NCETMB Practice Test

If you need help studying for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.

Click below to take a free NCETMB practice test!

NCETMB
Study Guide

NCETMB
Flashcards

Exam Eligibility

Before you can register to take the NCETMB exam, you’ll have to meet the requirements below:

• You need a current massage therapy license
• You must have proof that you graduated from a formal training program

If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!

What’s on the Exam?

 
There are 140 questions on the exam, which are grouped into seven domains, and the time limit is 140 minutes (2 hours and 20 minutes).

Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the NCETMB exam.

1. Assessment, Care Planning, and Documentation
25% of the exam

Knowledge

• Interview techniques
• Assessment methods
• Common pathologies, injuries, and pre-/post-surgical considerations
• Common prescription and non-prescription medications, their effects, and side effects
• Stages of tissue healing
• Special populations
• Indications and contraindications
• How to customize a massage
• How to communicate with clients in understandable terms
• Informed consent
• Documentation formats
• Medically accepted terminology
• Health care practices

Skills

• Use a variety of interview techniques to gather client information
• Conduct a variety of assessments
• Develop a plan for the massage session
• Identify and discuss indications, contraindications, pathologies, and special accommodations, and adapt the session as needed
• Obtain informed consent
• Adapt massage for pre- and post-surgical considerations
• Adapt massage based on prescription and non-prescription medications
• Customize massage based on client’s goals
• Monitor client responses, and solicit feedback during and after the session
• Educate client about the care plan, including self-care activities as appropriate
• Maintain client documentation
• Utilize medically accepted terminology in client documentation
• Collaborate with health care providers when appropriate
• Apply research evidence to client-centered care planning

2. Massage Techniques and Modalities
24% of the exam

Knowledge

• General massage techniques
• Massage modalities
• Pressure and manual forces
• Stretching
• Joint mobilization
• Endangerment sites and adverse events
• Client positioning
• Appropriate use of tools and equipment
• Appropriate use of topical agents
• Benefits and effects of techniques and modalities
• Draping techniques

Skills

• Apply massage and bodywork techniques in a safe manner, monitoring responses and adapting techniques as needed
• Utilize effective body mechanics during the session
• Identify the benefits of massage and bodywork techniques and modalities
• Identify endangerment sites and adverse effects
• Position clients for comfort and safety, utilizing positioning equipment as appropriate
• Apply appropriate draping techniques

3. Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology
24% of the exam

Knowledge

• Anatomy and physiology of all body systems, including:
  • Integumentary system
  • Muscular system
  • Skeletal system
  • Nervous system
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Lymphatic system
  • Endocrine system
  • Reproductive system
  • Respiratory system
  • Digestive system
  • Urinary system
• Immune response
• Kinesiology

Skills

• Identify structures, functions, and interactions of body systems
• Identify origins, insertions, actions, functions, and innervations of muscles
• Identify types of muscle contractions

4. Professional Practice
14% of the exam

Knowledge

• NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice
• Standard of care for safe practice procedures
• Information literacy and research literacy
• Professional development
• Therapist self-care
• Business entities
• Business practices and policies
• Accounting principles and financial record keeping
• Professional liability insurance
• Emergency preparedness

Skills

• Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and accessible facility
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain tools and equipment
• Stay current with massage therapy research
• Participate in professional development
• Apply standard massage therapy business and employment practices
• Practice self-care regimen for injury prevention and career longevity
• Manage medical emergencies when they arise

5. Law and Ethics
13% of the exam

Knowledge

• Massage practice laws and regulations
• Legal requirements for record keeping
• Establishment laws and zoning ordinances
• Ethical principles
• Professional roles and boundaries
• Ethical strategies for managing and resolving conflict
• NCBTMB’s Code of Ethics
• Cultural sensitivity
• When, where, and how to report inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct
• Mandatory reporting requirements

Skills

• Follow local and state laws and regulations for massage therapy practice, operating within scope of practice
• Maintain client information and records, safeguarding client confidentiality
• Apply ethical principles in professional interactions
• Establish and maintain professional, culturally sensitive relationships with clients
• Identify and manage legal and ethical conflicts
• Establish, communicate, and respect therapist/client roles and boundaries
• Report inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct to the proper authorities

How to Register

Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam!

To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on NCBTMB’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).

NCETMB Study Guide and Flashcards

Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.

Get Your Study Guide Get Your Flashcards

Exam Scores

The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:

For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 250 and 500.

 
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.

Retaking the Exam

If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after a 45-day waiting period.

Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.

FAQs

Mometrix Test Preparation is not affiliated with or endorsed by any official testing organization. All organizational and test names are trademarks of their respective owners.