Certification Programs

Visceral Manipulation Certification Highlights

There are two levels in the Visceral Manipulation Certification Program:

• Techniques Level – CVTP – Certified Visceral Techniques Practitioner. This covers VM1-VM4 and LT1.
• Visceral Manipulation Level – CVMP – Certified Visceral Manipulation Practitioner. This covers VM5-VM6.

• Ensures a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and Visceral Manipulation Therapy techniques.
• Helps preserve the right of qualified healthcare professionals to practice Visceral Manipulation.
• Demonstrates your commitment to excellence and enhances your networking and referral status – establishes you as a dedicated professional with the highest standards of excellence.
• Allows you to use the professional designation "CVTP" or "CVMP" in your title.

Techniques Certification Level (CVTP)

Tuition: $400 (included in VM Core-Pak)*

Successfully complete the following seminars.

• Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1)
• Listening Techniques 1; An Integrative Approach to Evaluation (LT1)
• Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2)
• Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3)
• Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4)

Successfully complete an at-home objective exam that covers VM1-VM4.
Submit five (5) case write-ups following the required format. Case write-ups format, which can also be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.
Successfully complete a practical/oral/written exam with a Certified BI Examiner that tests your ability to understand and apply VM techniques from class levels VM1-VM4 and LT1.

To start your process to be a Certified Visceral Techniques Practitioner:

1. Review the Certification FAQs for more details and *cost information, and complete the Certification application.
2. Register for CVTP (add item CVTP to your shopping cart and complete the purchase), or call BI at 866-522-7725 or 561-868-6898.

Visceral Manipulation Certification Level (CVMP)

Tuition: $300 (included in VM Add-Pak)*

Successfully complete Techniques Certification Level (CVTP) and the following seminars.

• Visceral Manipulation: Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5)
• Visceral Manipulation: VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6)

Successfully complete an at-home objective exam that covers VM5-VM6.
Submit five (5) case write-ups following the required format. Case write-ups format, which can also be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.
Successfully complete a practical/oral/written exam with a Certified BI Examiner that tests your ability to understand and apply VM techniques from class levels VM5-VM6.

Note: Visceral Manipulation Certification includes Techniques Level. Techniques Certification must be successfully completed before sitting for the practical/oral/written exam of the Visceral Manipulation Level, or a person may take the overall Visceral Manipulation (CVMP) practical/oral/written exams at the same time, which cover VM1-VM6.

To start your process to be a Certified Visceral Manipulation Practitioner:

1. Review the Certification FAQs for more details and *cost information, and complete the Certification Application.
2. Register for CVMP (add item CVMP to your shopping cart and complete the purchase), or call BI at 866-522-7725 or 561-868-6898.

A person is eligible to repeat each seminar they have attended (VM1-6) for $250* each while actively signed up for the corresponding Certification Program (upon space availability).
* This is for U.S. and Canada classes only and some city surcharges may apply.

Note: Visceral Manipulation Certification through the Barral Institute certifies a person's abilities in Visceral Manipulation (VM). Since certification does not provide a legal right to practice, a person must have the appropriate credential and/or license to practice manual therapy in their locale.

Neural Manipulation Certification Highlights

Tuition: $600 (included in NM Core-Pak)*

• Certified Neural Manipulation Practitioner covers NM1-NM4

• Ensures a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and Neural Manipulation Therapy techniques.
• Helps preserve the right of qualified healthcare professionals to practice Neural Manipulation.
• Demonstrates your commitment to excellence and enhances your networking and referral status – establishes you as a dedicated professional with the highest standards of excellence.
• Allows you to use the professional designation "CNMP" in your title.

Neural Manipulation Certification Level (CNMP)

To start your process to be a Certified Neural Techniques Practitioner:

1. Review the Certification FAQs for more details and *cost information, and complete the Certification Application.
2. Register for CNMP (add item CNMP to your shopping cart and complete the purchase), or call BI at 866-522-7725 or 561-868-6898.

Successfully complete an at-home objective exam that covers NM1-4.
Submit five (5) case write-ups to your examiner at the practical exam, following the required format. Case write-ups format, which can also be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.
Successfully complete a practical/oral/written exam with a Certified BI Examiner that tests your ability to understand and apply NM techniques from class levels NM1-4.

A person is eligible to repeat each seminar they have attended (NM1-4) for $200* each while actively signed up for the corresponding Certification Program (upon space availability).
* This is for U.S. and Canada classes only and some city surcharges may apply.

Note: Neural Manipulation Certification through the Barral Institute certifies a person's abilities in Neural Manipulation (NM). Since certification does not provide a legal right to practice, a person must have the appropriate credential and/or license to practice manual therapy in their locale.

Why should I become Certified?

• Represents the highest credential 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 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 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 Visceral Techniques Level, you may use the designation, CVTP.
After the Visceral Manipulation Level, you may use the designation, CVMP.

After the Neural Manipulation Practitioner Level, you may use the designation, CNMP.

After the Barral Institute Diplomate Level, you may use the designation, BI-D.

What is the cost of the Certification Program?

The cost for the Certification Program is divided as such:

• Visceral Techniques Certification $400*
  • This includes the at-home written exams for each class level (VM1-VM4), as well as the written/oral/practical exam (VM1-VM4).
• Visceral Manipulation Certification $300*
  • This includes the at-home written exams for both class levels (VM5-VM6), as well as the written/oral/practical exam (VM5-VM6).
• Neural Manipulation Certification $600*
  • This includes the at-home written exams for class levels (NM1-4), as well as the written/oral/practical exam (NM1-4).
• Barral Institute Diplomate - the cost to complete the full BI-D Certification includes the three Certification sections noted above, as well as the successful completion of the following classes: VVML, VVMU. MAUE, MALE, MASP, NM5; and approval by Jean-Pierre Barral, Alain Croibier and Gail Wetzler.

*The Certification Programs includes a block of time for the practical exam and case review. When you book the appointment, discuss with your examiners the expectations. If the time is not sufficient, the examiner will charge an additional $150 per hour that you will compensate them directly at that time.

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 Visceral Manipulation. The critical difference between the two is that Techniques Level covers VM1-VM4 and the Visceral Manipulation Level additionally 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, NM1-4) for a substantially reduced rate of $250 USD per class 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 applicable Certification Program by registering with BI via phone or on-line and pay the registration fee.
• You will be e-mailed the at-home 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 five (5) case write-ups following the required format via e-mail or fax.
• Once you have passed the written exams and submitted your case write-ups, you are eligible to sit for the written/oral/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- 5
• Date: Last date of treatment
• Therapist: Your name
• Therapist Profession: Your profession
• Patient: Age and gender
• Symptoms: Presenting symptoms and/or diagnosis
• Evaluation at each session, including General Listening (VM and NM), Local Listening (VM) vertex listening (NM), chosen neural structures (NM), mobility test of nerve (NM)
• Treatment: Findings during evaluation, treatment techniques and procedures used, and number of treatments applied (Objective findings: recommended)
• Outcome: Results
• Discussion
• Here is an example of a VM case (references are not required, but were listed)  here

If you wish to take your cases a step further, while not required for certification, Barral Institute encourages publication of cases, as it furthers the credibility of this body of work, and makes more therapists aware of the potential of the Barral therapies. ONLY IF you wish to have your case considered for publication, please use our Suggested Case Study Format.  If you do not wish to use your cases for anything other than certification, use the format listed above.

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 BI 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, as well as 10 objective written questions per class level. 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 50% the certification fee for each re-test (CVTP- VM1-4 = $200, CVMP- VM5-6 = $150, CNMP- NM1-4 = $300). 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?

BI requires that each therapist certified in Visceral Manipulation and/or Neural Manipulation through BI certification program complete 24 hours every four years of BI-approved continuing education. This may be in the form of BI courses (participating or assisting). BI reserves the right to revoke certification for actions deemed inappropriate by the certification ethics committee. 

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, 11211 Prosperity Farms Rd, D325, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Could my Certification be revoked?

BI reserves the right to revoke certification for actions deemed inappropriate by the certification ethics committee.

The following people have achieved the highest level of Certification - Barral Institute Diplomate. Diplomate status is granted by Jean-Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier, and includes all Visceral, Neural, Vascular, and Manual Articular levels. Diplomate Certification will be available to all alumni in the future.

Congratulations to

• Dee Ahern, P.T., BI Diplomate
• Rene Assink, D.O., BI Diplomate
• Olivier Bazin, D.O., BI Diplomate
• Rita Benamor DO, CST-D, BI Diplomate
• Mark Bloemberg, P.T., BI Diplomate
• Roberto Bonanzinga, D.O., BI Diplomate
• Lisa Brady Grant, D.C., BI Diplomate
• Matias Chahab, PT, DO, BI Diplomate
• Peter Coppola P.T., BI Diplomate
• Kirstie Cousins B. Ost B.A (Hons), Psych, LSSM (Dip), BI Diplomate
• A.J. de Koning, D.O., BI Diplomate
• Rosie Greene RM, BI-Diplomate
• Alison Harvey, DC, CST-D, AK, BI Diplomate
• Barbara LeVan, P.T., BI Diplomate
• Annabel Mackenzie RST, BI Diplomate
• Ron Mariotti, N.D., BI Diplomate
• Marc Naudin, D.O., BI Diplomate
• Jorg Petersen, P.T., BI Diplomate
• Lisa Polec, D.C., BI Diplomate
• Christoph Sommer, Heilpraktiker, Rolfer, BI Diplomate
• Bernhard Voss, P.T., BI Diplomate
• Gail Wetzler, PT, DPT, EDO, BI Diplomate
• Jean Anne Zollars, P.T., BI Diplomate

After successfully completing required courses and take-home objective exams, please contact an Examiner to schedule the practical/written/oral portion of the CVTP(VM1-4), CVMP (VM5-6) exam or CNMP (NM1-4) exam.