Assigned Schools FAQs

Assigned Schools Account & Program Updates

• What should I do if I sell my school?

  The previous owner must contact NCBTMB’s School Outreach department at schooloutreach@ncbtmb.org to inform us that the school has been sold. NCBTMB will close the current school code. The new owner must submit a new Assigned School Code Request Form. School Codes are non-transferable between owners.

• What if I need to change the name of my Assigned School?

  You will need to submit proof that you have legally changed the name of your business.

  Please submit to: ce@ncbtmb.org

• How can I view or edit my AS Directory Listing?

  • To view your directory listing please click here
    • Select Assigned Schools
    • Enter in the search criteria to view your listing as it appears publicly
  • To edit your directory listing
    • Log into your account at ncbtmb.org
    • Click “My Organizations” on the left hand side
    • Select the Organization you want to opt in/out of the directory to expand the menu
    • Select “Assigned School”
    • Click the pencil icon in the upper right
    • Enter in your company’s information and click save

  Only the City, State, and Zip Code will appear along with a link to your website (if included).  We will not include your phone or email.

  • To opt in/out of the directory listings
    • Log into your account at ncbtmb.org
    • Click “My Organizations” on the left hand side
    • Select the Organization you want to opt in/out of the directory to expand the menu
    • Select “Assigned School”
    • Click the “Directory Opt-Out” icon
    • Check the box in the “Public Directory Opt-Out” section to opt out or uncheck the box to opt back in and click save.

Assigned Schools General Information

• What is an NCBTMB Assigned School?

  A NCBTMB Assigned School is an institution researched and approved by NCBTMB, proving the school is legitimate, operating legally and meets our minimum curriculum requirements of 500 hours of education.

  NCBTMB Assigned Schools are awarded an Assigned School Code once programs are approved. This code is required for graduates of a school’s massage therapy program(s) to sit for the Board Certification Examination.

• What is an Assigned School Code?

  An Assigned School Code is a number assigned to a school by NCBTMB. To obtain an assigned school code, the primary contact person for the school must apply.

  A student or school’s use of this code enables efficient processing of student applications by NCBTMB. A code that has been assigned to a school indicates that the school’s program meets NCBTMB’s requirements and, consequently, that its graduates meet NCBTMB’s eligibility requirements relating to educational background.

• What do I do if my school is not an NCBTMB Assigned School?

  Students graduating from NCBTMB Assigned School Codes have access to a streamlined application process for Board Certification as the school is previously reviewed.

  Students graduating from a school without an NCBTMB Assigned School Code may be able to complete the NCBTMB Portfolio Review Process. To find out if you or your students may be eligible, call us at 1-800-296-0664 or email us at info@ncbtmb.org. We’ll help you figure out if there is an alternative route to Board Certification for you.

• How much does it cost to become an Assigned School?

  There is no cost to become an NCBTMB Assigned School. It’s FREE!

• Why should I become an Assigned School?

  To put it simply, we created the NCBTMB Assigned School program to better protect legitimate massage therapy programs, students, educators, and practitioners nationwide. Too often in the past, there were instances of falsification, illegitimacy, and illegal activity associated with massage therapy. We’re changing that. Most importantly, we require a valid NCBTMB Assigned School Code from any student or licensed practitioner who sits for the Board Certification exam.

  If you have additional questions, please email schooloutreach@ncbtmb.org.

• How am I “approved” or “accredited” by NCBTMB?

  NCBTMB does not accredit schools—there are several accreditation agencies that are responsible for the accreditation of schools. An NCBTMB Assigned School Code means that the school has passed NCBTMB’s review process and that students graduating from the school will be eligible to sit for NCBTMB’s Board Certification exam.

• How do I renew my Assigned School Code?

  Once awarded an Assigned School Code, the renewal requirements differ based on if your institution is Accredited or Non-Accredited:

  • Accredited schools must renew their Assigned School status every five years. There is no cost to renew.
  • Non-Accredited schools must renew their Assigned School status every two years. There is no cost to renew.

  To renew your school code:

  • Sign into your existing account at ncbtmb.org
  • Scroll to the Assigned School information section, click the blue arrow in the Assigned School area.
  • Click blue arrow in the manage application area to access the renewal checklist.
  • Complete and submit renewal.

  Note: It is required to upload documents to this website during this process.  Click here for assistance if needed.

  Review of renewals takes 4-6 weeks

• What if my school does not have an Assigned School Code?

  Students graduating from a school without a NCBTMB Assigned School Code must go through the Portfolio Review process to become eligible to sit for the Board Certification Exam.

  If you wish to apply to become a NCBTMB Assigned School, create an account on www.ncbtmb.org and submit an Assigned School Application.

• How do I submit transcripts for my graduates?

  The fastest way to submit transcripts for your students would be by emailing them to transcripts@ncbtmb.org.

  You may also send them by mail to:

  NCBTMB
  1333 Burr Ridge Pkwy, Ste 200
  Burr Ridge, IL 60527

• How do I request a Duplicate Certificate?

  To request a Duplicate Certificate, you must first login to your NCBTMB account at ncbtmb.org.

  Once logged in:

  • Click “My Cart” on the left hand side of your profile
  • Click “Store”
  • Click “Duplicate Certificate Request”  (this option will only appear if you are active and not expired)
  • Complete information and submit payment.

How to Become an Assigned School

• What are the minimum requirements to become an Assigned School?

  To become an NCBTMB Assigned School and receive an Assigned School Code, you must meet our minimum 500-hour curriculum requirements in Western-based massage therapy education.

  Non-Accredited Schools: All 500 hours of core curriculum must be live, in class with an instructor present. NCBTMB no longer accepts online learning in core curriculum for Non-Accredited programs.

  Accredited Schools: NCBTMB will accept a portion of classes via Learning Management System (LMS). Click here for more information.

  Our 500-hour curriculum requirements:

  • 125 hours of instruction in the body’s systems and anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
  • 200 hours of in-class, supervised hands-on instruction in massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application instruction
  • 40 hours of pathology
  • 10 hours of business and ethics instruction (a minimum of 6 hours in ethics)
  • 125 hours of instruction in an area or related field that theoretically completes your massage program of study

  In recognition of the lengthy accreditation process undertaken by Accredited schools, Accredited and Non-Accredited schools are asked to submit different materials.

  Please Note: All education submitted on the Assigned School Application must meet NCBTMB’s acceptable course content guidelines. In addition, all course content and curriculum must be acceptable within the state the school is located. Applications will be rejected if they list information that NCBTMB does not accept no matter the length of the program.

• I am an Accredited School. What are my requirements to become an Assigned School?

  Along with meeting our minimum 500-hour curriculum requirements, Accredited schools must also submit the following materials:

  • Completed contact information,
  • Copy of your accreditation approval with expiration date,
  • Copy of a signed, sample transcript for all massage therapy programs your school offers, and
  • A breakdown of the curriculum hours.*

  *Note: NCBTMB will accept online curriculum for Accredited schools. Click here for more information.

  Once the above materials are received, your Assigned School application will be complete. NCBTMB will notify you with your Assigned School Code upon review.

  It is extremely important to update information with NCBTMB at all times. This is not only to protect students who attend your school but also to protect the school from people who may try to falsify your documents.

• I am a Non-Accredited School. What are my requirements to become an Assigned School?

  Along with meeting our minimum 500-hour curriculum requirements, Non-Accredited schools must also submit the following materials:

  • Completed contact information and the 20 questions requested in the application,
  • Proof of required business license,
  • Proof of business ownership,
  • Proof of approval to operate an educational institution.
  • List of instructors and their resumes and qualifications,
  • Licenses and credentials of massage therapists (within states that require licensure),
  • Your school’s attendance policy,
  • Your school’s program descriptions with course catalog,
  • Syllabi outlines for each course,
  • Copy of a signed, sample transcript for all massage therapy programs your school offers, and
  • Breakdown of curriculum hours.*

  *Note: All 500 hours of core curriculum must be live, in class with an instructor present. NCBTMB no longer accepts online learning in core curriculum for Non-Accredited programs.

  Once the above materials are received, your Assigned School application will be complete. NCBTMB will notify you with your Assigned School Code upon review.

  Please update information with NCBTMB at all times. This is not only to protect students who attend your school but also to protect the school from people who may try to falsify your documents.

  NCBTMB reserves the right to deny or revoke a school from a voluntary Assigned School Code if the school misrepresents its students, education, or any documentation submitted to NCBTMB.

• What is acceptable and unacceptable core curriculum for Assigned Schools?

  The acceptable and unacceptable core curriculum criteria can be found in the Approved Provider Handbook, downloadable in the Approved Provider Handbook & Tools section here.

• How do I create an account with NCBTMB

  Go to www.ncbtmb.org and click “Create Account” in the upper left.

• How do I apply to be an Assigned School?

  • Review the Assigned School Requirements on the NCBTMB website here prior to applying. After reviewing, reach out to ce@ncbtmb.org if you have questions.
  • Create an account or sign into your existing account at ncbtmb.org
  • Scroll down to Organizational Credential Pathways and Select Apply Now in the Assigned School area
  • Click either accredited or non-accredited depending on your school’s status.
  • Complete application wizard and submit.
  • Note: It is required to upload documents to this website during this process.  Click here for assistance if needed.

  Review of applications takes 6-8 weeks.

  There is no fee to become an Assigned School. Be sure you meet all required Assigned School curriculum and qualifications.

• Who do I contact at NCBTMB if I have questions about becoming an Assigned School?

  For more information, call us at 1-800-296-0664 M-F, 8am-4:30pm CT, and ask to speak with a school specialist. You may also email us directly at schooloutreach@ncbtmb.org.