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NCBTMB Advanced Certification Process is a Bumpy Road

The National Certification Board hit a bump in the road this weekend when Whitney Lowe resigned from the Advanced Certification Task Force, citing differences of opinion over how the project should proceed.

In a letter to NCB staff and fellow Task Force members, Lowe acknowledged the effort that has been put forth during the process, and expressed his concern about the timeline of the process, which he feels is being rushed to the detriment of the project.

His resignation stated in part, "I have long felt our profession is in need of an advanced credential. I recognize it is not an easy task and there are a number of people who have put forth significant efforts on behalf of this process. It is a complex issue and requires a great deal of thought, input, and insight into what is best for the profession. I have been greatly dismayed by the process that has been used so far to create this credential. Crucial discussions have been brushed aside in a rush to meet an unrealistic timeline for deployment of this exam. Yesterday we were informed that the eligibility criteria had been established and a job task analysis would be begun in approximately two weeks."

Lowe went on to say that he felt many concerns that he had brought up about possible flaws in the exam construction had been ignored or glossed over, and that he could no longer support the process being used to create the exam. Read More....

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Comment by Mike Hinkle on November 1, 2009 at 5:20pm: Glad to hear it! Thanks!

Comment by Angela Palmier on November 1, 2009 at 5:05pm: In regard to Mike's comment above, I've heard nothing regarding "Advanced" certifications for Instructors. I'm not sure if he's confusing specialized training for instructors with the Advanced Certification Credential?

Comment by Mike Hinkle on November 1, 2009 at 4:54pm: They have been coming in about 7-1 that they do not want mandatory advanced certification for instructors or therapists. Most seem to agree states need to make schools comply with existing rules and want upgraded standards monitored for these schools. They feel beginning school instructors qualifications should be higher.

Comment by Laura Allen on November 1, 2009 at 4:43pm: Any comments you get, it would be great if you would cut and paste them, and send them to Paul Lindamood on his page or to advanced@ncbtmb.org You can slice the names out if you don't want to say who they're from.

Comment by Mike Hinkle on November 1, 2009 at 4:15pm: One add on to this Laura. It seems instructors are against any Advanced Certifications for Instructors, per letters and feedback, I have got so far.

Comment by Laura Allen on October 31, 2009 at 5:09am: Not to fear, Keith. I am actually more encouraged about them now than I have been in years. They didn't get in a mess overnight, and I don't expect it to be straightened out overnight...the important thing to me is to see people making an effort, and I do think they're doing that.

I read your posts all the time...I usually don't respond because I feel like I'm in kindergarten and you're Albert Einstein compared to me:)

Comment by Keith Eric Grant on October 31, 2009 at 1:24am: Laura, I'd certainly urge you not to be discouraged. Writing about what you observe and creating a "paper trail" of accountability does make a difference, even if it takes time. Organizational cultures that forget whom they serve, take time to reorient.

It is the role of real journalism to look with a critical eye, the same eye Edzard Ernst was commenting on when he recently remarked that "An uncritical scientist is a contradiction in terms". Most writing about massage is not journalism. It doesn't dig into the background. It doesn't point out the blemishes as well as applauding the attractions. Journalism does. Follow the path you're on, however, and soon you'll be looking at Nieman Lab and CJR. You could do worse. My Kudos.

It's not about attitude. It's about demanding change. And governments don't change their policies because they see the light. It's because they feel the heat. — Asia Russell (Act Up organizer quoted 7/13/2002 in the Miami Herald)

Comment by Angela Palmier on October 30, 2009 at 5:58pm: Laura, Bob must be "cringing" at the word Grandfather!!!! I think we can all agree that NCB has had their share of issues, no doubt about it. It will take time, but I'm confident they are on the right track.

Comment by Laura Allen on October 30, 2009 at 5:53pm: John, I do think they are making an effort--and I have been their most vocal critic for a couple of years now on my blog. While I agree it's sad that Whitney left, there are still some mighty fine people on the Task Force. Bob King is the grandfather of massage, in my book; Mary Kathleen Rose is someone I think highly of, and I don't know the others but I thank them for serving. I hope the NCB pulls out of the pit they've been in. I've never wanted them to go away. I've just wanted them to get their act together.

Comment by John Kelley on October 30, 2009 at 2:36pm: Sounds like big news! I am sorry he is not on this Task Force as he is one of the most level headed and honorable colleagues I know.
Whitney was Cahir of the NCBTMB when the prospect of an advanced certification was first proposed so, I assume he believes exactly what he stated in his resignation.
Gloria, I also did not receive any follow-up after my Certification lapsed and pointed this out to Elizabeth Langston to challenge them to prove they are trying to do better. I sent in my recertification app, and received a notice stating that "The review process may take up to four (4) weeks to complete". I complained that this is the type of service that has cursed their future and I received my approved certification the next day. Maybe they are trying to change???