NMT Certification Exam Information


Qualifications to take the exam: Testing for certification is optional and permitted only after the completion of NMT training courses with full attendance each day. Attendance at NMT and The Gravity Game course is recommended for a comprehensive understanding of NMT, although it is not required in our certification process. The certification exam is administered by an approved exam coordinator who makes arrangements for the testing site and sets the exam dates. It is usually offered in each region where the NMT training series is taught.


Application & Exam Fee: The exam application must be mailed to the exam coordinator at least 30 days prior to the exam date along with copies of the attendance (CEU) certificates for each of the NMT seminars and the non-refundable exam fee of $90 (checks or money orders). Copies of any lost attendance (CEU) certificates can be obtained from the NMT Center prior to applying for the exam ($10 fee per replacement certificate). The exam fee is non-refundable and is paid directly to the exam coordinator. Payment of the exam fee alone does not guarantee certification. (Fees subject to change)


Dates and Location: No deadline (time limit or expiration date) exists between the time you complete the seminars and the time you actually sit for the exam. You are, however, responsible to know any information added to the seminar curriculum in the interim. Therefore, it is suggested that you test in a timely manner. The exam may be offered at a seminar training weekend, such as NMT and the Gravity Game or may be offered a month or two following the exam, depending upon availability of a qualified examiner. You may take the exam at any site where it is offered, however, you must register and must have written confirmation from the exam coordinator for that location. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the exam coordinator early enough to register 30 days prior to the exam date. Contact NMT Center (727-821-7167) for exam locations.


Exam Features: The NMT exam consists of both written and practical sections presented in a "closed book" format and must be completed without reference to study materials. Your practical exam will be considered complete when both you and your assigned partner have been tested. The total length of time for the exam (written and practical) will vary. We recommend allowing a full day unless advised otherwise by the exam coordinator, although less than a full day is usually needed.


The written portion contains 100 multiple-choice questions. Questions in this section are based on information from the course lectures, printed information in NMT manuals, and knowledge of related anatomical structures. Answers to all written test questions can be found in the manual pages so study of these pages is highly recommended. You will be given a maximum of two (2) hours to complete the written exam, although it is usually completed in less time. Passing score is 70% and above.


The practical portion of the exam consists of NMT techniques demonstrated on five (5) parts of the body. During this demonstration you will be expected to know endangerment sites, patient position on the table, appropriate draping technique, proper therapist body mechanics, specific anatomical location/attachment of tissues treated, and appropriate NMT techniques for the chosen structures/musculature. To pass this section you must receive a score of 80% or above. You will be partnered with another certification candidate during the practical portion of the exam. Wear clothing that is easily removed for the examination trade. A bathing suit may be worn for your convenience. The person on the table (in the patient role) may not assist the examinee in any way including verbally prompting, body movement or positioning.


Exam Results: You will know the results of your practical exam as soon as that section is completed. In most cases, you will also know the results of the written exam the same day unless the testing group is extremely large or you chose to leave early. If you do not get your exam results that same day, you will be notified of the results by mail within two (2) weeks.


If you successfully pass the exam, your NMT certificate will be sent to you by the NMT Center within 6 weeks. If you have not received your certificate within (2) months after passing the exam, please call the NMT Center (727-821-7167).


If you receive a "non-pass" score on either portion of the exam, you may retake the exam the next time it is offered by re-applying (additional fees may apply for private testing). If you received a "pass" score on the practical section and a "non-pass" score on the written, you may retake the written exam only. If you receive a "non-pass" score on the practical section or both written and practical, you must retake both sections. If the certification candidate receives a "non-pass" score on the 2nd exam attempt, he/she must wait 6 months to retake the exam, unless otherwise approved by NMT Center. Appeals for a "non-pass" score on either portion of the exam must be done so with the examiner who tested you, who may then request support from the home office.


The deadline for appeals and challenges is 30 days from the notification of your examination results. The examiner will notify NMT Center of changes in scores as a result of appeals or retesting.


Additional Questions: Questions regarding the exam or exam procedures should be presented to the instructor of the seminar at the end of the day on Saturday at any of the NMT seminars rather than during lecture time during the classes. Please do not call the examiners in advance of the exam regarding any test questions. The only questions that may be directed to the examiners regards location, time, mailing of fees. etc., since they cannot respond to direct test questions. In some locations the examiners may offer a review preceding the exam or may offer private tutoring when needed (fees will apply for both of these). Ask your local examiner regarding reviews or tutoring.