CAREER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

CERTIFICATION

“Certification” vs. “License”

Certification refers to a title that you receive from a state-approved school after you have successfully completed their program. For example, when you complete the Holistic Massage Therapy program at the World School, you will be granted the title: Certified Massage Therapist (CMT).

A license or permit refers most commonly to a business license or permit, given by government agencies allowing you to practice massage in a particular location. Requirements to receive a business license vary widely by country, state, county, and city. Some states now require state licensing of 500-1,000 hours and a board exam. That’s one reason why some students choose our 177-hour Holistic Health Program while others choose our 1,102 Master Bodyworker Program.


The World School and State Certification

Since 1981, the World School has been authorized by the California Bureau of Private Post-Secondary Vocational Education (BPPVE) to grant the following certifications (titles):
  1. Holistic Massage Therapist (Certified Massage       Therapist--CMT)
  2. Advanced Massage Therapist (AMT)
  3. Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP)
  4. Master Bodyworker (MBW)
  5. California state-approved Vocational Teacher

Graduates of our Master Bodyworker Program receive four different state-approved certificates:
  1. Master Bodyworker (MBW)
  2. Holistic Massage Therapist (CMT)
  3. Advanced Massage Therapist (AMT)
  4. Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP)

The World School and National Certification

In some states and/or localities, one of the requirements for a business license is a credential provided by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

The NCBTMB is a private company dedicated to improving national massage standards. One of the benefits of holding this credential is that it allows you greater flexibility and ease in meeting licensing/permit requirements should you choose to move to a state or city that requires this credential. To learn more about this credential and/or find out the areas in which this is required, visit the NCBTMB web site.

In general, to receive this credential, you will need to complete 500 hours of training, pay a fee, and then take the National Certification Exam. Students completing both our Holistic Massage Therapy Program and our Advanced Massage Therapist Program will have satisfied the 500-hour NCBTMB training requirement. Additionally, we’ve tailored our instruction to assist you in preparing for this exam and can provide special coaching in exam preparation.

LICENSING AND PERMITS

State Licensing Requirements

Requirements to begin practice as a massage therapist vary widely based on national, state, and local regulations. In the United States, approximately 33 states have adopted regulations governing massage. In many cases, these requirements are satisfied based on the number of hours of training you have completed.

To learn if your state has licensing or certification requirements, visit the following link to a massage textbook we use in our business course:

Massage Career at Your Fingertips:
http://www.careeratyourfingertips.com/laws.htm

After checking this general information, be sure to contact your state, county and/or city business license departments to obtain the most current information.

Licensing for California Residents

There is no state licensing requirement in California, only local regulations (city or county). You will want to contact your local business licensing offices for the most current information. Following we have listed the number of hours of training required to qualify for a license for a few counties and cities in California. If you live within city limits, the listed city hours typically apply. If you live outside of city limits, the listed county hours usually apply. Remember, certification hours are subject to change at any time.

  San Francisco (city and county)--70 hours
  Marin County--Hours vary. Contact your city directly.
  Alameda County--Hours vary. Contact your city directly.
  Sacramento (city)--130 hours
  Sacramento County--250 hours
  Los Angeles (city)--300 hours
  Los Angeles County--100 hours

Local Licensing Requirements

Many cities and counties in the United States have local licensing requirements. If you want to practice in an area that has both state and local laws governing licensing, you will want to satisfy both sets of requirements. Simply call the business license departments of the city (if you live within city limits) or county (if you live in an unincorporated area) to obtain the most current licensing information.
 

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Why spend any time trying to figure this all out? Call us.
 

The World School has been authorized to grant certifications since 1981.

License/permit = a business license or permit to practice massage in your local area.

Certification = the title you receive from your massage school (e.g., Certified Massage Therapist).

Completion of both our Holistic Massage Therapy Program and our Advanced Massage Therapist Program satisfies the 500-hour NCBTMB training requirement.

There is no state licensing requirement in California, only local regulations (city and/or county).