National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential. It complements, but does not replace, a state's teacher license. It is valid for 10 years, and renewal candidates must begin the renewal process during their eighth or ninth years as NBCTs.

National Board Certification is achieved upon successful completion of a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize effective and accomplished teachers who meet high standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do. National Board Certification is available nationwide for most preK–12 teachers.

As part of the certification process, candidates complete 10 assessments that are reviewed by trained teachers in their certificate areas. The assessments include four portfolio entries that feature teaching practice and six constructed response exercises that assess content knowledge. These computer-based exercises are administered at the Academic Testing Center.

The National Board Certification assessment fee is $2500. A non-refundable $65 processing charge is required when you submit your application. However, your candidacy will not officially start until you submit a non refundable $500 initial fee, which will be applied to the $2500 assessment fee. Once NBPTS receives your application processing charge and $500 initial fee payment, you will be sent a verification packet and portfolio materials.

For further information and details on the program or scheduling assessments, please visit their website: www.nbpts.org/become_a_candidate.