Scoring

NBPTS recently implemented system upgrades that require users to re-register in order to update their account. The re-registration process requires that you:

Please allow some time and try again. There may be certain peak periods when heavy demands on the Web server may affect connectivity. If you receive connectivity or "page not found" messages, these may represent delays caused by heavy demands on the server or scheduled maintenance on the database. They are not indicators that the Web site is down.
 

Yes. Once scores are released, there are links from the Scores page of My Profile to print your score report, score report details, and your notification letter. This information will remain accessible in My Profile so you may print as many copies as you wish, free of charge.

NBCTs should receive their National Board Certification certificate early in the year following score release, depending on print and delivery schedules. The certificate is a symbol of the candidate’s accomplishment and status that they have achieved National Board Certification. When viewing their scores, it is imperative that new NBCTs confirm that their name is shown as they wish it to be printed on their certificate.
 

Yes. If you receive a complete score profile with 10 scores, you may be eligible to receive a transcript recommendation for 3 semester hours of graduate credit for completing the National Board Certification process, regardless of whether or not you achieved certification. Candidates who achieve National Board Certification are eligible for a transcript recommendation for an additional six semester hours of graduate credit, for a total of nine semester hours of graduate credit.

The 10-year period begins with the date on the candidate's score report. Your My Profile Home page also displays the expiration date.

No. It is not possible for an NBCT to change his or her score once he or she has achieved National Board Certification. Certification is awarded to candidates who meet the performance standard regardless of the final numerical score.
 

You will need to put your concerns in writing. This is the best way for NBPTS to be sure that we understand your concerns and provide you with an accurate and complete response. You can submit your comments online through Ask NBPTS (under My Inbox within My Profile), by fax to 1-888-811-3514, or by mail to:

NBPTS Processing Center
11827 Tech Com, Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78233

No. All candidate materials submitted by the published deadline will be scored and those scores are automatically banked. However, a Total Weighted Scaled Score will be computed only for candidates who have a score for ALL of the portfolio entries and assessment center exercises. Candidates who do not have a score for each of the portfolio entries and assessment center exercises will have an incomplete score profile. National Board Certification WILL NOT be awarded to candidates with fewer than 10 scores.
 

NBPTS conducts a rigorous set of quality control procedures before releasing scores. If, however, you still wish to have a score verified, you may choose to use the Score Verification Service for a $75 fee per score to be verified. The Score Verification Service is available online and only for a limited period of time after score release each year. Candidates must submit their request electronically and pay the fee online using e-check, VISA, or MasterCard. All online requests for score verification must be received no later than 30 days from the date on the candidate's score report. Requests received after that date will not be processed. A response to a request will be sent to the candidate within 30 days of receipt of their completed request form and fee(s).Score verification does not include rescoring  of a candidate response.

Portfolio entry and assessment center exercise retake responses submitted in accordance with the National Board's rules for submission are scored simultaneously with those of first-time candidates.

You will be notified of your new scores and your recalculated Total Weighted Scaled Score on or before December 31 of the year in which you submit your retake portfolio entries and/or retake assessment center exercises.

Retake entry/exercise submissions are received along with those of first-time candidates and are scored simultaneously. Assessors do not distinguish between first-time and retake performances. So, although it may seem possible for retake candidates to receive their scores earlier than first-time candidates, all score results are processed together and are completed at the same time. Because NBPTS assessors are unable to distinguish a retake entry/exercise from those submitted by National Board Certification first-time candidates, you can be assured a fair, reliable and psychometrically sound score. Official score results are released at the same time only to candidates (whether first-time candidates or retake candidates) via My Profile, a secure, online service available on the NBPTS Web site.

No. Scores are provided only to candidates. No scores are ever attached to a candidate's submission, and no scores can be accessed by assessors.

Assessors for all certificate areas must meet the same eligibility requirements as candidates which are:
 

• Baccalaureate degree
• Valid state teaching (or school counselor) license
• Three years of teaching (or school counseling) experience in a pre-K through 12 setting
• Currently employed at least half-time as a teacher (or school counselor)
• Not be a current or non-achieving candidate for National Board Certification
• Successfully complete assessor training
   

Beginning with the 1996-1997 assessment cycle, the NBPTS Board of Directors established a total weighted score of 263 as the uniform performance standard for awarding certification to candidates in all certificate fields and across all administration cycles.  In order to continue to ensure consistency in reporting certification decisions to candidates across certificate fields and assessment cycles, the National Board adds a 12-point uniform constant to the weighted scaled score to produce a Total Weighted Scaled Score.  A candidate must earn a Total Weighted Scaled Score that equals or exceeds 275 points to achieve National Board Certification^®.

NBPTS automatically banks the individual portfolio entry and assessment center exercise scores for candidates who did not achieve National Board Certification during their initial attempt. This allows candidates to retake any combination of portfolio entries and/or assessment center exercises on which they did not meet the individual entry/exercise performance standard of 2.75.

Scores for completed entries and/or exercises will be automatically banked. Please note that any entries and/or exercises that do not have a score, for whatever reason, will result in an incomplete score profile. Those items without a score will be subject to applicable retake fees and policies.