National Board Certification

Overview

Every student deserves to be taught by an accomplished teacher. National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.

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Candidate Center

The Candidate Center is your hub for information related to the certification process. Here you can find instructions and policy documents and other information that is specific to first time, returning and Maintenance of Certification candidates. Please read the information carefully as you view the documents that are relevant to you. We encourage you to check back often as you continue your journey.
  • First-time and Returning Candidate Resources

    The resources on this page include certificate-specific standards, overviews of the certification components, component instructions, and important policy and procedure documents.

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  • Candidate FAQs

    Get answers to our most asked questions by visiting our FAQs.

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  • Maintenance of Certification Candidate Resources

    The National Board provides a few resources that can guide you through the Maintenance of Certification process. We also provide some Frequently Asked Questions.

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  • Assessment Center Testing

    The National Board has engaged Pearson VUE to deliver the online assessment of National Board Certification at locations across the United States.

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  • ePortfolio Submission

    The National Board has implemented an electronic portfolio submission system, ePortfolio, which simplifies and enhances the way candidates compile and submit materials for evaluation.

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  • Score Release

    National Board Certification is a standards-based assessment. Your score reflects the degree to which assessors were able to locate clear, consistent, and convincing evidence that you have met the National Board Standards specific to your certificate field.

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In Your State

To support your pursuit of National Board Certification, state departments, school districts, teachers unions, institutions of higher education, and other educational organizations offer resources, including fee assistance and candidate support. Our interactive state map provides this valuable state-specific information and also highlights local networks of NBCTs who can help guide your National Board journey. Go to interactive map