MTAC FAQs

General MTAC Information

• What is MTAC?

  “MTAC” stands for Massage Therapy Assessment for Certification. The purpose of the MTAC is to provide a personalized assessment of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the Board Certification Exam. Upon completion of the MTAC, an individual is provided with a total percentage score, as well as a percentage score per category. Such a personalized breakdown empowers the individual to determine which areas to improve upon prior to attempting the Board Certification Exam. The assessment also reflects how well the individual has digested and maintained key information learned in core curriculum.

• Why should I take the MTAC?

  Whether you are a new graduate or a seasoned therapist, the MTAC is a valuable tool should you plan to pursue Board Certification or simply want to know where you are with your knowledge and skill set.

  As the purpose of the MTAC is to provide you with an assessment of your personalized strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the Board Certification Exam, this tool will allow you to see which areas to study/improve upon prior to attempting the Board Certification Exam.

  The MTAC provides you with a total percentage score, as well as a percentage score per category. Such a personalized breakdown empowers you to determine which areas to improve upon prior to attempting the Board Certification Exam. The assessment also reflects how well you have digested and maintained key information learned in core curriculum.

  The MTAC is composed of 120 multiple-choice questions and is graded in raw score format. The tool assesses various areas reflective of both the Board Certification Exam and core curriculum, including: Massage Modalities, Techniques and Manual Forces, Applied Science (Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology/Injury, and Pharmacology), Professional Communication, Professionalism and Ethics, Laws and Business Practices, Self Care, and Assessment.

• What content areas does the MTAC cover?

  The MTAC is composed of 120 multiple-choice questions and is graded in raw score format. The tool assesses various areas reflective of both the Board Certification Exam and core curriculum, including Massage Modalities, Techniques and Manual Forces, Applied Science (Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology/Injury, and Pharmacology), Professional Communication, Professionalism and Ethics, Laws and Business Practices, Self Care, and Assessment.

  For a full breakdown of the MTAC, click here.

• How long is my background check valid for after I complete the MTAC?

  Your background check is valid for two years, should you pursue Board Certification within that timeframe. You will not be required to pay the $25 Background Check Fee upon completing your Initial Board Certification Application as long as you apply/pursue the credential within the two-year timeframe.

• How will MTAC help me?

  You may be interested in taking MTAC to gauge your readiness for Board Certification, or simply to know which areas you may be weaker in. That way, you can customize your study time or material to help yourself become more proficient in areas of weakness and increase your chances of a successful attempt on the Board Certification Exam. It also will aide your mental preparation for the Board Certification Exam, as MTAC is similar in content.

  Even if you do not choose to pursue or apply for Board Certification, such personalized results may encourage you to seek Continuing Education or other learning opportunities to become more proficient in weaker areas.

• How long do I have to apply for Board Certification after I take the MTAC?

  If you choose to pursue Board Certification, your MTAC Background Check will be valid for two years from the date your MTAC Application is approved. If you apply for Board Certification within that two-year timeframe, you will not be required to complete another background check and will avoid that additional fee at the time of application.

  If you do not pursue Board Certification within the two-year timeframe, you are still welcome to apply at any time, however, you will be required to pay an additional $25 background check fee and complete a background check at the time of application.

• Do I have to want to become Board Certified to take the MTAC?

  No. MTAC is entirely voluntary (unless part of your school’s curriculum) and simply an assessment created to help candidates identify areas of strength and weakness. If you change your mind about Board Certification or wish to utilize your MTAC results in some other beneficial way, it is completely up to you. Your results are yours to use as you wish.

How to Apply for the MTAC

• How much does the MTAC Cost?

  The cost of the MTAC is $135, which includes the assessment and a background check (performed by NCBTMB). The background check is valid for two years, should you pursue Board Certification within that timeframe.

• What are the eligibility requirements of MTAC?

  Eligibility requirements for the MTAC are as follows:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older; AND
  • Pass a criminal background check (performed by NCBTMB)*
  • And one of the following:
    • Proof of current enrollment or graduation from an NCBTMB Assigned School; OR
    • Proof of current enrollment or graduation from a minimum 500-hour entry-level massage therapy program in the US, Canada or US Territories.

  *The background check is valid for two years, should you wish to pursue Board Certification within that timeframe.

• Where do I go to take the MTAC?

  The MTAC is available to eligible candidates at all Prometric nationwide testing centers. Detailed information will be provided upon review and approval of your MTAC application.

  The MTAC is available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.

• Why do I need a background check?

  The cost of the MTAC is $135, which includes the assessment and a background check. The background check is valid for two years, should an individual pursue Board Certification within that timeframe.

  As passing a criminal background check is required for Board Certification, completing it along with your MTAC is another means of proving your eligibility to achieve the advanced credential (BCTMB) should you decide to pursue it within the two-year timeframe.

• How do I apply to take the MTAC?

  Once you have logged into your account you can click on the “MTAC Application” link on the left-hand side of your dashboard.  If you do not have an account with NCBTMB yet, you will need to register and create a new account.

  APPLY HERE