First-Time and Returning Candidate Resources

Candidate Resources

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

Guides & FAQs

• Guide to National Board Certification
• Scoring Guide
• Choosing the Right Certificate
• Component 1: Content Knowledge Assessment Center Policy and Guidelines
• EAYA World Languages Candidates Prerequisite FAQ
• Certification Candidates

 Instructions

• Certificate-Specific Instructions
• General Portfolio Instructions

Forms

• Request for Testing Accommodations Form and Instructions 
• Eligibility Verification Forms and Instructions

Release Forms

• Adult Release Form(English)
• Adult Release Form (Spanish)
• Student Release Form (English)
• Student Release Form (Spanish)
• Student Release Form (Simplified Chinese)
• Student Release Form (Traditional Chinese)

Standards and Instructions for First-time and Returning Candidates

As you prepare to start your National Board Certification process here are important documents for you to download: the General Portfolio Instructions and your selected certificate-specific instructions. The General Portfolio Instructions will provide you with key requirements, policies, and guidelines. This is an important document that includes relevant information that is not included in the certificate-specific instructions.

We have updated portfolio instructions. Portfolio component instructions (Components 2, 3 and 4) for 2020-21 are now available. The updated General Portfolio Instructions will be posted the week of June 1. Updates to portfolio component instructions clarify Originality Requirements and guidance for ENS candidates.

For certificate-specific instructions and standards for new and returning candidates, please carefully select your discipline and/or development age level below: