NCBTMB Exam Information and Guideline
NCB Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork 2025
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
Exam Type: Computer-based multiple-choice exam.
Number of Questions: 100 scored questions + 20 un-scored pretest questions (total of 120 questions).
Time Limit: 2 hours (120 minutes).
Question Types: Multiple-choice questions with four answer options.
Language: English.
Scoring System: The exam uses a scaled scoring system, with scores ranging from 300 to 700.
Passing Score: A scaled score of 500 or higher is required to pass.
1. Anatomy and Physiology (25%)
- Skeletal System: Bones, joints, and their functions.
- Muscular System: Muscle groups, origins, insertions, actions, and types of muscle contractions.
- Nervous System: Central and peripheral nervous systems, reflexes, and sensory receptors.
- Circulatory System: Heart, blood vessels, and circulation pathways.
- Lymphatic System: Lymph nodes, vessels, and immune function.
- Respiratory System: Lungs, diaphragm, and breathing mechanics.
- Digestive System: Organs and processes of digestion.
- Endocrine System: Hormones and glands.
- Integumentary System: Skin, hair, and nails.
- Reproductive System: Male and female reproductive anatomy.
2. Kinesiology (20%)
- Muscle Function: Agonists, antagonists, synergists, and stabilizers.
- Range of Motion (ROM): Active, passive, and resisted movements.
- Posture and Alignment: Common postural deviations (e.g., lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis).
- Gait Analysis: Walking patterns and their impact on the body.
- Biomechanics: Lever systems, force, and torque in movement.
3. Pathology (15%)
- Contraindications: Absolute (e.g., deep vein thrombosis) and local (e.g., open wounds).
- Common Pathologies: Arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, etc.
- Infectious Diseases: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and universal precautions.
- Chronic Pain Conditions: Understanding pain pathways and management.
- Medications: How medications may affect massage therapy.
4. Massage and Bodywork Assessment (15%)
- Client Intake: Health history forms, informed consent, and SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan).
- Palpation Skills: Identifying tissue texture, temperature, and tension.
- Range of Motion Testing: Assessing joint mobility.
- Postural Assessment: Identifying imbalances and compensations.
- Special Populations: Adapting techniques for pregnant women, elderly clients, athletes, etc.
5. Massage and Bodywork Techniques (25%)
- Swedish Massage: Effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Techniques for addressing chronic tension and adhesions.
- Myofascial Release: Releasing fascial restrictions.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Identifying and releasing trigger points.
- Sports Massage: Pre-event, post-event, and maintenance techniques.
- Seated Massage: Techniques for chair massage.
- Energy-Based Modalities: Basics of Reiki, craniosacral therapy, etc.
- Hydrotherapy: Use of hot/cold therapies.
- Stretching Techniques: Active, passive, and PNF stretching.
6. Professional Practices, Ethics, and Legalities (10%)
- Scope of Practice: Understanding what is within and outside a massage therapist's scope.
- Ethical Standards: Confidentiality, boundaries, and client-therapist relationships.
- Laws and Regulations: State licensing requirements, HIPAA compliance, and business laws.
- Professional Communication: Effective communication with clients and healthcare providers.
- Business Practices: Marketing, record-keeping, and insurance billing.
7. Research and Evidence-Based Practice (5%)
- Research Literacy: Understanding peer-reviewed studies and evidence-based practices.
- Outcome Measures: Evaluating the effectiveness of massage techniques.
- Continuing Education: Importance of staying updated with current research and trends.
- Effleurage: A gliding stroke used in Swedish massage.
- Petrissage: Kneading techniques to lift and squeeze muscles.
- Tapotement: Rhythmic tapping or percussion movements.
- Myofascial: Relating to the fascia surrounding muscles.
- Trigger Point: A hyperirritable spot in a muscle associated with pain.
- Contraindication: A condition or factor that makes a particular treatment inadvisable.
- SOAP Notes: A method of documentation (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan).
- PNF Stretching: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, a stretching technique.
- Endangerment Sites: Areas of the body where nerves or blood vessels are close to the surface and require caution during massage.