Guide to National Board Certification

Version 4.

 Register online at www.nbpts.org/certification/

Prepared by Pearson for submission under contract with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

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he fees and other terms and conditions contained in this Guide are subject to change. Please visit

the National Board’s website to locate any changes or updates to applicable terms and conditions.

 
 
 
Table of Contents   
Introduction .............................................................................................. 1 
What is the National Board ......................................................................................................................... 1 
Certification – An Overview ..................................................................... 2 
The Certification Process ........................................................................ 3 
Fields of Certification ................................................................................................................................... 3 
The Components ......................................................................................................................................... 4 
How to Register and Select Components ............................................... 5 
Changing your Certificate Area ................................................................................................................... 5 
Important Dates and Deadlines ................................................................................................................... 5 
Eligibility Requirements........................................................................... 6 
Verifying Your Eligibility ............................................................................................................................... 7 
Language Proficiency Requirement for World Languages Candidates ...................................................... 9 
Fees ......................................................................................................... 11 
Withdrawals, Refunds, and Reinstatements ........................................ 12 
Scholarships and Rewards .................................................................... 15 
Scholarships .............................................................................................................................................. 15 
Incentives and Fee Support ...................................................................................................................... 15 
What Next? ............................................................................................. 15 
Communications........................................................................................................................................ 16 
Portfolio Submissions ................................................................................................................................ 16 
Assessment Center Testing ...................................................................................................................... 16 
Scoring ...................................................................................................................................................... 16 
Contact Us .............................................................................................. 17  
National Board Policies ......................................................................... 18 
Policies Related to Candidates with Disabilities ....................................................................................... 18 
Confidentiality Guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 18 
Policy on Denial or Revocation of Certification Based on Misconduct ..................................................... 19 
Maintenance of Certification ...................................................................................................................... 22 
Score Verification Service ......................................................................................................................... 23 
Ethics ......................................................................................................................................................... 26 
Language Accommodations ...................................................................................................................... 26 
National Board Candidate Management System ................................. 28 
Access an Existing Account ...................................................................................................................... 28 
Create a New Account .............................................................................................................................. 29 
Reset your Password ................................................................................................................................ 30 

 
Register ..................................................................................................................................................... 31 
Choose your Certificate Area .................................................................................................................... 32 
Purchase a Component ............................................................................................................................ 34 
Retaking Component 1 .................................................................................................................. 35 
Requesting Accommodations ........................................................................................................ 36 
Payment Options ....................................................................................................................................... 37 
Pay in Full ...................................................................................................................................... 37 
National Board Payment Plan ........................................................................................................ 37 
Third-Party Payer Funding ............................................................................................................. 39

Guide to National Board Certification

Page 1

Introduction

What is the National Board?

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board) is a not-for-profit

professional organization, created and governed by practicing teachers and their advocates. The

founding mission of the National Board is to advance the quality of teaching and learning by

 maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know

and be able to do;

 providing a national voluntary system certifying teachers who meet these standards;

and

 advocating related education reforms to integrate National Board Certification into

American education and to capitalize on the expertise of National Board Certified

Teachers.

Recognized as the “gold standard” in teacher certification, the National Board believes higher

standards for teachers means better learning for students.

Founded in 1987, the National Board began by engaging teachers in the development of standards

for accomplished teaching and in the building of an assessment – National Board Certification –

that validly and reliably identifies when a teacher meets those standards. Today, there are 25

certificate areas that span 16 content areas and four student developmental levels. The essence of

the National Board’s vision of accomplished teaching is captured in the enduring document What

Teachers Should Know and Be Able to Do, at the heart of which are the Five Core Propositions:

Teachers are committed to students and their learning.

Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.

Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.

Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.

Teachers are members of learning communities.

Guide to National Board Certification

Page 2

Certification – An Overview

Over the last 30 years the National Board has advanced the teaching profession by

establishing

and maintaining the definitive standards of accomplished teaching and certifying

more than

137,000 teachers across the country against those rigorous standards.

That number is significant but too small in a profession of more than three million practitioners.

To make the dramatic improvements we seek in education for every student, National

Board

Certification needs to be the norm, not the exception. It also must be what the

profession

expects and is designed to support. To meet this goal, the National Board provides options for

educators to pursue certification. While teachers can complete the entire

certification process in

one year, some may choose to do so over several years if that fits

better with other demands on

their time. The

assessment

is grouped into four components. With each of the four components

costing $475, the total cost of certification is $1,900. Candidates can pay for and submit each

component separately.

The National Board has revised its policy for maintaining certification. The National Board for

Professional Teaching Standards' Maintenance of Certification (MOC) is a process that will allow a

National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) to extend certification in five year increments. The

process is designed to ensure that Board certified teachers are continuing to grow professionally

while maintaining a strong impact on student learning. This policy is aligned with the movement of

40 state licensure systems to a five-year renewal period, but also reflects efforts to make

certification more affordable and efficient for all teachers, so that that it can become the norm in

the profession. Visit our website to learn more about the MOC process.

Our principles remain the same. This National

Board’s Standards, the Five Core Propositions, and

the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching have stood the test of time. This is an indication of

the teaching profession’s ability to create and maintain a body of knowledge that guides practice.

And, just as when the first teachers earned Board certification in 1994, National Board Certification

remains performance-based and peer-reviewed,

with the same emphasis on content knowledge

and commitment to student learning.

Page 3

Guide to National Board Certification

The Certification Process

The National Board Certification process is designed to collect standards-

based evidence of

accomplished practice. In all 25 certificate areas, candidates for National

Board Certification must

complete four components: three portfolio entries, which are submitted online, and a computer-

based assessment, which is administered at a

testing center.

 Computer-based assessment

▪ Component 1: Content Knowledge

 Portfolio entries

▪ Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction

▪ Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment

▪ Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner

Fields of Certification

The National Board offers standards, based on the Five Core Propositions, in 25 certificate areas.

A standards committee composed of a majority of Board-certified teachers is

appointed for each

certificate area. Other members of the committee may include experts in

child development,

teacher education and relevant disciplines. Standards committees

recommend to the National

Board the specific standards for each certificate area and advise

those involved in developing the

corresponding certification process. The standards and the certificates are structured along two

dimensions: the developmental

level of students and the discipline. Candidates may choose either

a generalist or a subject-

specific certificate. View a list of the available certificates and the links

to the standards.

Completing National Board Certification may take

anywhere from one to five years,

depending on the approach you take. The

following rules apply:

 You must attempt each of the four components within the first three years of your

candidacy. Candidates who do not meet this requirement will have their candidacy

terminated and will be required to start the entire certification process again as a first-

time candidate.

 You have a five-year window to achieve certification. If you do not achieve certification

within the five-year window, you may start the entire certification process again as a

first-time candidate.

 Components must be completed during the assessment cycle in which they are

purchased.

 There is no minimum or maximum score requirement to retake a component; you can

elect to retake any component even if you have met the required minimum average

section score(s). However, once you achieve National Board Certification, retake

attempts are no longer available.

 You have up to two retake attempts for each component. For Component 1, you

can elect to retake one or more of the three constructed response items/exercises

and/or the selected response item part. Candidates have up to two retakes for each of

the four parts of Component 1 at any time during the five-year window.

 You can retake at any time during the five-year window and retake years do not

have to be consecutive.

 You can have a year when you take or retake no components; however, it does not

extend your three-year window to initially attempt each of the four components or

the five-year window within which certification can be achieved.

 The highest numeric score received from all attempts of an individual component

will be used for total score calculation.

For additional information on scores and retaking components refer to the Scoring Guide:

Understanding Your Scores, found on the National Board website.

Page 4

Guide to National Board Certification

The Components

A general description of each component follows. The specific instructions will vary by

certificate area, as will the standards assessed by each component.

Component 1: Content Knowledge

In this computer-based assessment, candidates demonstrate knowledge of and pedagogical

practices for teaching their content area. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of

developmentally appropriate content, which is necessary for teaching across the full age

range

and ability level of the chosen certificate area. This is assessed through the

completion of three

constructed response items and 45 selected response

items (SRIs) of which five are embedded

field test items and do not contribute to the score. (Refer to the Scoring Guide for additional

information). Candidates will have up to 30 minutes to complete each of the three constructed

response items. The time allotted for the selected response section varies by certificate area but

will be no less than 60 minutes.

Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction

This classroom-based portfolio entry is primarily comprised of samples of student work and

accompanying written commentary. Candidates will submit selected work samples that

demonstrate the students’ growth over time and a written commentary that analyzes the

candidate’s

instructional choices.

Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment

This is a classroom-based portfolio entry that requires video recordings of interactions

between

candidates and their students. Two written commentaries, in which the candidate describes,

analyzes and

reflects on their teaching and interactions will also be submitted. Both the videos and

the

written commentaries should demonstrate how candidates engage students and impact their

learning.

Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner

This portfolio entry requires candidates to gather information from a variety of sources about a

class of students with whom they work and demonstrate their knowledge of assessments and

assessment practices to effectively plan for and positively impact student learning. The portfolio will

also require candidates to provide evidence of collaboration with families, the community, and

colleagues and the candidate’s contributions to learning communities to advance student growth.

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Guide to National Board Certification

How to Register and Select Components

✓ Take time to read all of the information provided in this guide prior to registering. Pay

close attention to the eligibility requirements on page 6 and the Important Dates and

Deadlines chart below.

✓ Determine if your state or district offers fee support. To ensure that you qualify for what

is offered, you should begin this process as early as possible.

✓ Register online at nbpts.useclarus.com/register/. There is a $75 nonrefundable

and

nontransferable registration fee that will be assessed to your account at the beginning of

each assessment cycle and must be paid before you can select a component(s). Note that the

registration fee is separate from the cost of each component.

✓ Purchase only the components you plan to complete during this assessment cycle, by

the registration deadline. Refer to page 34 for instructions. Note: You must purchase

a component to be considered an active candidate and to prevent your

registration from being withdrawn. Refer to the Fees chart on page 10 for

associated costs.

Changing your Certificate Area

If you are a first-time candidate, you may change your certificate area prior to the registration

deadline through your National Board account by withdrawing all purchased components and

repurchasing them in the new certificate area.

If you would like to change your certificate and/or specialty area and it is after the registration

deadline or you have already completed components (i.e., you have received scores in a previous

cycle), contact Customer Support for your available options and assistance.

Important Dates and Deadlines

All dates and deadlines are subject to change.

The following chart is applicable to all candidates submitting components for scoring during the

2023-24 assessment cycle.

2023-24 Important Dates and Deadlines

Registration Window

May 22, 2023-February 29, 2024

Registration and Component Purchase Deadline (includes

payment of registration and component fees)

February 29, 2024

Third-Party Payer Funding*

February 16, 2024

Change of Component Selection

February 29, 2024

Change of Certificate and/or Specialty Area

March 22, 2024

Withdrawal Deadline

February 29, 2024

Component 1: Content Knowledge Testing Window

March 1-June 15, 2024

ePortfolio Submission Window

April 1- May 18, 2024

Score Release

December 7, 2024

*This is the final date we will accept funding from Third-Party Payers. Candidates will be allowed to purchase components

through February 29, 2024.

You are expected to complete all components during the assessment cycle in which the component

is purchased. If you do not purchase a component by the registration deadline, your registration

will be withdrawn. Refer to page 12 for additional details.

Page 6

Guide to National Board Certification

The following chart is applicable to all candidates submitting components for scoring during the

2024-25 assessment cycle.

2024-25 Important Dates and Deadlines

Registration Window

May 23, 2024-February 28, 2025

Registration and Component Purchase Deadline (includes

payment of registration and component fees)

February 28, 2025

Third-Party Payer Funding*

February 7, 2025

Third-Party Payer Designation**

February 21, 2025

Change of Component Selection

February 28, 2025

Change of Certificate and/or Specialty Area

March 21, 2025

Withdrawal Deadline

February 28, 2025

Component 1: Content Knowledge Testing Window

March 1-June 15, 2025

ePortfolio Submission Window

April 1- May 17, 2025

Score Release

December 6, 2025

*This is the final date we will accept funding from Third-Party Payers.** This is the final date for Third-Party Payers to allocate

funding to candidate accounts. Candidates will be allowed to purchase components through February 28, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to achieve National Board Certification, you must meet the education, licensure, and

employment requirements described below. If you are a candidate in World Languages, you must

also meet the language proficiency requirement.

The rules for meeting eligibility for candidacy are described in this guide, but teaching situations

across the country vary widely, and the rules may not address your particular circumstances.

Please contact Customer Support for assistance if you are not sure whether you meet the

eligibility requirements. The score requirements for achieving National Board Certification can be

found in the Scoring Guide. The chart below provides the certification eligibility requirements for

beginning the National Board Certification process and when each requirement must be met.

Eligibility Requirement

Requirement Must be Met

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from

an accredited institution. (Candidates for the

Career and Technical Education certificate are

required to hold a bachelor’s degree only if their

state required one for their current license.)

Before a candidate registers and purchases

their first component for National Board

Certification.

Candidates must hold a valid state teaching license

or meet the licensure requirements established by

their state.

Before a candidate registers and purchases

their first component for National Board

Certification.

Note: A candidate must also hold a valid

license for each of the three years they verify

towards the employment requirement.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Candidates must have successfully completed three

years of teaching at one or more early childhood,

elementary, middle, or secondary schools to

achieve Board certification. (Applicants for

ECYA/School Counseling must have successfully

completed three years serving as a school

counselor.)

No later than June 30 of a candidate’s third

year of candidacy. *This requirement must be

met for a candidate to be eligible to achieve

certification.

When a candidate meets the score

requirements and all eligibility requirements,

including the teaching employment

requirement (if not already met), the

candidate will achieve National Board

certification.

World Language candidates: ACTFL language

proficiency requirement.

No later than June 30 of the assessment cycle

in which a candidate completes initial testing

on all four National Board components. When

a candidate meets the ACTFL and score

requirements and the teaching employment

requirement (if not already met), the

candidate will achieve National Board

certification.

*This policy was revised, effective for first-time candidates in the fall of the 2022-23 registration cycle.

Refer to the Policy Change for Certification Requirements FAQs for additional details.

In the section below, you’ll find instructions for how to verify you meet the requirements located in

the Eligibility Verification Forms and Instructions.

Do you possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution? This requirement

must be met before you begin the certification process.

An accredited institution is defined as one that is authorized or accepted by a state as

fulfilling

the state’s educational requirement for initial teaching licensure or school counseling

licensure. A

teacher or school counselor with a degree awarded by an institution outside the

United States

must submit proof that the degree is equivalent to a baccalaureate either by

submitting

transcripts to an organization that belongs to the National Association of

Credential Evaluation

Services (see www.naces.org/members) or by submitting

documentation to the National Board

confirming that the state in which you teach or serve as a

school counselor has accepted the

degree for licensure requirements.

NOTE: Candidates registering for the Career and Technical Education certificate are required

hold a bachelor’s degree only if their state required one for their current license.

Have you held a valid state teaching license (or met the licensure requirements

established by your state for a “school counselor” and held that valid license if you

applied for the ECYA/School Counseling certificate)? This requirement must be met before

you begin the certification process. This requirement must also be met for each of the three

years you verify for the employment requirement. Employment under an intern or a similar

teaching license

does not meet the licensure requirement.

Your state teaching or school counseling license must have been unencumbered (e.g., not

suspended or revoked) while you were employed as a teacher or school counselor. Teachers

who

are or were employed in a facility that requires a state-issued license must hold a valid

license

during their candidacy period. If part or all of the employment you are verifying was

served at a

facility in which a state teaching or school counseling license was not required

(e.g., private

school, parochial school, school outside the United States, or early childhood

facility), you must

submit proof of this information if requested. If you have questions about whether your license

counts toward this requirement, you may consult the Acceptable State Licenses list and contact

Customer Support.

Page 8

Guide to National Board Certification

Have you completed three years of successful teaching employment in one or more

early

childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary schools? Applicants for

ECYA/School

Counseling must have completed three years successfully serving as a

school

counselor. While you may begin the certification process before completing three

years of successful teaching employment, you must meet this requirement by June 30 of your

third year of candidacy to be eligible to achieve certification. Refer to the Eligibility Verification

Forms and Instructions for more information.

 You must have held a valid state teaching license (or state school counseling

license if you are a candidate for the ECYA/School Counseling certificate) for

each of the three years you verify.

 The employment must have occurred in one or more facilities located within

the

United States or at an institution accredited by one of 17 agencies

recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. For a list of these agencies,

access

www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html. You should

check

individual agency websites for the most current contact information.

The following activities do not count toward the teaching or counseling employment requirement:

 time spent in administrative positions

 student teaching or teaching internships (or student practice or school

counseling

internships)

 employment as a teacher’s assistant

 employment under an intern or a similar teaching license

 teaching or school counseling done at the postsecondary level (e.g., community

college or university/college); teachers or counselors with students who are over

the

age of 18 years must be teaching at the pre-K–12 level and in pre-K–12

settings

(e.g., vocational classes in a high school setting), not in a community

college or

university/college. Teachers in administrative positions or those

teaching in the adult

learner community may pursue National Board Certification

only if they are able to

provide evidence of classroom teaching with pre-K–12

students within the timeframe

specified in the component instructions.

Part-Time or Substitute Teaching

Teachers who have taught part time are eligible, provided they have teaching

employment that

is the equivalent to three years of full-time teaching. Substitute teachers

may count teaching

time spent in long-term assignments toward the three years; substitute

teaching that consisted

of short-term or on-call assignments does not accrue toward the

three years.

Part-Time School Counseling

If you serve as a school counselor part time, you are eligible to be an ECYA/School

Counseling

candidate, provided your counseling employment is equivalent to three years of

full-time

counseling.

Verifying Your Eligibility

During the registration process, first-time candidates will be required to attest that the education

and licensure requirements will be met before starting the certification process and asked to

specify the number of years of full-time employment completed.

 Candidates who specify less than three years of experience will be required to attest to

understanding three years of full-time employment must be completed no later than June

30 of their third year of candidacy and before they will be eligible to achieve Board

Certification.

 Candidates who specify three or more years of teaching will be required to attest to

understanding they may be selected for an audit and required to submit proof of meeting

the education, licensure, and employment requirements.

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Guide to National Board Certification

By attesting to meeting these requirements, you represent the information is true and understand

that if misrepresented or falsified, you will be withdrawn from the National Board Certification

process or if granted, National Board Certification will be revoked.

Audit

The National Board will audit first-time candidate records and request proof of meeting the

eligibility

requirements. If you are selected for the audit, by the audit deadline you must provide

supporting

documentation demonstrating you met the specified eligibility requirements. Please note

the following:

 Candidates who have completed three or more years of teaching when they register will be

randomly audited and required to submit proof of meeting the education, licensure, and

employment requirements.

 All candidates who have completed less than three years of teaching when they

 Initial Audit: Proof of meeting the education and licensure requirements must be

submitted during the initial year of candidacy.

 Employment Audit: After completing the initial audit, an employment attestation button

will appear on the Candidate Dashboard of the candidate’s National Board account.

Candidates will need to complete the attestation and submit proof of meeting the

employment requirement after completing three years of successful teaching, and no

later than June 30 of their third year of candidacy, in order to be eligible to achieve

certification. A candidate who does not meet the employment requirement by June 30

of the third year of candidacy will not achieve National Board Certification.

All candidates who are being audited will be notified by the National Board via email

within 30

days of the purchase of their first component*, and will then have 30 days to return the

appropriate

verification forms located in the Eligibility Verification Forms and Instructions. Audited

candidates will be

notified of their eligibility status within 15 days of receipt of the completed

verification forms.

Candidates who do not return the appropriate forms and documentation within the specified

time

frame will be deemed ineligible and their registration and any purchased components will be

withdrawn. If you are deemed

ineligible at any point, you will not receive a refund of the

registration fee, any service

fees, or the assessment fee for any completed components.

*Note: Candidates who register between May-August 31 will be audited in

September.

Candidates who register in February will be audited in March.

Language Proficiency Requirement for World Languages Candidates

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards uses an external measure of language

proficiency to assess World Languages Standards II: Knowledge of Language and III: Knowledge

of Culture. In addition to the National Board candidate eligibility requirements, in order to be

eligible to achieve National Board Certification World Languages candidates must meet the

National Board World Languages Standards for language proficiency by providing official non-

expired American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Speaking and Writing

Proficiency Certificates with a rating at or above Advanced Low. Non-expired ACTFL certificates of

Advanced Low or higher from any version of the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Writing

Proficiency Test (WPT), such as OPIc Advanced Level Check – Speaking and Advanced Level Check

– Writing, will be accepted.

If you are registering for the World Languages certificate, you may submit non-expired ACTFL

speaking and writing certificates of Advanced Low or higher as early as after initial registration for

the National Board process and payment of the nonrefundable and nontransferable $75 fee but no

later than June 30 of the assessment cycle in which you complete initial testing on all four

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Guide to National Board Certification

National Board components. Submit both copies of your non-expired ACTFL certificates via your

National Board account at the same time. The two certificates do not need to have the same issue

date.

Obtaining Your ACTFL Certifications

The National Board, in partnership with ACTFL, will provide each candidate a discounted price of

$60.00 plus a $35.00 remote proctoring fee to take or retake either the ACTFL Advanced Level

Check – Speaking or ACTFL Advanced Level Check – Writing. Candidates should register for and

schedule tests at www.languagetesting.com.

Scheduling Your ACTFL Assessments

To purchase your test and create an account, begin by clicking here.

1. Select “Order a Test”, then choose your target language (Spanish or French).

2. Click “Choose a test” in the “I am a student or teacher and need to take an ACTFL

assessment as a requirement for my academic program.” box from the second

(orange) column.

3. Enter Institution “National Board for Professional Teaching Standards – Individual”

If you already have an account, begin by clicking here.

1. Enter Email Address and Password then click on “Sign In”.

2. Select “Order a Test”, then choose your target language (Spanish or French).

3. Click “Choose a test” in the “I am a student or teacher and need to take an ACTFL

assessment as a requirement for my academic program.” box from the second

(orange) column.

4. Enter Institution “National Board for Professional Teaching Standards – Individual”

Follow the prompts to continue through the test registration system. After your test is scored, an

electronic certificate will be emailed to you from Language Testing International. The certificate

will display your rating on the ACTFL scale. For assistance, contact Language Testing

International at (800) 486-8444, ext. 751, or email [email protected].

*Tests are available on demand, and are not technically scheduled with LTI, they are merely

activated.

Submitting Your ACTFL Certifications

After you have completed the National Board registration process and submitted payment of the

nonrefundable and nontransferable $75 fee, your evidence of language proficiency will be

accepted. Submit copies of your ACTFL certificates via your National Board account. ACTFL

certificates from both speaking and writing proficiency assessments must be submitted at the

same time.

*Your ACTFL certificates are still valid for National Board Certification if you completed your first

component in:

 2024-25 and have ACTFL certificates that were issued on or after February 28, 2023

 2023-24 and have ACTFL certificates that were issued on or after February 29, 2022.

 2022-23 and have ACTFL certificates that were issued on or after February 28, 2021.

 2021-22 and have ACTFL certificates that were issued on or after February 28, 2020.

For additional information regarding the ACTFL requirement, please review our EAYA World

Languages Candidates Requirement FAQ.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Fees

This table lists the various fees applicable to National Board Certification. You are responsible

for

confirming receipt by the National Board of any payments. After your application has been

processed, you can view the fees posted to your National Board account.

Fee Type

Details

Amount

2023-24

Deadline

2024-25

Deadline

Registration

fee*

Assessed to your

account at the

beginning of each

assessment cycle.

You will not be able

to select a component

without payment of

this nonrefundable

and nontransferable

fee.

$75

No later than

February 29,

2024

No later than

February 28,

2025

Component 2–

4 Fee

Required for each

attempt (initial and

retake) of all portfolio

components.

$475 per

component

February 29,

2024

February 28,

2025

Component 1

Fee (first

attempt)

Required for the

Content Knowledge

assessment.

$475

February 29,

2024

February 28,

2025

Component 1

Retake Fee

Required for each

portion of

Component 1 that

you elect to retake.

$125 per

exercise

and/or the

Selected

Response

section

February 29,

2024

February 28,

2025

Component 1

Reauthorization

Fee

If you miss your

assessment center

testing appointment

or do not cancel

within 24 hours, you

must be reinstated

before you can

schedule a new

appointment.

$175

August 30, 2024

At the time of

request – this

service will be

completed after

receipt of

payment.

*Note: The Registration fee must be paid online via credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard only). This fee is

required for each cycle in which you purchase a component(s).

The National Board reserves the right to change the fees stated above.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Payment Plan

The National Board payment plan is available to any candidate pursuing National Board

certification or MOC, including retakes.

The payment plan offers the following benefits:

 It’s quick and easy to set up

 You can spread the cost of your component(s) over six equal monthly installments (about

$80 per component per month)

 No interest or fees and no credit check

 You will be able to initiate the payment plan through the registration deadline.

More information about payment plan can be found here.

Withdrawals, Refunds, and Reinstatements

Component Withdrawal

During a given assessment cycle, you are expected to complete all components for which you

component through your National Board account prior to the withdrawal deadline by clicking the

“Withdraw” button located on your Certification Dashboard.

 If you need to change your component selection (i.e., switch from Component 2 to

Component 4), you will need to withdraw your current purchase and repurchase the new

component by the registration deadline.

 To change your selected certificate and/or specialty area, withdraw your current

purchase and repurchase the component in the correct certificate and/or specialty area

by the registration deadline.

Note: If you are withdrawing a component because you want to change your certificate and/or

specialty area and it is after the registration deadline, or you have already completed

components (i.e., you have received scores in a previous cycle), please contact Customer

Support for your available options and assistance.

Registration Withdrawal (Current Cycle)

You must purchase at least one component to be considered an active candidate in the current

cycle.

 If you are a first-time candidate who has not completed a component (i.e., you have

not submitted a portfolio or tested at the assessment center), and do not purchase a

component by the deadline, your registration for the current cycle will automatically

expire after the registration window closes, and your candidacy will be cancelled. You

will be required to register anew if you wish to continue pursuing certification at a later

time. Registering anew will restart your 5-year window to pursue certification.

 If you are a returning candidate and do not purchase a component by the deadline,

only your registration for the current cycle will expire. All previous registrations,

component submissions, and scores will remain intact. Note: You can have a year

when you take or retake no components; however, it does not extend your three-year

window to initially attempt each of the four components or the five-year window within

Note: The National Board does not offer a deferral service. If the withdrawal deadline has

passed, we recommend that you consider completing your selected component(s) by the

established deadlines as the assessment fees are nontransferable and even if you do not

complete the component(s), the assessment year will count toward your five-year window

to pursue certification. If it is past the withdrawal deadline and you wish to withdraw a

component without a refund, you may do so by contacting our Customer Support team –

this service is not available online.

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Guide to National Board Certification

which certification can be achieved.

Candidacy Withdrawal

If you no longer wish to pursue certification, you may withdraw your candidacy. By withdrawing

your candidacy, you will forfeit all previous scores and payments. You must first withdraw all

currently purchased components. You can withdraw your candidacy by contacting our Customer

Support team – this service is not available online. Note: You must attempt each of the four

components within the first three years of your candidacy and have a five-year window to achieve

certification. Candidates who do not meet the three and five-year completion requirements will

have their candidacy automatically withdrawn:

 If you are a returning candidate in your third year of candidacy and do not complete

the initial attempt of all four components by the deadline, your candidacy will expire.

You will be required to register anew if you wish to continue pursuing certification at a

later time.

 If you are a returning candidate in your fifth year of candidacy and do not achieve

certification, your candidacy window will expire. You will be required to register anew if

you wish to continue pursuing certification at a later time.

Type of Withdrawal

Implications

Component Withdrawal

Any component(s) not withdrawn prior to the withdrawal deadline

must be completed during the assessment cycle in which the

component(s) was purchased.

Component(s) not withdrawn and not completed during the

assessment cycle will count toward your five-year window to

pursue certification and toward the three attempts allowed for

each component.

Assessment fees are nontransferable regardless of the

circumstance. Please refer to page 12 for information about

refunds.

If you are withdrawing your component in order to change your

certificate area, please contact Customer Support for assistance.

Registration Withdrawal

If you do not purchase a component by the deadline, your

registration will automatically expire after the registration window

closes.

• First-time candidates: You will be required to register

anew for future attempts at National Board Certification.

• Returning candidates: Only your registration for the

current cycle will be withdrawn. All previous registrations,

component submissions, and scores will remain intact.

Candidacy Withdrawal

All score(s) for component(s) completed during your five-year

window to pursue certification will be forfeited.

You will be required to register anew as a first-time candidate for

future attempts at National Board Certification. The following rules

apply:

• If you previously submitted components for scoring and

wish to register again in the same certificate area, you

must wait until the next assessment cycle.

• You can register again in a different certificate area

without restriction. Refer to page 4 for the registration

deadline.

You must contact Customer Support for assistance.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Refunds

If you withdraw prior to the withdrawal deadline, you are eligible for a refund, less the

nonrefundable and nontransferable $75 registration fee and any service fees. Refunds take up to

six weeks to process after the date your withdrawal is processed. You are NOT eligible for a refund

if the withdrawal deadline has passed.

Note: Funding received from Third-Party Payers (TPP) will be refunded to the TPP’s National Board

account. TPPs who wish to have refunds returned directly to their organization must request the

refund in writing, using the Third-Party Payer web form.

Reinstatements

If you have withdrawn your entire registration and wish to be reinstated before the withdrawal

deadline, please contact Customer Support.

Exceptions

All National Board candidates and National Board Certified Teachers are required to express their

understanding of National Board policies and deadlines during the registration process. However, if

you have encountered a hardship and have missed the withdrawal deadline, the National Board

may consider offering an exception to deadlines and policies such as a late withdrawal and refund;

an extension to the portfolio submission window; an extension to the assessment center testing

window; or other reasonable accommodation.

All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. National Board will consider requests based

on personal and/or family illness, military deployment, death of an immediate family or school

community member, adoption, visa rejection, divorce, and natural disaster. The following

hardships do not qualify for an exception: financial hardship, changes in teaching assignment,

work schedule conflicts, and failure to adhere to National Board policy.

For an exception request to be considered, you must submit evidence of the hardship that will

prevent or has prevented you from completing the submission/testing requirements by the

published deadlines. Submitting a request with supporting documentation does not guarantee an

exception to policy will be approved. Circumstances that predate National Board registration or

component purchase may not be considered. To submit an exception request:

1. Describe your situation that qualifies for an exception. You should include the specific

amount of extra time (or other relief) you are requesting.

2. Collect documentation to support your exception request. Screenshots of your

documentation are permitted. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of

a. a medical leave of absence from work, e.g., approved FMLA documentation,

b. a personal or family medical condition on physician/medical group letterhead, signed

and dated, or

c. a hardship or leave of absence from work on school/district administrative

letterhead, signed and dated.

3. Prepare your documentation.

a. Do not include Sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (SPII). SPII is defined

as information that if lost, compromised, or disclosed could result in substantial

harm, embarrassment, inconvenience, or unfairness to an individual. Black out SPII

such as social security numbers, medical insurance information, credit and debit

card numbers, and driver's license and state ID information.

b. Do not submit medical bills or insurance claims information.

Note: The National Board may withhold your scores if you withdraw your registration or

any components after the established deadline. Additionally, the National Board will

continue to maintain sole ownership of all assessment-related materials you have

submitted notwithstanding any such withdrawal on your part.

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Guide to National Board Certification

4. Send your documents using the National Board web form.

For more information on this exception service, please contact our Customer Support team.

Scholarships and Rewards

Scholarships

Through the generosity of corporate and foundation partners, National Board is periodically able to

offer a limited number of scholarships to help offset a portion of the fees for National Board

Certification. Scholarships are allocated under the guidelines set by the donors. If you have

selected a component and you meet the guidelines for receiving any remaining scholarship funds,

you will be notified via email with required next steps. Please note that funding is limited and you

should not rely on a scholarship to cover your component fees.

Incentives and Fee Support

Various states and local school districts have recognized the value of National Board

Certification by offering salary increases, bonuses, or other incentives to educators who

become NBCTs. There may also be some state and/or local funds available to support

National Board Certification fees.

Before you register, contact your state or local program administrator for information about

fees

and incentives available in your state, as well as for any special application requirements

that may

apply. Many states set candidate application deadlines that differ from those set by the

National

Board, but the state application deadlines must be met for a candidate to be eligible

for state fee

support.

Learn more about how states and school districts support National Board Certification at

www.nbpts.org/support/in-your-state/.

What Next?

We use a

paperless delivery system for our resources and documents. Standards and

other assessment documents are available at

www.nbpts.org/certification/candidate-

center/. You’ll need to check our website

and your email regularly for updates and

information. Please make sure to keep your email address current in your online

National Board account. The National Board may also occasionally contact you via text

message. Text messages will be sent by a staff member who identifies themselves as

National Board staff, and you will be able to text or call back the number to verify its

validity.

Before registering

 Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements

 Review the National Board Standards, Scoring Guide, General Portfolio Instructions,

and certificate-specific component instructions for your

certificate area at

www.nbpts.org/certification/candidate-center/

 Go to nbpts.useclarus.com/register/ to register and pay the $75 nonrefundable and

nontransferable registration fee

 Purchase the components you’d like to complete during this assessment cycle; you

must complete this step to be considered an active candidate. If you are receiving third-party

financial support, you will need to wait until funding has been applied to your account before

you may purchase a component. All fees must be paid prior to the payment deadline.

Registrations with no component purchases will be withdrawn after the deadline.

 Prepare for portfolio submission and assessment center testing

▪ Download the National Board Standards, component instructions, and

scoring rubric for your certificate area at

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Guide to National Board Certification

www.nbpts.org/certification/candidate-center/first-time-and-returning-

candidate-resources/

▪ Review the ePortfolio submission resources at

www.nbpts.org/certification/candidate-center/eportfolio-submission/

▪ Review the assessment center policy documents, tutorials, and FAQs at

www.nbpts.org/certification/candidate-center/assessment-center-testing//

Candidates with purchased components will:

 Receive an email at the start of the testing window authorizing them to schedule

their

appointment to complete the computer-based assessment (Component 1)

 Receive an email at the start of the ePortfolio submission window providing

instruction for uploading and submitting material for scoring

Communications

Email will be our primary means of communication throughout your candidacy. Ensure you

receive important updates and information by keeping your preferred* email address updated

your account and adding useclarus.com, auth.net, NBPTS.org, and Pearson.com to your safe

senders list so emails are not filtered to spam. The National Board may also occasionally contact

you via text message. Text messages will be sent by a staff member who identifies themselves

as National Board staff, and you will be able to text or call back the number to verify its validity.

*Note: You are encouraged to use your personal email address as your primary email address.

Portfolio Submissions

The three portfolio components must be submitted electronically to your National Board account.

You will receive information about uploading and submitting material via email during your

candidacy. Prepare your submissions using the General Portfolio Instructions and certificate-

specific component instructions online in our Candidate Center.

Assessment Center Testing

Component 1: Content Knowledge is administered at computer-based testing centers across

the

United States. Once test centers are ready to accept appointments you will receive an email with

instructions for scheduling your

appointment. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you should

review Component 1: Content Knowledge Assessment Center

Policy and Guidelines for important

information about the testing process and how to prepare for a computer-based assessment.

If you have a disability that necessitates an accommodation under the ADA for any

component

of the National Board Certification process, your request must be made in your National Board

account at the time of component purchase. Review the

Request for Testing Accommodations

Instructions for additional details. You are urged to submit your request as early as possible to

allow 6–8

weeks for the National Board to review your request for accommodation(s) and make

all

appropriate arrangements for you to be able to attend the assessment center on your

preferred testing date.

The deadline to submit your request for portfolio component accommodations is February 28.

The deadline to submit your request for assessment center testing accommodations is April 1.

Scoring

National Board Certification is a standards-based assessment. Your score reflects the degree

which assessors were able to locate clear, consistent, and convincing evidence that you

have met

the National Board Standards specific to your certificate area. Prepare your submissions using the

requirements, policies, and guidelines in the General Portfolio Instructions in order for your

component to be scored. Scoring rubrics and component requirements are available in the

component instructions.

The validity and reliability of scores assigned to candidate performance is supported by

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Guide to National Board Certification

maintaining the standardized training and scoring protocols that National Board has developed and

refined

since the certification program was first offered. For this reason, all scoring events for

portfolio

components and constructed response items occur under the direction of experienced

trainers and content specialists who are tasked with ensuring that the integrity of the process

maintained.

One or more assessors in each certificate area score each candidate's portfolio responses. All

Component 1: Content Knowledge constructed response items are scored by two independent

assessors. The selected response items in Component 1: Content Knowledge are machine-scored.

When results are reported, you will receive a score

for each component attempted, as well as

information to assist you in making decisions on

whether or not to retake.

For detailed information on the scoring process, the scores required to achieve National

Board Certification, and how to interpret your score report, review the Scoring Guide:

Understanding Your Scores, located on the National Board website.

Online Resources*

Access www.nbpts.org/certification/candidate-center/first-time-and-returning-candidate-

resources/ for information regarding

 Registration

 Eligibility Requirements

 National Board Standards

 Certificate-Specific Component Instructions

 Scoring Guide: Understanding Your Scores

 Component 1: Content Knowledge Assessment Center Policy and Guidelines

 Nonstandard Testing Accommodations

 ePortfolio Submission

Your information is managed via a secure, online account. Access nbpts.useclarus.com/login to

 create/access your account,

 register for the upcoming assessment cycle,

 purchase components,

 view your candidate record,

 pay by credit or debit card,

 view payments, and

 update personal information.

Contact National Board Customer Support (Be sure to include your candidate ID number in all

correspondence with the National Board.)

By phone: 1-800-22TEACH (83224) Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., CST

Online: Submit your question using the National Board web form.

Via Live Chat

 For assistance with registration.

 To inquire about deadlines, policies, or the status of your account.

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Guide to National Board Certification

National Board Policies

The National Board makes every effort to ensure that the National Board Certification process is

fair for all applicants. National Board is committed to examining and refining its policies

continuously in ways that benefit all candidates and enhance its delivery of efficient and high-

quality services. The following policies (in italics, below) have been adopted by the Board of

Directors and are applicable to National Board Certification.

NOTE: The National Board’s policies and procedures relating to assessment and

certification, as set forth in this Guide and in the sources referenced in this Guide, are

subject to change at the sole discretion of National Board for Professional Teaching

Standards, as it deems necessary for the betterment of the program.

Policies Related to Candidates with Disabilities

It is the policy of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to comply with the

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) regulations governing both facilities and

administration. The National Board program is committed to serving candidates with

disabilities

by providing services and reasonable accommodations that are appropriate given

the purpose of

the assessments. If you have a disability that necessitates an accommodation

under the ADA,

your request must be made in your National Board account at the time of component purchase.

Review the Request for Testing Accommodations Instructions for additional details.

You are urged to submit your request as early as possible to allow 6–8 weeks for

review. All

requests for

accommodations must be approved in accordance with National Board policies and

procedures. The deadline to submit your request for portfolio components is February 28. The

deadline to submit your request for assessment center testing is April 1.

Confidentiality Guidelines

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards will take precautions so that all

information about a candidate’s candidacy and performance is strictly confidential. The

names, school districts, certificate areas, and certification expiration dates of National Board

Certified Teachers will be published and NBCT mailing addresses will be shared with public

officials representing NBCTs’ jurisdictions. Candidate scores will not be published or

released by the National Board without prior written consent. The National Board will

release certification decision information only to the candidate seeking National Board

Certification unless the National Board receives written authorization from the candidate.

II.

Any candidate who accepts full or partial payment of the assessment fee by a third-party

agency is deemed to have given permission to the National Board for release of the

certification decision to that third-party agency.

III.

During the application process, the National Board will collect information necessary to

communicate with candidates, to verify that candidates have met eligibility requirements,

and to conduct research projects.

IV.

On the application, the National Board offers potential candidates the option of having

limited candidate information released to third-party agencies that may provide incentives,

supports, and rewards for teachers/school counselors seeking National Board Certification.

Such agencies may include national, state, and local professional and disciplinary

associations whether or not the candidate is a member of such associations, state education

agencies, county education agencies, local school districts, and community foundations.

Candidates who do not wish to have their names released for this purpose can indicate this

preference on the application form; however, doing so may result in missed opportunities

for candidacy funding support. Candidates who accept full or partial funding from a third-

party agency are deemed to have authorized permission for release of information to that

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Guide to National Board Certification

third-party agency, regardless of the preference indicated on their application.

Upon full or partial payment of a candidate’s assessment fee by a third-party agency, the

National Board will provide the candidate’s completion and certification status to the third-

party agency. Neither total scores nor individual exercise scores will be released to third

parties.

VI.

The National Board will establish procedures requiring that all employees, contractors,

assessors, or administrators who have access to information about the identity or

performance of candidates understand the strictly confidential nature of this information.

VII.

National Board will take precautions to assure that written and electronic confidential

information is reasonably protected.

VIII.

The National Board will assure that when research data are shared, any information about

the identity or performance of individual candidates will be concealed.

Policy on Denial or Revocation of Certification Based on Misconduct

Revised November 2017

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) reserves the right to deny

certification to a candidate or to revoke NBPTS certification of a teacher for certain forms of

misconduct. This policy sets forth the type of misconduct that can result in a denial or revocation

of certification and describes applicable procedures.

The purpose of this policy is to maintain the integrity of National Board Certification and to

prevent any candidate from gaining an unfair advantage over others. It applies to all candidates

for National Board Certification and to all teachers who hold a certificate from NBPTS as a

National Board Certified Teacher.

Misconduct Warranting Denial or Revocation of Certification

Certification may be denied or revoked for any candidate or certificate-holder who, in the

sole judgment of NBPTS:

A. Has knowingly misrepresented or falsified material information in connection with an

application, credentials, assessment documentation, or other information submitted to

NBPTS or any of its agents; or

B. Has knowingly misrepresented or falsified material information regarding his or her

National Board Certification; or

C. Has knowingly engaged in inappropriate conduct in connection with the certification

process or renewal/maintenance of the certification process, including but not limited to:

1. Violation of confidentiality obligations imposed under applicable NBPTS policies,

including sharing, publishing, electronically distributing, or otherwise disclosing or

reproducing secure assessment materials or information;

2. Obtaining improper access to secure assessment materials or information prior to the

administration of an assessment;

3. Violation of NBPTS policies that describe or limit permissible collaboration with

others;

4. Noncompliance with other assessment policies, procedures, or instructions;

5. Any other form of misconduct that might compromise the integrity of the certification

process; or

D. Has been convicted of a felony, has had a teaching license denied, suspended or

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Guide to National Board Certification

revoked, or, in the case of an unlicensed teacher, has been fired or suspended, where

the conduct leading to such an outcome has involved:

1. Child abuse;

2. Job-related crimes;

3. Violent crimes against persons; or

4. Other conduct of similar severity that NBPTS determines is inconsistent with the

standards required of a National Board Certified Teacher.

Any denial or revocation of certification under this policy shall be subject to the following

procedures.

II.

Initial Investigation

A. A three-person Initial Review Panel (IRP) will investigate instances of possible

misconduct that fall within the scope of this policy. Based upon information gathered in

that investigation, the IRP will decide whether certification should be denied or revoked

based on the criteria in the preceding section. The decision must be supported by at

least two of the three panel members, all of whom shall be current full-time employees

of NBPTS.

B. If the IRP concludes that misconduct has occurred, it may impose appropriate sanctions,

including but not limited to:

1. Denial of certification and withholding of score report, with leave to retake one or

more assessment exercises;

2. Denial of certification and withholding of score report, with exclusion from future

participation in the assessment program (permanent or for a specified period of

time); or

3. Revocation of certification.

C. A member of the IRP shall not participate in any decision where either the member or

the President of the NBPTS determines that a disinterested third party could reasonably

question whether the member is able to act fairly and impartially. If a member of the

IRP cannot participate in a given initial review for any reason, a replacement member

will be selected who is also be qualified to serve on the IRP.

D. The IRP will notify in writing any candidate or teacher who is being investigated for

possible misconduct. The notice will provide a general description of the conduct that is

the subject of the investigation and will ask the candidate or teacher to provide a written

response. Candidates will be given at least fifteen (15) calendar days to provide their

responses.

E. The IRP may request additional information from a candidate or teacher who is being

investigated for possible misconduct. Candidates and teachers shall cooperate in good

faith and on a timely basis with any such request. The IRP may also ask NBPTS staff to

provide information that the IRP believes may be relevant to its investigation.

F. All decisions by the IRP will be based upon the written record. The IRP will provide a

written decision to the candidate or teacher that includes a general description of the

IRP’s findings and the information that the IRP relied upon in making those findings. The

decision will also state what sanctions, if any, the IRP has imposed in light of its

findings.

G. If a candidate or teacher does not request further review of an IRP decision pursuant to

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Guide to National Board Certification

the appeal process provided below, the findings and decision of the IRP will constitute

the final decision of the NBPTS.

III.

Appellate Review

A. A candidate or teacher may appeal a decision by the IRP by submitting a written request

for further review and payment of the required fee. The appeal should be submitted to

NBPTS and clearly marked “ATTENTION: CERTIFICATION APPEALS.”

B. All appeals must be submitted within twenty (20) calendar days of the candidate’s or

teacher’s receipt of the IRP’s written decision. If an appeal is not timely, it will not be

considered and the decision of the IRP will be final.

C. In order to have a decision by the IRP overturned, a candidate must provide substantial

evidence that the IRP made a clear error in its fact findings. Candidates should be as

specific as possible in describing any such alleged error and should provide whatever

supporting documentation they would like to submit.

D. Appeals will be decided by an Appellate Review Panel (ARP). The ARP shall consist of

three persons, each of whom shall be appointed by the Certification Council of NBPTS to

serve three (3)-year terms and shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive three (3)-

year terms. All ARP members shall be “teaching professionals” defined as persons who

spend half or more of their work time in direct contact with PreK - 12 children in a

teaching capacity, or in serving as mentors or coaches to teachers and their students in

an instructional setting. The majority of the ARP members shall be National Board

Certified Teachers. No panel member may serve more than two consecutive three-year

terms. A member of the ARP may resign at any time by notifying the Certification

Council of NBPTS in writing. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified by

the resigning member, or, if no time is specified, on receipt by the Certification Council

of the notice of resignation.

E. Action by the ARP shall be by majority vote, with at least two supporting votes required

for any decision. The ARP may meet in person, by telephone, or by videoconferencing.

F. A member of the ARP shall not participate in any decision where either the member or

the Certification Council of NBPTS determines that a disinterested third party could

reasonably question whether the member is able to act fairly and impartially. If one or

more members of the ARP cannot participate in a given appeal, the Certification Council

shall appoint one or more persons on an interim basis if necessary for the appeal to be

decided, provided that any replacement member must also be qualified to serve on the

ARP.

G. The ARP may request additional information from a candidate or teacher who is

appealing a decision by the IRP. Candidates and teachers shall cooperate in good faith

and on a timely basis with any such request. The ARP may also ask NBPTS staff to

provide information that the ARP believes may be relevant to an appeal.

H. In almost all instances, the ARP will decide the appeal on the basis of the written record.

The ARP may, in its sole discretion, schedule an oral hearing if it believes that a hearing

is warranted, to be held at a time and place to be determined by the ARP.

I. Absent unusual circumstances, the ARP will decide all appeals within ninety (90)

calendar days after it receives a candidate’s appeal letter. Requests by the ARP for

additional information might result in a longer decision period.

J. After reviewing a candidate’s appeal letter, supporting documentation, and any other

information that the ARP deems relevant to the appeal, and conducting any hearing that

the ARP believes to be warranted, the ARP shall provide the candidate with written

notice of the ARP’s decision. If the ARP overturns the decision of the IRP in any respect,

the written notice shall so state and shall inform the candidate of the ARP’s findings and

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Guide to National Board Certification

the relief that will be provided.

K. If the ARP overturns the IRP in any respect, it may provide the following relief:

1. Withdrawal of the denial or revocation of certification; or

2. Removal of any limitations on the individual’s right to retake one or more

assessments or to participate prospectively in NBPTS certification programs; or

3. Such other relief as the ARP deems to be warranted.

L. If the ARP affirms the decision of the IRP, the written notice shall so state and shall

briefly describe the information considered by the ARP and the reasons for its findings.

M. The decision of the ARP shall constitute the final decision of NBPTS and shall not be

subject to any further internal appeal or judicial challenge by the candidate.

N. Upon the conclusion of any appeal, or the expiration of the appeal period, the name of

any teacher found to have engaged in misconduct will be removed from all NBPTS

official listings of National Board Certified Teachers.

IV.

Filing Fee

A. NBPTS shall establish a filing fee that must be paid by candidates or teachers who

appeal a decision by the IRP. The amount of the filing fee will be published on the

NBPTS website or otherwise made available to candidates. NBPTS may revise the

amount of that fee from time to time.

B. If the ARP concludes that a candidate has substantially prevailed in appealing a decision

by the IRP, the filing fee paid by the candidate or teacher will be reimbursed.

Notice to Legitimately Interested Third Parties

A. In the interest of protecting the integrity of the teaching profession and National Board

Certification, NBPTS reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to provide legitimately

interested third parties with the following information regarding teachers whose

certification has been revoked by NBPTS:

1. Teacher name, last-known address and last-known school

2. Action taken by NBPTS, and date of that action

VI.

Reports to NBPTS Board

The NBPTS Board of Directors shall be informed of all instances in which a certification is denied or

revoked under this policy.

Maintenance of Certification

National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have requested a simplified and less expensive way to

maintain National Board Certification that allows them to reflect on their practice and professional

growth.

Hearing those requests, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards' new Maintenance

of Certification (MOC) process has been designed to ensure that Board-certified teachers are

continuing to grow professionally while maintaining a strong impact on student learning.

As in other professions, MOC allows NBCTs to demonstrate to colleagues, the public, students and

themselves that they continue to meet high standards of accomplished practice throughout their

careers. The goal of MOC is to ensure all NBCTs can continue to experience professional learning

and growth as a practitioner while maintaining a focus on student learning.

The new MOC process requires Board-certified teachers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills

every five years. This change is designed to make ongoing certification efficient and professionally

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Guide to National Board Certification

meaningful, so it can become the norm in the teaching profession. And, the five year timeline is

aligned with the majority of state licensure systems.

For more information about MOC, visit our website at www.nbpts.org/certification/candidate-

center/maintaining-your-certification/.

Score Verification Service

The Score Verification Service offers candidates the option to have one or more scores verified. A

fee of $75 per score verified, which can be paid by credit card online, is charged to the candidate

for this service. No explanation of the request is required, and a response is guaranteed within 30

days. In the past, many candidates who filed an appeal could have first verified the accuracy of

their results at a lower cost through score verification. The National Board strongly encourages

candidates to make use of the Score Verification Service before deciding if an appeal is in their

best interest.

Score Verification Service is only available for 30 days after score release. For more information

on the Score Verification Service, please contact our Customer Support team at 1-800-22TEACH.

Policy on Appeals of Denials of Certification Based on Scoring Decisions

Revised November 2017

Background

Candidates may appeal a denial of certification that results from the scores they achieved on their

portfolio submissions and their assessments. This policy governs such appeals.

NBPTS strongly encourages candidates to use the Score Verification Service prior to filing an

appeal from a scoring-related denial of certification. In the past, many candidates could have

verified the accuracy of their results more efficiently by using this service.

Because the cost to file an appeal is significant, NBPTS also believes it is important to disclose to

candidates that most candidates who file an appeal do not establish good cause as required by

and defined in this policy. To avoid expending time and money unnecessarily, candidates are

encouraged to carefully consider how good cause is defined under this policy when deciding

whether it is in their best interest to file an appeal.

II.

Grounds for Appealing

It is the policy of NBPTS to alter a report of scores relating to a candidate’s portfolio

submission or performance on an assessment only where the candidate has

demonstrated good cause as to why relief is warranted.

To establish good cause to support an appeal, a candidate must identify some

particular circumstance that makes it fundamentally unfair for NBPTS to maintain the

scoring decision(s) previously released to the candidate. The circumstance must

consist of an event or occurrence that (i) is beyond the control of the candidate;

(ii) does not involve illness, anxiety or other similar personal circumstances

that the candidate experienced while teaching or testing; and (iii) affected the

candidate’s performance on the applicable assessment or precluded the

candidate from meeting an applicable deadline for submitting assessment

material for evaluation.

The type of circumstances that will meet the required showing are extremely limited.

Examples may include an event at a testing center that significantly disrupts administration

of the assessment, or a candidate’s inability to submit in a timely manner all required

components of a portfolio entry because of the extended unavailability of the NBPTS

ePortfolio system.

NBPTS carefully reviews all assessment materials, the scoring process, and applicable

performance standards to assure itself that they are valid and reasonably reliable

means of arriving at certification and scoring decisions. Accordingly, for purposes of

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Guide to National Board Certification

this policy, a candidate will not establish good cause to support a request for

reconsideration of a scoring decision by stating, for example, that:

The candidate or others believe that one or more of the exercise scores received by

the candidate do not accurately reflect the quality of the candidate’s performance or

teaching abilities; or

The candidate or others disagree with, seek an exception from, or challenge a

performance standard that has been adopted by the NBPTS, the portfolio

instructions, or scoring processes; or

The candidate failed to understand or follow NBPTS policies or procedures (as

outlined in the Guide to National Board Certification and the online Assessment

Center Policy and Guidelines), failed to understand or follow an instruction in the

assessment materials, failed to submit documents or to do so in a timely manner, or

failed to perform in a manner that best presented the candidate’s qualifications for

certification. Please note this includes, but is not limited to, a candidate’s failure to

report test center problems within seven days after a testing appointment.

There are no circumstances under which a mere disagreement with the score given to

a portfolio entry or assessment center exercise on an assessment will constitute good

cause or result in the award of additional “points.”

This policy applies regardless of how close a candidate comes to achieving certification.

III.

Procedure and Timeline for Filing an Appeal

A. Candidates may appeal a scoring decision by submitting a letter of appeal in

accordance with the following instructions:

B. Submit a letter by regular mail or commercial delivery service with the filing fee to

NBPTS, ATTENTION: CERTIFICATION APPEALS.

C. Candidates must include in the letter all pertinent details supporting the appeal, as

well as any supporting documentation. The letter and any supporting documentation

should be specific and only materials that are directly relevant to showing “good

cause,” as defined in this policy, should be submitted.

D. The letter of appeal must be postmarked within 60 calendar days of the date that is

printed on the score report, and it must be received by NBPTS within a reasonable

time of being postmarked.

E. A candidate can only appeal a scoring decision within the 60-day period following the

release of the decision that is the subject of the appeal. Appeals from scoring

decisions rendered in former score release periods will not be considered.

F. If a candidate has not submitted a timely appeal, the scoring decisions will be final

and not subject to appeal.

IV.

Resolution of Appeals

Appeals from score-related certification decisions will be decided by an Appellate

Review Panel (ARP).

The ARP shall consist of three persons, each of whom shall be appointed by the

Certification Council of NBPTS to serve three (3)-year terms and shall not serve more

than two (2) consecutive three (3)-year terms. All ARP members shall be “teaching

professionals” defined as persons who spend half or more of their work time in direct

contact with PreK - 12 children in a teaching capacity, or in serving as mentors or

coaches to teachers and their students in an instructional setting. The majority of the

ARP members shall be National Board Certified Teachers. No panel member may serve

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Guide to National Board Certification

more than two consecutive three-year terms. A member of the ARP may resign at any

time by notifying the Certification Council of NBPTS in writing. Such resignation shall

take effect at the time specified by the resigning member, or, if no time is specified, on

receipt by the Certification Council of the notice of resignation.

Action by the ARP shall be by majority vote, with at least two supporting votes

required for any decision by the ARP. The ARP may meet in person, by telephone, or

by videoconferencing.

A member of the ARP shall not participate in any decision where either the member or

the Certification Council of NBPTS determines that a disinterested third party could

reasonably question whether the member is able to act fairly and impartially. If one or

more members of the ARP cannot participate in a given appeal, the Certification

Council shall appoint one or more persons on an interim basis if necessary for the

appeal to be decided, provided that any replacement member must also be qualified to

serve on the ARP.

The ARP may request additional information from a candidate who is appealing a

scoring decision. Candidates shall cooperate in good faith and on a timely basis with

any such request. The ARP may also ask NBPTS staff to provide information that the

ARP believes may be relevant to an appeal.

In almost all instances, the ARP will decide the appeal on the basis of the written

record. The ARP may, in its sole discretion, schedule an oral hearing if it believes that a

hearing is warranted, to be held at a time and place to be determined by the ARP.

Absent unusual circumstances, the ARP will decide all appeals within ninety (90)

calendar days after it receives a candidate’s appeal letter. Requests by the ARP for

additional information might result in a longer decision period.

After reviewing a candidate’s appeal letter, supporting documentation, and any other

information that the ARP deems relevant to the appeal, and conducting any hearing

that the ARP believes to be warranted, the ARP shall provide the candidate with written

notice of the ARP’s decision. If the ARP finds that the candidate has shown good cause

for the appeal, the written notice shall so state and shall inform the candidate of the

relief that will be provided. If the ARP finds that good cause has not been shown, the

written notice shall so state and shall briefly describe the information considered by the

ARP and the reasons for its finding.

If the ARP concludes that an appellant has shown good cause, it may provide the

following relief, subject to such conditions and time limits as the ARP deems

reasonable:

An opportunity to re-take an assessment;

An extension of a candidate’s eligibility period for taking an assessment or

submitting portfolio content;

An opportunity to submit additional materials; and/or

Such other relief as the ARP deems to be necessary to avoid fundamental

unfairness to the candidate.

If the ARP makes a finding that good cause exists to reconsider a scoring decision, the ARP

will specify whether that reconsideration should be based on: (1) the documents and

performances originally provided by the candidate during the assessment process; (2) the

candidate’s original documents and performances along with supplemental documents or

performances; or (3) new or revised documents or performances to be provided by the

candidate. The ARP also shall specify such reasonable conditions or time limits as may be

necessary to facilitate an efficient and reasonable reconsideration of the scoring decision in

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Guide to National Board Certification

question.

A decision of the ARP shall constitute the final decision of NBPTS and shall not be

subject to any further internal appeal or judicial challenge by the candidate.

Filing Fee

NBPTS shall establish a filing fee that must be paid by candidates who appeal a scoring

decision under this policy. The amount of that filing fee will be published on the NBPTS

website or otherwise made available to candidates. NBPTS may revise the amount of

that fee from time to time.

If the ARP concludes that a candidate has substantially prevailed in appealing a scoring

decision, the filing fee paid by the candidate will be reimbursed.

VI.

Reports to NBPTS Board

The NBPTS Board of Directors shall be informed of all instances in which a candidate has

substantially prevailed in appealing a scoring decision.

Ethics

Candidates who work as members of a team of teachers or school counselors have an

excellent

opportunity to collaborate with their peers. However, candidates must adhere to the Ethics and

Collaboration guidelines provided

in the General Portfolio Instructions. You must submit responses

that are unique to your teaching context, feature teaching that you did and work that you

oversaw.

Assessors who score(d) portfolios for the National Board may be willing to provide supportive and

constructive feedback to you regarding your performance before you submit your portfolio entries

for scoring. It would be inappropriate,

however, for any person who has served as a member of the

National Board scoring staff to

make a judgment about the score that a performance should be

given if reviewed outside of

a formal scoring session. National Board assessors sign a statement

agreeing that they will

not give their opinions about the potential score that might be assigned to a

performance

when reviewing candidate performances outside of the scoring session.

The National Board does not tolerate cheating or confidentiality breaches of any type. Help

protect

the integrity of National Board Certification. Immediately report breaches of

security, misconduct,

and/or unethical practice by calling National Board at 1-800-22TEACH (83224).

For important information regarding adherence to ethical behavior that is expected of all National

Board candidates and National Board Certified Teachers, see the Policy Guidelines for Ethical

Candidate Support.

Language Accommodations

We recognize that languages other than English are frequently used in the classroom;

therefore, for

the following circumstances, the accommodations described are allowed.

 Student Work Samples and Video Evidence with Brief Expressions or Phrases

in a

Language Other than English. Student work samples and video evidence may

include

brief expressions or phrases in a language other than English. The inclusion of

such

expressions or phrases must be limited because assessors do not have fluency

languages

other than English. If expressions or phrases in a language other than

English that are

important for an assessor to understand are included, you must

include brief explanations

of these expressions or phrases in the Written

Commentary

 Student Work Samples and Video Evidence in a Language Other than English. If

you are submitting a student work sample, video evidence, or other type of evidence

(e.g., an assessment) in a language other than English, you must include a written

English translation for the work sample, video evidence, or other type of evidence in the

file with the artifact. For a translation of a video, include the translation at the end of the

Written Commentary. Include any necessary student identifiers (but do not include

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Guide to National Board Certification

students’ last names). Note that the pages of your translation do not count toward your

page totals.

If you do not include a translation or explanation, language other than English will not be

considered in the scoring of your submission (except brief non-English terms or phrases

commonly used by English speakers). Your submission will be scored based on the

portions in English and the translations/explanations you provide. It will be scored as zero

if the scorable portions do not merit a score of 1 or higher. However, failure to provide a

translation or to properly label your translated submission will mean that your response

will not be scored.

Your Written Commentary must be written entirely in English in order to be considered for

scoring.

Exceptions

 English Language Arts. Candidates seeking certification in this area must submit

student

work samples and video evidence in English.

 World Languages. Assessors for this certificate area are fluent in English and the

target

language; therefore translations are only required for documentation that is

written in a

language other than English or the target language.

If the majority of your instruction takes place with students for whom English is a new

language,

the appropriate National Board certificate may be either the Early and Middle

Childhood/English as

a New Language certificate or the Early Adolescence through Young

Adulthood/English as a New

Language certificate. To help you make the decision whether to

pursue certification in one of the

available certificate areas, refer to Choosing the Right Certificate and discuss your teaching situation

with professional colleagues, your school faculty, a National Board Certified Teacher, or

your faculty

support group. For more information on submissions in languages other than

English, see the

component instructions for your certificate.

National Board Candidate Management System

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Guide to National Board Certification

Overview

The National Board’s Candidate Management System (NBCMS) is where you will create a National

Board account, register, and purchase components for National Board Certification or Maintenance

of Certification. You can log into your account at any time to review your status, view payment

history, and manage your personal contact information. NBCMS is accessible at

nbpts.useclarus.com/login?forward_url=%2F.

Access an Existing Account

If you have already created a National Board account, you can access it at

nbpts.useclarus.com/login?forward_url=%2F. To log in, you’ll need your existing username and

password.

If you have forgotten your password, you can rest it by clicking the Reset it here link located on the

2020, you will need to reset your password the first time you log in.

If you do not recall your username, please do not create a new account. Contact Customer Support

for help.

Create a New Account

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Guide to National Board Certification

The first step in the registration process is creating an account. Click the Create a New Account

button and complete the steps to create your login credentials and to provide basic personal and

contact information. Note: If you began the certification process in a previous cycle or are an

NBCT, you already have an account in NBCMS and should log in using your existing credentials.

Important message for new users: To be considered an active candidate for National Board

Certification, you must also complete the steps to register AND purchase components.

Reset your Password

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Guide to National Board Certification

If you have forgotten your password, you may reset it using the Reset it here. link located on the

NBCMS login page and entering your username. A system generated email will be sent to the

primary email address in your National Board account which will contain instructions for resetting

your password. Be sure to add @useclarus.com to your safe senders list to ensure receipt of the

email.

If you do not recall your username or no longer have access to the primary email account on file,

please do not create a new account. Contact Customer Support for help.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Candidates are required to register during each assessment cycle in which components will be

purchased and completed. To complete your registration, log into your National Board account and

click the Click here to get started link located under the Registration section on your Certification

Dashboard.

As part of the registration process, you will complete your account profile, attest to National Board

policies, and pay the $75 registration fee. The fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable (review the

Guide to National Board Certification for additional details).

After completing your account profile, you will be directed to the Payment Portal to complete your

payment using a credit card (Mastercard or Visa only). Once payment is complete, you can click

the Back to Home button located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen to return to your

Candidate Dashboard.

Your registration payment will be visible in the Payment Portal section of your National Board

account.

Your Candidate Dashboard will display a message indicating your registration is complete and you

will be able to purchase components.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Choose your Certificate Area (First-time Candidates)

Before you will be permitted to purchase a component, you will need to choose your certificate

area. If you are unsure which certificate is appropriate for your specific teaching situation, please

review Choosing the Right Certificate for an overview of the available certificate areas and student

developmental levels. Log into your National Board account and click Choose Certificate in the left-

hand navigation menu to access the list of available certificate areas. Certificate areas are listed

alphabetically, by content. You can use the arrows to the right of each name to view available

student developmental levels and paths/specialty areas. The example below shows the Music

content area, expanded to display two developmental levels, each with three separate specialty

areas to choose from.

When you are ready to choose your certificate area, you will make your selection from either the

developmental level or the path/specialty area. Note: Not all certificate areas have multiple

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Guide to National Board Certification

developmental levels or paths/specialty areas. The example below shows the selection of the

Music, Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood, Band certificate area.

Click the green Save to my Home button to save the certificate area to your Candidate

Dashboard. Please double check your certificate area selection to ensure it matches both the

content area and the student developmental level in which you are seeking National Board

Certification. If the evidence you submit for a component does not fall within the stated age range

or the content area for the certificate area you select, your component(s) will not be scorable (see

the General Portfolio Instructions and Choosing the Right Certificate for more information).

Please be sure you are selecting the correct certificate area before saving. Please

double check your certificate area selection to ensure it matches both the content area and the

student developmental level in which you are seeking National Board Certification. If the

evidence you submit for a component does not fall within the stated age range or the content

area for the certificate area you select, your component(s) will not be scorable (see the

General Portfolio Instructions and Choosing the Right Certificate for more information).

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Guide to National Board Certification

If you have saved the incorrect certificate area on your Candidate Dashboard, you will need to

remove it before you will be permitted to select another. From your Candidate Dashboard, click My

Journey in the left-hand navigation menu, then Certificate Area Management, to view your

Selected Certificate Areas. Choose the area you want to remove, then click Remove Selections.

Note: If you have purchased a component in the area you wish to remove, you will be required to

withdraw the purchase first.

Purchase a Component

Once you have saved your chosen certificate area to your Candidate Dashboard, you will be able to

select the components you plan to purchase by clicking the component name. Important Note:

Components must be completed during the cycle year in which they are purchased. Only purchase

the components you plan to complete during the current cycle.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Retaking Component 1

Component 1 consists of four parts. You are not required to retake all four parts; however, you

must purchase all parts you plan to test in a single transaction. After selecting Component 1, you

will be provided with the option to select individual parts.

You may only retake each Component 1 part twice. The naming convention for each part of

Component 1 is as follows: "Test Version-Certificate Area-Component 1 Part". The Component 1

part breakdown is as follows:

• SRI= Selected Response Items (multiple choice questions)

• CRI1=Constructed Response Item, Exercise 1

• CRI2=Constructed Response Item, Exercise 2

• CRI3=Constructed Response Item, Exercise 3

Refer to your certificate-specific Component 1 instructions to ensure you are selecting the correct

parts Review your certificate-specific Component 1 instructions to ensure you are selecting the

correct part. Candidates pursuing Path 1 of the English as a New Language certificate area will be

tested on the path selected; review Choosing the Right ENL Path for details.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Requesting Accommodations

Once you have selected the component you plan to purchase, you will be required to verify your

contact information and specify if you require nonstandard testing accommodations. Review the

Request for Testing Accommodations Instructions document for additional details.

If you require a portfolio or testing accommodation, you must request it when you purchase your

component. Your request must include the completed accommodations request form and all

supporting documentation.

Payment Options

Pay in Full

You may pay for your components in full using a credit or debit card. Select the Pay Now option,

agree to the terms and conditions, then click the blue Enter my payment details button to enter

your credit card details. Reminder: Components must be completed during the cycle year in which

they are purchased. Only purchase the components you plan to complete during the current cycle.

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Guide to National Board Certification

National Board Payment Plan

The National Board payment plan is available to any candidate pursuing National Board certification

or MOC, including retakes. The payment plan offers the following benefits:

▪ It’s quick and easy to set up

▪ You can spread the cost of your component(s) over six equal monthly installments (about

$80 per component per month)

▪ No interest or fees and no credit check

▪ You will be able to initiate the payment plan through the February 28th registration

deadline.

Select the Pay in 6 Monthly Installments button, set up your payment schedule, confirm your

details, agree to the terms and conditions, then click the blue Enter my payment details button to

enter your credit card details. Reminder: Components must be completed during the cycle year in

which they are purchased. Only purchase the components you plan to complete during the current

cycle.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Third-Party Payer Funding

New for 2024-25: The National Board is simplifying the component purchase process for

candidates who receive full* funding from a third-party organization. You may now indicate that

you are expecting full funding for a component and when the organization submits payment, we

will automatically complete the component purchase for you.

Step 1: Select "Yes” to the following Third-Party Release question:

Step 2: Select the component you plan to complete during the 2024-25 cycle, click Checkout, then

check the “I am expecting funding” box, then click Submit.

You can view the components awaiting funding under the Awaiting Third-Party Payer Funding

section of your Purchase Details on your My Journey page.

*Note: Candidates who receive partial funding will be required to complete the component

purchase manually and pay the remaining balance.

Candidates who receive funding but do not utilize the expecting funding check box will need to

complete the component purchase manually. You can view available funding by clicking the

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Guide to National Board Certification

Payment Portal link in the left-hand navigation menu on your Certification Dashboard. Available

funding will be listed at the top of the Payment Portal screen.

Full Funding

Click the blue Complete Payment button to complete your purchase. Reminder: Components must

be completed during the cycle year in which they are purchased. Only purchase the components

you plan to complete during the current cycle. After the registration window closes, all unused

funding in your account will be returned to your third-party payer and may be available for use in a

future cycle.

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Guide to National Board Certification

Partial Funding

If your third party-payer has only provided partial funding for a component, you will be required to

pay the remaining balance, using a credit card, at the time of purchase. Select the Pay Now option,

agree to the terms and conditions, then click the blue Enter my payment details button to enter

your credit card details. Reminder: Components must be completed during the cycle year in which

they are purchased. Only purchase the components you plan to complete during the current

cycle.

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