Application FAQs
Eligibility Requirements for ABMP Membership
Insurance Coverage Summary
Membership Levels
Continuing Education for Certified Members
Optional Skin Care Coverage
Optional Business Personal Property
Referral Credits
Massagetherapy.com Online Referral Service
AIEs
Proof of Training
Payment Information and Website Security
Student Insurance
Eligibility Requirements for ABMP Membership
What are the eligibility requirements for ABMP membership?
On the ABMP membership application, you will be asked for training information (the name and city/state of your school or training program) and your state licensing/registration number if applicable in your state. To become an ABMP member at the Certified, Professional, or Practitioner level and receive massage liability insurance, you need to:
- Be in compliance with your state’s requirements.
- If you are working in multiple states, you need to meet the state requirements for all states in which you work.
- If you are in one of the few states that requires association membership/liability insurance prior to state licensing/registration, you will be able to sign up for membership prior to licensing/registration.
All information will be verified before your application is processed.
Insurance Coverage Summary
When will my insurance go into effect?
Assuming all the required information is in order, your membership and insurance will go into effect the day after we receive payment and proof of training/state compliance verification, and your application is approved. IMPORTANT: We must receive a signature or electronic acknowledgement agreeing to Membership Terms within 10 days of application approval to activate your insurance coverage. If you do not submit a signature/electronic acknowledgement within 10 days of application approval, insurance coverage is rescinded.
If you practice hot stone massage/therapies, you are required to read a Hot Stone Risk Management Statement and watch an eight-minute video and submit completion within 10 days of your application approval to activate your hot stone coverage. If you do not complete the hot stone requirements within 10 days of application approval, hot stone coverage is rescinded. Please note: You may add hot stone to your coverage at any time during your membership with proof of training and completion of hot stone requirements.
What exactly does my personal liability insurance cover?The occurrence form liability policy that ABMP provides to qualified members covers the member's massage operations for professional liability (client alleges malpractice), general liability (client alleges negligence in a slip and fall situation), and products liability (client alleges reaction to lotion). The insurer will also defend you if someone sues you alleging your wrongdoing in one of the areas mentioned above; those legal expenses are covered in addition to the above policy limits. Insurance through ABMP provides the highest aggregate coverages available—$2 million per incident, $6 million total per policy year. As an ABMP member, these are YOUR limits—not shared with other practitioners, unlike members of some other associations do.”
Membership Levels
What is the difference between the Practitioner and Professional levels of membership?
The difference between these two levels is the amount of training required. The Professional level requires a minimum of 500 hours training or a state license (if required). The Practitioner level requires a minimum of 100 hours of training. Benefits are the same for both Professional and Practitioner level memberships, including a subscription to Massage & Bodywork magazine, ABMP's Successful Business Handbook, a certificate of insurance, an ethics certificate, an insurance policy, email and website accounts, a host of online marketing and business management tools, and membership identification. Both levels provide $2 million per incident in liability coverage.
What is the difference between the Professional level and the Certified level, and why would I want to be a Certified member?
Initial qualifications are the same, but there are several differences between these two levels of membership. Certified Members enjoy our highest level of membership, which includes priority listing on the Massagetherapy.com Referral Service, priority processing, a unique wall certificate, and use of the ABMP Certified Therapist designation (ABMP Certified Massage Therapist, ABMP Certified Bodywork Therapist, or ABMP Certified Somatic Therapist). Both Certified and Professional Members receive ABMP's publications, including a subscription to Massage & Bodywork magazine and ABMP's Successful Business Handbook. A certificate of insurance, ethics certificate, insurance policy, email and website accounts, a host of online marketing and business management tools, and membership identification are included as well. In order to maintain the Certified level of membership, 16 hours of continuing education are required every two years. Both levels provide $2 million per incident in liability coverage.
What is Supporting level membership?
Supporting level membership is a good option for those who are temporarily suspending their practice, but want to stay connected to the profession. This level of membership provides a select offering of member benefits, including Massage & Bodywork magazine, ABMP’s member newsletter Different Strokes, discounts on courses offered through ABMP’s Online Education Center, free webinars, and discounts on products and services for your practice. This level of membership does not include liability insurance or certain benefits (website, email account, access to customizable marketing materials, a listing on Massagetherapy.com’s referral service).
Continuing Education for Certified Members
When do I have to complete my continuing education units by?
The Certified level requires 16 hours of continuing education every two years, or every other annual renewal. For example, if you joined on June 1, 2012, your continuing education would need to be completed in time for your renewal on May 31, 2014. And your next 16 hours of CEU's would need to be completed by May 31, 2016, etc.
What kind of continuing education (CE) do I need to take?
ABMP has developed a broad approach to continuing education. Our philosophy is, you know best what you need to better your practice; you choose your classes. So, you might take a seminar on reflexology, or a computer class. It's what matters to you that counts.
Where can I search for CE classes?
ABMP members can log in to the ABMP Members section on ABMP.com and search for continuing education classes on ABMP’s searchable CE Calendar. This dynamic calendar provides an opportunity for CE providers to list their classes and is continually updated. You can search classes by location, modality, or date.
Do I need to send in certificates or forms?
No. By renewing at the Certified level at the time your proof of continuing education is due is acknowledgement that you have completed your requirements. We'll randomly audit a small percentage of members to ensure that requirement is being satisfied.
What if I didn't complete the continuing education?
You'll have the option of completing it in the next 90 days or downgrading your membership to Professional level.
Optional Skin Care Coverage
What is "Optional Skin Care Coverage"?
If you are a massage therapists as well as an esthetician, meeting all state requirements, you may elect "Optional Skin Care Coverage" to cover both aspects of your practice. There is an additional cost of $30 for Certified level members; Professional and Practitioner level members can include Optional Skin Care Coverage for an additional $60.
Optional Property Coverage
What is "Business Personal Property Insurance"?
The ABMP Business Personal Property (BPP) Insurance was designed specifically for the unique insurance needs of our members. Our BPP program covers members' property (equipment) both on and off premises. This is important, as many policies do not cover property once it is taken off business premises. We have two BPP options: 1) BPP for $10,000: $95, and 2) BPP for $25,000: $250. Both of these policies provide coverage on a blanket basis. This means you do not need to hassle with providing us with a list itemizing equipment values of the property. Both your current and newly acquired property are insured for replacement cost, up to the $10,000 or $25,000 limit. Should members have a covered loss, your claim will be paid based on the cost of that equipment, new, with no deduction for depreciation. All losses are subject to a $250 deductible. Coverage is written on a broad basis with few exclusions.
PLEASE NOTE: Coverage will run concurrently with the term of your ABMP membership. If you submit the premium for the BPP coverage with your application or renewal, your BPP coverage will begin with your anniversary date and expire one year (12 months) later. Should you decide to purchase BPP later in your membership year, you will be required to pay the full year's premium for a partial year's coverage.
Referral Credits
What are Referral Credits, and how can I take advantage of them?
ABMP members automatically receive $20 off their next renewal when a colleague whom they've referred becomes an ABMP Certified, Professional, Practitioner, or Skin Care Professional member. Refer two people and get $40 off, three people and get $60 off, and so on. This is our way of saying thank you! Just make sure that when your colleague signs up, or if you're a new member and have been referred by someone else, they let us know so we can give credit where credit is due.
Massagetherapy.com Online Referral Service
What is the Massagetherapy.com Referral Service, and how does it work?
Massagetherapy.com is ABMP’s public education site, created to help promote the benefits of massage to consumers and provide a means to bring clients and practitioners together. Potential clients can search for massage practitioners in their area in a fast and convenient way and know that only qualified ABMP members will be referred. Consumers can search in a specific zip code or city/state and by modality of expertise. The Massagetherapy.com Referral Service lists up to 30 practitioners, when applicable, at a time, 10 per page. The order of listed practitioners is continually rotating. Certified Members receive priority listing on each page.
To ensure you’re being included in this service, ABMP needs a work telephone number and/or an email on file for you.
How do I update my technique listing?
Members can include up to 10 techniques/modalities as areas of expertise, and you can update your techniques online. ABMP requires proof of training to ensure the credibility of ABMP members and to cover you in terms of liability. You are responsible for sending us proof of training (transcripts of modality training, CE certificate of completion, etc.) to: ABMP, 25188 Genesee Trail Road, Golden, CO 80401; or by fax, 800-667-8260. You can also scan the document and email it as an attachment to expectmore@abmp.com. Be sure to include your ABMP ID number. For more information, please contact ABMP Membership Services at 800-458-2267.
My area of expertise isn't a searchable criterion. Why not?
Massagetherapy.com’s Referral Service currently lists approximately 70 modalities by which consumers can search. (Swedish and integrative massage are the defaults.) Click here to view the Massagetherapy.com Referral Service searchable modalities. Modalities are added to the referral service list when at least 50 members declare a technique as their area of expertise. If you specialize in a technique that isn't included in the list, we recommend you keep one or both of the default options in your file. When your name comes up on a search, all areas of expertise will be listed, even if one isn't in the search criteria. For example, if you include both Swedish massage and Syntropy Technique in your file and your name comes up when a consumer searches for Swedish massage practitioners in your area, Syntropy Technique will be listed in your profile for the consumer to see.
What information do you provide publicly?
The Massagetherapy.com Referral Service gives each member their own page on the referral service, and automatically lists the member's name, city, state, work number or email contact form, website if applicable, and modalities of expertise. In addition, members are encouraged to customize their listing with a photo or logo, company name, multiple work locations with/without full address (if applicable), online scheduling, and how long you’ve been an ABMP member. All optional.
I work out of my home and my office. Can I include two searchable addresses?
Yes, you can. However, your additional address must be physical street address. Once your membership application has been processed, you can add a second referral address in the "Update Online Referral Service Listing" on www.abmp.com after you log in to the ABMP Members section.
When will my name be added to the Massagetherapy.com Referral Service?
Your name will be added to the Massagetherapy.com Referral Service within 24 business hours of completion of the application processing. Application processing is dependent on complete information and verification of training.
AIEs
What is an Additional Insured Endorsement (AIE), and do I need one on my policy? Sometimes landlords or employers require that you list them on your policy to also cover them from any liability suits from one of your clients. If this is the case, we will add them to your policy for no extra charge. However, if this is not a condition of your employment, do not add them as an AIE.
Proof of Training
Do I need to show proof of a state license or other training?
As a requirement of ABMP membership, you must meet all state requirements for practicing in your area of expertise. However, only the states showing up in the drop-down menu on the application require a license. If you are in one of these states, then yes, we need to see a copy of your state license. We also require schooling information, including school name, program training hours, and dates attended. You may either fax state licensing and training information to us at 800-667-8260 (please include a cover sheet with your name and the confirmation number you'll receive when you submit the online application) or you can attach a scanned copy of your license to an e-mail; send to expectmore@abmp.com. If you are practicing in a state that doesn't require a license, we need verification of training. This means we either need copies of your transcripts or diploma/certificate of completion that displays your hours of training, or we can call the school and verify training over the phone.
Payment Information
What is a CVN and where do I find it?
Created as a security feature, the Certified Verification Number (CVN) appears on Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express cards. The security code is only printed on the card and is not contained in the magnetic stripe information, nor does it appear on sales receipts or billing statements, ensuring the card's validity and security.
Visa, Master Card, and Discover card users can find the CVN on the back of the card in the signature box. You should see either the entire 16-digit credit card number or just the last four digits followed by a special 3-digit code. This 3-digit code is your CVN.
American Express users should look for the 4-digit code printed on the front of your card just above and to the right of your main credit card number. This 4-digit code is your CVN.
When does my membership and insurance become valid?
Your membership is in effect within 24 hours of ABMP receiving your completed application and proof of training.
Is this a secure website for financial transactions?
Yes, the website is secure for all personal and financial transactions. The Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate is a 256 bit encryption and is maintained on an ongoing basis. A secure website is designated by the padlock icon in the lower right corner and the “s” in the “https” URL in the web browser.
Student Insurance
Why do I need insurance? Is it really necessary as a student?
Liability insurance protects you from any incidents or claims that may occur as a result of your massage work. ABMP Student members have experienced insurance claims from massage given in the classroom as a part of their training, as well as from massage they have given in the school's student clinic. In addition to insurance, your ABMP membership provides you with numerous resources to help you succeed in massage school and initiate a successful practice as a professional.
My school says I am already insured. Why should I join?
Be sure to check with your school that YOU are protected. We have learned that many times schools believe their students are covered by their school insurance policy, when in fact they are not. For example, ABMP School membership insurance does not cover students-only the school itself. So be sure you're protected.
If your school does already provide insurance for you during your training, it’s important to note that your ABMP membership is much more than just insurance. Our numerous resources are specially created to help you succeed as a student, and then transition to a successful professional.
How long does my Student membership last?
Student membership is in effect for one year, or until you complete your training, whichever date comes first.
What happens when my Student membership expires?
If you are still in school, you can renew your ABMP Student membership. If you are finishing school and ready to practice, you are ready to upgrade to our regular level of membership for practicing professionals.
In my state, I need to provide proof of insurance in order to get my license. Can I upgrade my membership?
Yes. If you are in any of the following states—Alabama, Colorado, Massachusetts, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin—then you must show proof of liability insurance in order to get a license to practice. You can upgrade your membership when you finish school in order to receive your license to practice.
In my state, I am allowed to practice as long as it not for compensation. Can I upgrade my membership?
If your state allows therapists to practice without a license if performing massage for no compensation, then you can upgrade your membership. Your insurance will not be in effect if you are found to be practicing outside of legal requirements.
