National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

While teacher licensure systems set the basic requirements to teach in each state, completion of National Board Certification signifies that teachers have voluntarily gone much further. NBCTs have developed and demonstrated the advanced knowledge, skills and practices required of an outstanding educator.

Standards for each content area and developmental level are created by teachers, for teachers. They represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished, effective teachers should know and be able to do to improve student learning and achievement. Board certification is available in Certification Areas, from Pre-K through 12th grade.

The certification consists of four components: assessment of content knowledge, reflection on student work samples, video and analysis of teaching practice, and documentation of the impact of assessment and collaboration on student learning. Throughout its more than 25-year history, the National Board has sought to review and revise its standards and certification process to reflect best practices in teaching. Throughout the process, you will be able to apply what you’re learning to your classroom practice and connect with other teachers pursuing certification. Recognizing the many demands on teachers’ time, the process is designed to be flexible, efficient, and affordable.

To be eligible for certification, teachers must meet education, employment, and licensure requirements. You will be asked to verify these during registration. The requirements are:

• Verify a bachelor’s degree (NOTE: 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.

• Have completed three years of successful teaching

• Hold a valid state teaching license or meet the licensure requirements established by your state for a school counselor (if applying for the ECYA/School Counseling certificate

• Prerequisite for World Languages candidates: In addition to the candidate eligibility requirements, World Languages candidates must provide official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) certified ratings of Advanced Low or higher from ACTFL speaking and writing proficiency assessments. Refer to the Guide to National Board Certification for details.

• Now more than ever, teachers must prove themselves in a constantly changing educational landscape. Board certification allows teachers to hone their practice, showcase their talent in the classroom, and demonstrate their dedication to their students and their profession.

• National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) are recognized across the nation as having met the highest standards set by the profession. School and district administrators often look for NBCTs when making hiring decisions and identifying educators to serve as leaders in their schools. 

  • Value For Teachers

  • Value For Students

  • Value For Schools