Jean-Pierre Barral, D.O., MRO(F)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I become Certified in Visceral Manipulation?

VM Certification:

• Represents the highest credential in the VM field as it comes from the developer of the modality – Jean-Pierre Barral.
• Communicates a commitment to safe, ethical practice.
• Provides a competitive edge – establishes you as a dedicated professional with the highest standards of excellence.
• Gains credibility - when you are tested on the VM techniques and information, you learn it at a much deeper and more comprehensive level.
• Enhances networking visibility - your listing on the Barral Institute website will designate that you are Certified.
• Increases employment opportunities – employers know Certified practitioners have proven their level of knowledge and hands-on ability.
• Reassures clients – clients are becoming more savvy and are looking for the most trained practitioners; holding a VM Certification shows that a practitioner has not only studied that training, but they have mastered the material.

What initials may I use after my name once I am Certified?

After the Techniques Level, you may use the designation, CVM.
After the Diplomate Level, you may use the designation, CVM-D.

What is the cost of the Certification Program?

The cost for the Visceral Manipulation Certification Program is:

• Techniques Certification $300
  • This includes the written exams for each class level (VM1-VM4), as well as the practical exam (VM1-4).
• Diplomate Certification $300
  • This includes the written exams for both class levels (VM5-VM6), as well as the practical exam (VM5-6).

What if I attended some of the classes in the VM format prior to 2005? Can I still sit for Certification?

Yes, you will be given credit for having completed the corresponding class. Many people find it helpful to purchase the current study guides and to repeat classes.

Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) - corresponds to VM1A
Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) - corresponds to VM1B
Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) - corresponds to VMII and PIVM
Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) - corresponds to VMII and PIVM
Visceral Manipulation: Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5) - corresponds to AVM
Visceral Manipulation: VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6) - corresponds to AVMII

What material is covered on the examinations?

There are two levels of VM Certification – Techniques and Diplomate. The critical difference between the two is that Techniques Level covers VM1-VM4 and the Diplomate Level covers VM5-VM6. All of the material is provided in the seminars, study guides, as well as the textbooks for each level.

The written exams consist of fill-in-the-blank, true/false and multiple choice questions.
They include:

• Anatomy/Physiology
• Indications/Contraindications
• Pathology
• Evaluation
• Techniques

The practical exams are given one-on-one or in a group setting. They consist of demonstrating and explaining various techniques to include:

• Anatomy
• Hand placement
• Tissue response
• Verbal accuracy
• Listening accuracy
• Evaluation/Technique

How do I best prepare for the testing?

• It is highly recommended that you repeat the seminar levels when possible, as you learn the material at a deeper level each time you attend the class.
  • A person may repeat VM1-6 for a substantially reduced rate while actively signed up for the corresponding Certification Program (upon space availability).
• Get involved in local Study Groups or help coordinate Study Groups in your region. Become qualified to be a Teaching Assistant.
• Practice with other Therapists in your area.
• All of the information for the testing will be found in the seminars, study guides, as well as in the textbooks.

How do I begin the testing for the Certification Program?

• Candidates must first successfully complete the corresponding class or classes.
• Complete the application and sign up for the Certification Program by registering with BI via phone or on-line and pay the registration fee.
• You will be e-mailed the written exam(s) corresponding to the levels of classes that you have completed.
• Once complete, e-mail the exam(s) back to BI. Your test score(s) will be e-mailed to you within 2 weeks.
• Submit ten (10) case write-ups following the required format via e-mail or fax.
• Once you have passed the written exams for the Techniques or Diplomate Level and submitted your case write-ups, you are eligible to sit for the practical exam for the corresponding Level.
• You will receive a confirmation email stating your eligibility along with information on how to schedule your exam with a Certified Examiner.

What is the required format for the Case Write-ups?

• Maximum length: 1 page each
• Case Number: 1- 10
• Date: Last date of treatment
• Therapist: Your name
• Therapist Profession: Your profession
• Patient: Age and gender
• Symptoms: Presenting symptoms and/or diagnosis
• Evaluation/Treatment: Findings during evaluation, treatment techniques and procedures used, and number of treatments applied
• Outcome: Results

How do I arrange to take the practical exam?

• Once you have successfully completed the written exam requirements for a Level, you will receive an e-mail explaining the following details.
• You will find a listing of Certified Examiners at www.barralinstitute.com – Certification Program.
• Contact an individual Examiner to reserve your examination date and time (this may be one-on-one or in a group setting).
• When you sign up with a Certified Examiner, they will inform you of the address and directions to the testing site.
• You may need to provide a patient for your practical exam – check with the Certified Examiner.

How do I reschedule my practical exam?

Contact the Certified Examiner. Examiner's cancellation fees are applicable.

How soon after I attend a class may I take the written exam?

There is no waiting period to take the written exam, however we recommend that you give yourself sufficient time to review what was taught in the seminar.

How many test questions appear are on the written and practical exams?

The written exam for each class contains 30-50 questions depending on the class level. The practical exam requires 2-3 techniques from each class level and appropriate oral responses. The test questions are selected to accurately reflect class knowledge and information necessary to effectively treat patients.

What is the passing score for the Certification Exams?

A passing score on each written and practical test is 80%.

What happens if I don't pass the written exam?

You may retake the written exam up to 3 times (with a retest fee of $25 each time). After the third time, you will be required to repeat appropriate class levels before retesting.

What happens if I don't pass the practical exam?

You may retake the practical exam up to 3 times (with a retest fee of $150 each time). After the third time, you will be required to repeat that level class before retesting.

Cancellation/refund policy

Your tuition is 100% refundable as long as you have not received any written tests. Your refund will be prorated $50 per written test that has been sent to you, whether you have completed the test or not. Refund requests must be made in writing (e-mail or mail).

Is there a mandatory Recertification at any time?

Currently recertification is required every four years and can be accomplished by acting as a Teaching Assistant or taking the practical exam with a Certified Examiner.

My Certificate was damaged, destroyed or lost. What should I do to get a new one?

Send an e-mail to certification@barralinstitute.com containing the concern. There is a $15 fee for a new Certificate. A new certificate will be issued and mailed to you. Be sure to include your updated mailing information.

My name was spelled incorrectly on my Certificate. How can I get a new one?

Send an e-mail to certification@barralinstitute.com containing the concern and the correct spelling. A new certificate will be issued and mailed to you. Be sure to include your updated mailing information.

I recently married/divorced and need to change the name on my certificate.

Send an e-mail to certification@barralinstitute.com or a letter containing the concern and your new name. There is a $15 fee for a new Certificate. A copy of the marriage/divorce certificate/license must be included with the request (e-mailed, mailed or faxed). A new certificate will be issued and mailed to you. Be sure to include your updated mailing information. Mailing address: Barral Institute, 4521 PGA Boulevard #245, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. Fax: 561-868-6899

"Keep up the good work! The results are phenomenal. My clients are extremely pleased."
- J. K., Carlsbad, CA

"My work has taken a quantum leap thanks to you."
- M. N., Annapolis, MD