Qualification test

The International Bath Academy (IBA) uses a practical and transparent assessment method for the Community Bathmaster qualification. The test evaluates a candidate's ability to conduct safe, consistent and client-centred procedures in real Lithuanian pirtis (steam bath) conditions.

The methodology grew out of the educational practice of the Lithuanian Bath Academy and is used by the International Bath Academy in its international Community Bathmaster studies.

Who may take the practical test

The practical qualification test is intended for Community Bathmaster candidates who have completed the practical part of the required training and are ready to demonstrate the relevant competencies.

A candidate may take the practical test before completing all required theory modules. Any outstanding theory must be completed within 90 days of the practical assessment. The International Bath Academy Community Bathmaster Qualification Certificate (BMQ) is issued only after the candidate has passed the practical test and completed all required theory modules.

Assessment procedure

1. The practical test takes place in a working pirtis with the candidate group and two International Bath Academy instructors acting as assessors.
2. The session begins with a shared warm-up and a reminder of the assessment procedure.
3. Each candidate has 30 minutes for their practical performance.
4. The candidate demonstrates a complete classical whisking procedure of up to 15 minutes, covering both the back and front of the recipient's body, and a body scrub using one massage mixture.
5. Fellow candidates take turns as procedure recipients and observe each performance.
6. Immediately after a performance, each assessor completes a standardised assessment form. The candidate group agrees on and submits one collective peer assessment.
7. Submitted assessment forms are collected immediately and are not amended later. If a collective peer score clearly conflicts with the published scale, the assessors may ask the group to explain and reconsider it as part of the learning process.

Practical assessment criteria

Classical whisking and body scrubbing are assessed separately.

Classical whisking

1. Management of the microclimate, steam cushion and ventilation.
2. Contactless steaming.
3. Light whisking techniques.
4. Intensive whisking techniques.
5. Deep whisking techniques.
6. Work on the feet.
7. Work on the legs and hips.
8. Work on the arms.
9. Work on the back of the body.
10. Work on the front of the body.
11. Consistency and scenario of the complete procedure.
12. Self-protection and working ergonomics.
13. Recipient safety and comfort.

Body scrubbing

1. Stroking and surface work.
2. Intensity and technique.
3. Direction of movement.
4. Working ergonomics.
5. Recipient safety and comfort.
6. Overall style, consistency and symmetry.

Six-point assessment scale

• 1 — Not demonstrated: the criterion is not fulfilled or is performed without evident awareness or control.
• 2 — Very weak: the criterion is performed poorly and the candidate does not control the result.
• 3 — Moderate: the performance is formal or template-based and is strongly influenced by circumstances.
• 4 — Competent: the candidate manages ordinary conditions adequately, although gaps remain in more complex situations; an individual style begins to emerge.
• 5 — Strong: the performance is confident and well controlled, with a recognisable individual style, although complex situations may not yet be handled quickly or creatively enough.
• 6 — Excellent: the candidate maintains control and makes confident, individual and appropriate decisions even in difficult conditions.

How the result is calculated

For each practical section, every assessor's score is the arithmetic average of the applicable criteria. The three assessments are then combined as follows:

Section score = 40% assessor 1 + 40% assessor 2 + 20% collective peer assessment.

The overall practical score is the average of the classical whisking score and the body scrubbing score. Results are calculated to two decimal places.

Pass requirements

The final result is recorded as pass or fail. To pass the practical test, the candidate must meet both conditions:

• an overall practical score of at least 3.50;
• a score of at least 3.00 in both classical whisking and body scrubbing.

Event-specific information, including the date, venue, language, assessors, materials, fee and registration conditions, is published in the relevant qualification test event listing.