sad that they gave you no reason why they were requiring it. Shame on them.