A number of dissimilar systems of massage therapy certification, including certification proposed by individual colleges, universities, and health education institutions exist these days. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) also proposes massage therapy certification.

AMTA Certifying Body
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) set up the NCBTMB in 1992, and as the main standard-setting organisation, certification through this body is recognised generally. AMTA also run the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) to accredit training agencies that propose training and massage therapy certification.

The majority of certification programs are part time, and you are expected to use your massage skills in practice during the time of your massage therapy certification program. You will discover that your massage therapy certification program puts you in contact with other people in your profession. It also can help you to broaden your network of contacts, and enable you to share experiences with other practitioners.

Massage therapy certification denotes that you have to have completed the particular curriculum of the massage therapy certification training program to the approval of the examining body. You will study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, a range of massage therapies and relaxation techniques, and in some cases history of massage and connected subjects.

Your massage therapy certification will help your clients to identify your expertise in massage, and will confirm that you have peer acknowledgment of your skills. You will have a theoretical background to your proficiency, and you will be able to expand the massage techniques that you can use in your practice.