NAT Certification
What is NAT Certification?
NAT certification is more than just a "certificate of completion". Our reflective learning exams are set by a consulting board of teaching professionals, and are designed to ensure that the student has grasped a detailed knowledge of each course text.
NAT is widely accepted by consumers as a professional standard, and certification is confirmation that the therapist has acquired the prerequisite understanding of the technique(s) to which the certification refers.
What are the different levels of NAT Qualification?
You may certify NAT by completing any NAT approved course. This course-specific certification provides confirmation that you have completed a particular course or courses. This does not entitle you to use the initials "NAT" as a sign of qualification.
There are 10 levels of NAT qualification. NAT Gold is the highest NAT qualification currently available.
In order to achieve NAT qualification you must be qualified/licensed to practice massage/manual/physical therapy in the territory in which you work.
You will also need to accumulate NAT Approved Credits as shown in the table below.
NAT Approved Credits are awarded for the successful completion of NAT courses and certain NAT approved courses available on this website and elsewhere. You must have achieved a minimum pass mark of 70% to receive the NAT Approved Credits for a course.
How many NAT Approved Credits are awarded for each course?
The table below; "Courses with NAT Approved Credits" is updated periodically. The credits shown are effective through to December 2023.
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Courses with NAT Approved Credits
Advanced Hand Massage - 40 Credits
Advanced Foot Massage - 50 Credits
Anatomy of Exercise and Movement - 20 Credits
Anatomy of Sports Injuries - 40 Credits
Anatomy of Stretching - 40 Credits
Biomechanics - Lower Body - 40 Credits
Bowen Technique Foundation Course - 10 Credits
Clinical Reasoning and Assessment - 40 Credits
Contemporary Approach to Low Back Pain - 40 Credits
Corrective Exercise Solutions for Hip and Shoulder Dysfunction - 40 Credits
Cupping for the Modern Practitioner - 20 Credits
Dry Needling / IMS - 40 Credits
Evaluating and Treating Chronic Neck Pain - 20 Credits
Fascial Release for Structural Balance - 30 Credits
Functional Anatomy of the Pelvis and SIJ - 30 Credits
Fusion Massage for Sciatica - 10 Credits
Fusion Massage for Tension Headaches - 10 Credits
Healing Through Trigger Point Therapy - 50 Credits
ITB Syndrome - NAT Video Master Class - 10 Credits
Introduction to Medical Cannabis - 30 Credits
Muscle Energy Techniques - 20 Credits
Mind Body Healing - 20 Credits
Movement for Menopause - 60 Credits
NAT Anatomy of Pain - Trigger Point Therapy - 50 Credits
NAT Clinical Vacuum Cupping Course - 60 Credits
NAT Elbow and Wrist Pain - 20 Credits
NAT Myofascial Trigger Point Course - Dry Needling - 10 Credits
NAT Treating Common Headaches - 20 Credits
NAT Treating Frozen Shoulder - 30 Credits
NAT Treating Lower Back Pain - 20 Credits
NAT Treating Spondylolisthesis - 10 Credits
NAT Treating the Complex Shoulder - 50 Credits
NAT Treating the Rotator Cuff - 20 Credits
Olympic Lifting for Strength and Speed - 10 Credits
Orthopedic Cupping - Lower Extremity - 40 Credits
Pilates Principles - 30 Credits
Pregnancy Massage - 30 Credits
Soft Tissue Release - 20 Credits
Spa Cupping Foundation - 20 Credits
Taping For Trigger Points - 20 Credits
Treating Hip Pain and Dysfunction - 20 Credits
Treating Runner's Knee - 10 Credits
Treating Sciatic Pain - 10 Credits
Treating TMJ Disorders - 20 Credits
Trigger Point Theory - 10 Credits
Trigger Point Therapy Diploma - 90 Credits
Trigger Point Therapy for Dogs - 20 Credits
Trigger Point Therapy For Horses - 20 Credits
Understanding and Evaluating Posture - 40 Credits
Understanding and Treating Peripheral Nerve Entrapments - 10 Credits
Additional Information
How are exams completed and submitted?
All of our exams are completed online here. You must select the accreditation you require and then the correct course exam. Next you will need to create your own login details and have your order number to hand. Keep a record of your login details so that you can return to your exam should you need to - it doesn't need to be completed in one sitting. Exam questions may have multiple correct answers.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. When you have successfully completed an exam, you will be able to print out your NAT certificate. To pass you must achieve a result of at least 70%.
You may also download a Certificate of Completion from the course virtual classroom once you have successfully passed the course exam.
Do I need to pay extra for taking or re-taking exams?
No. All courses include the cost of exams and certification. There are no additional costs. You may re-take exams as often as required. If you have failed to pass any exam more than 3 times, we may contact you to discuss this with you and to see if you require any additional help in understanding the course material.
Will NAT certification be all I need to legally practice the techniques learned?
No. NAT certification provides confirmation that you have learned and understood the course material. To legally practice any form of manual therapy in most countries you will require some type of license that has manual therapy in its scope of practice. These requirements will vary depending on where you live and work.
If you wish to practice any form of manual therapy on the public you are responsible for researching the licensing requirements as they relate to your particular state, region, or country.
Can I display my NAT credentials for marketing purposes?
Yes. We encourage you to display your NAT credentials as this will help inform your clients of the services that you offer. Over 40,000 therapists in 18 countries have received some form of NAT certification. Many NAT qualified therapists use the initials NAT after their name, and add NAT logos to their websites and marketing material.
What does it mean to be classed as an NAT "Verified Member"?
We operate the worlds largest directory of trigger point professionals. You may list your business on our sister website Therapyfinder.com for a monthly payment for which you receive a number of additional benefits (including higher search rankings and discounts on NAT courses).
When you create a business profile on our website you will be asked to confirm certain details in order that we can verify who you are. Once you have completed this process you will be listed as a "verified member" and will be able to add the downloadable NAT logo to use on your website and other marketing material.