The Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner (TBP) Program

Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner (TBP) is a certificate that can be earned by fulfilling a set of requirements consisting of coursework, testing and documented practice. TBP certification establishes that the student has achieved a professional standard of practice.

The TBP 170-hour professional standard ensures that practitioners are adequately trained in several styles of Thai bodywork, understand basic anatomy and contraindications, and have the skills they need to be successful. Another 200+ hours of advanced coursework are available for students who wish to extend their training with advanced HandsFree Thai, Clinical Thai Bodywork, Thai Herbal Compress, and Spa applications.

TBP certification can be achieved by meeting the following requirements:

• Successful completion of Thai Massage Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 (130 hours), covering basic Northern and Southern style Thai massage.
• AP1 (or equivalent) (20 hours) -- basic Anatomy for Thai Massage and Yoga.
• HandsFree 1 (20 hours) -- an introduction to Commoner style Thai massage.
• 30 documented practice sessions.
• 3 sessions received from a professional Thai massage practitioner.
• Successful completion of a practical exam, consisting of a 1.5-hour Thai massage given to an instructor.
• A written examination covering basics of Thai history and culture, principles of practice, contraindications, body knowledge and business issues.

Students may study at their own pace. Level 1 is taught once a month in Evanston, IL, and on a regular basis in other locations by Thai Bodywork Certified Instructors (TBI). Levels 2 and 3, CTB and other advanced courses are taught 2-3 times per year. HandsFree 1 and LPK are taught 3-4 times per year. Please see the schedule page for upcoming trainings at Thai Bodywork and with Certified Thai Bodywork Instructors in other cities.

Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioners are entitled to display the TBP logo on their website and marketing materials, receive an enhanced listing at the top for any search in the Thai Bodywork Practitioner Directory, get enhanced access to Thai Bodywork's online resources, and have a verifiable credential for use with clients, associates and employers.

TBP Program cost consists of the individual course fees, plus the TBP certification fee (currently $295), which includes testing, processing and the enhanced TBP directory listing for 2 years. Students may pay for the entire program as a lump sum, in which case TBW provides an advance payment discount. Please see the TBP Program Fees page for details.

Our advanced professional certification program, Thai Bodywork Practitioner Advanced (TBA) consists of our full program of coursework, including Clinical Thai Bodywork.