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National Certification

Hi there-

I'm interested in hearing about those of you who are nationally certified.. I was wondering if you felt that getting nationally certified was worth it?? if so, how? did it benefit you in your practice?? I realize that some states are required to be nationally certified.. I'm in Minnesota where it is not required, yet I'm still thinking about taking it. at this point in time I feel that it is not needed (by me) because it's not required. I guess I'd just like to know about it all around, in every aspect that anybody can think of.. Thanks :-)

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Comment by Krystle Kuchera on October 14, 2009 at 2:00pm: Very interesting!!! You guys are awesome! Thanks much!

Comment by Charles D. Stone, LMT on October 13, 2009 at 1:09pm: As a side note from some of my classmates that took the National Exam before taking the New York State Exam, the National was easier than the state.

Comment by Charles D. Stone, LMT on October 13, 2009 at 1:06pm: Here in New York the state exam is required to be licensed. The National Exam is not recognized for licensing. You only have to take the state exam and licensing is good for life, but you have to register every three years.

The cost of registering is covered when you take your exam. It is currently $50.00 every three years, but as of September 25, 2009 the rate was increased by 15%.

Hawaii is also another state where state exam only is recognized.

Each moth in Massage Magazine there is a section entitled Laws and Legislatio where you can find out the state by state (and Province in Canada):

Contact
Title/Type of Credential
Required Education and Exam
Who Administers the Exam
Renewal Fee & Interval
CEU's Required per Interval

There has been talk of Federal legislation where there would be a standard nationwide, here in the US, for medical licensing to help ease the state to state regulations.

Comment by Gerry Bunnell on October 12, 2009 at 5:14am: The National exam is a resource several states use as their State exam for licensing/certification. Several states offer "parody" where one State's License achievement can qualify you to be Licensed in another state. You must still go through the application process and become duely Licensed in the State you plan on practicing in. NCBTMB has nothing to do with Licensure other than administering their exam.

My state requires passing of the National exam in order to become certified, but does not require a therapist to maintain their National certification beyond that. I chose to not spend the extra money just to have the 4 extra letters (NCMT) behind my name. That is all the value I see in that membership. As I have said elswhere, most of my clients would not know the difference between State and National certification nor would they care. Their concern is how effective I am at relieving their pain and how I resond to them as a therapist.

Peace

Comment by Krystle Kuchera on October 11, 2009 at 7:28pm: Really??? I was under the impression that if you are nationally certified.. then your good for wherever you go.. I'm glad I haven't taken it yet if thats the case.. thanks

Comment by Frank J on October 11, 2009 at 1:11pm: I honestly believe that a national certification is a waste because no matter what you state you go to, you still have to be certified for that state. So what is the use of being nationally certified if it doesn't carry over to each state. Either we go to each state and take their test or we take one national test and call it a day