Teachers seeking National Board certification undergo an extensive process after meeting specific prerequisites. Read on to learn about certification requirements and procedures and some resources for teachers seeking this certification.

The National Board Certification Process for Teachers

To be eligible for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification, you must be a licensed teacher with an undergraduate degree and at least 3 years of full-time teaching experience. After they have met those prerequisites, a teacher may apply for certification in one of 25 specializations. The certification process is comprised of four areas:

• A computerized exam that assesses the subject and pedagogical knowledge of the candidate
• A portfolio of learner work and a discussion of how it demonstrates the teacher’s pedagogical skills
• An in-classroom video and written examination to demonstrate learner collaboration skills
• An Effective and Reflective Practitioner area that was just added in 2016

Certification Rules and Procedures

Prior to beginning the NBPTS process, applicants must be mindful of the following rules:

• Candidates have to send a $75 registration fee and $475 for each of the four certification areas.
• The four areas of the certification application may be submitted and paid for at different times, but the 1st submissions must be made within 3 years of application.
• If you do not pass any assessment area, you are allowed two retakes within 5 years.
• Computerized subject exams are available within strict testing windows. More info on testing dates, along with tutorials, are available on the test administrator’s website.