Renewal Eligibility

In order to be considered eligible to attempt renewal, NBCTs must:

• Be in their eighth or ninth year of certification
• Hold a valid state teaching license that has not been suspended or revoked
• Not have been convicted of a felony due to child abuse, job-related crimes, or violent crimes  against persons

For National Board Certified Teachers who certified after July 1996
NBCTs who certified after July 1996 should plan to apply for renewal during their 8th or 9th year of initial certification.

No. Candidates for renewal must be able to verify that they hold a valid state teaching license at the time they attempt renewal.

Yes. NBCTs who have retired from active teaching may attempt renewal if they still hold a valid state teaching license and are able to develop a relationship and work with students in the same content area, at the same developmental level, as their original certificate area.

No. If you do not successfully complete the renewal process prior to the expiration of your certificate, you will need to apply and go through the National Board Certification process as a first-time candidate if you want to be certified.