Last Updated: September 14, 2022
What is NBPTS Certification?
NBPTS or the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification is considered to be one of the most respected certifications one can take in the field of education and training. The sole aim of the certification is to retain accomplished teachers and provide them with their deserved recognition so that they can contribute to the improvement of the existing education system in the country.
Under this board, candidates will be able to take a certification in 25 different areas spread across 16 disciplines ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade. Completing this certification will allow candidates to pursue leadership positions in schools and districts and they will also be able to make an impact that lasts beyond their classrooms. The certification is based on five core propositions that teachers have to identify and act around accordingly. These propositions are-
- 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 students' learning.
- Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
- Teachers are members of learning communities.
Who Can Apply for the NBPTS Certification?
The NBPTS Certification has been created by teachers for teachers with the aspirations of formulating a better education system in the country and helping students from different walks of life. Since the certification is nationally recognized, candidates who have taken this examination will be able to take up positions of authority within the educational system without having to meet separate state requirements eventually. Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree and also have a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience will be able to take the NBPTS Certification.
Eligibility Requirements for the NBPTS Certification
The eligibility requirement for taking the NBPTS Certification is at the levels of education, licensure, and employment. Since the teaching situations around the country can highly vary from one another, candidates will have to cross-check their eligibility by contacting the Customer Support of the organization. Generally, candidates are required to have-
- Completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Completed 3 years of successful teaching in one or more early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary schools.
- a valid state teaching license for every three years of teaching experience they have.
- Those who are completing the World Languages Certification will have to provide their ACTFL certificates.
Cost of NBPTS Certification
The certification is divided into four components with candidates having to pay for each component separately. Candidates will be able to take the certification within a span of 3 years which makes the payment plan also spread across the same time duration. The cost for each component is $475 and the total cost for the certification is $1,900.
Candidates will also have to pay an amount of $75 as the non-refundable registration fee per year until they have completed all the certification components.
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
| Registration Fee | $75 |
| Fee per Component | $475 |
| Fee for Full Certification | $1,900 |
| Fee to Retake Component | $475 |
| Certification Maintenance Fee | $495 + $75 |
Candidates will be able to pay the component fee over six, monthly installments with no interest or credit check.
Duration to Take NBPTS Certification
The duration for completing the NBPTS Certification is dependent on the candidate. They will be able to take up all four components in a single year or they will be able to complete them within 3 years of their candidacy. The NBPTS allows candidates to complete the certification within five years but it is mandatory that they submit all their components in the same assessment cycle they registered in.
Process to Obtain NBPTS Certification
The process for taking an NBPTS Certification involves just registering at the official website for the same by paying a non-refundable registration fee and selecting the components that one wishes to complete in that assessment cycle. Candidates will have to ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements before they register for the same. The steps involved are as follows-
- Register Online at the NBPTS Official Website- Candidates will be able to register for the certification through the online portal at the NBPTS official website. They will have to pay an amount of $75 as a non-refundable registration fee for the same. The registration process will involve providing essential credentials and uploading documentation proofs for the same.
- Select Component - Once the candidate has successfully registered, they will be able to choose the components they wish to complete within that very assessment cycle. Candidates who choose all four components will have to complete the same within a duration of 3 years since that is the duration of an assessment cycle.
- Submit Payment- Upon selecting the components, candidates will be prompted to pay for the selected components. Each component costs $475 and candidates will have to pay for the same before the payment deadline.
Certification Areas in NBPTS
The certification areas that are offered in NBPTS include-
- Art-
- Early and Middle Childhood
- Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
- Career and Technical Education-
- Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
- English as a New Language-
- Early and Middle Childhood
- Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
- English Language Arts-
- Early Adolescence
- Adolescence and Young Adulthood
- Exceptional Needs Specialist-
- Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
- Generalist-
- Early Childhood
- Middle Childhood
- Health Education-
- Early Adolescence
- Adolescence and Young Adulthood
- Library Media-
- Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
- Literacy: Reading Language Arts-
- Early and Middle Childhood
- Mathematics-
- Early Adolescence
- Adolescence and Young Adulthood
- Music-
- Early and Middle Childhood
- Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
- Physical Education-
- Early and Middle Childhood
- Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
- School Counselling-
- Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
- Science-
- Early Adolescence
- Adolescence and Young Adulthood
- Social Studies: History-
- Early Adolescence
- Adolescence and Young Adulthood
- World Languages-
- Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Components of NBPTS Certification
Though the entire core of the certification is based on the five propositions, these are tested through four components as part of the certification. The four main components of the certification are-
- Component 1- Content Knowledge- This component is tested in the form of a computer-based assessment where candidates will have to prove their content knowledge and ability to teach in the same content area. Generally, candidates will have to show proficiency in developing appropriate content for teaching within the area.
This component will include 3 constructed response exercises and 45 selected response items.
- Component 2-Differentiation in Instruction- This component is in the form of a portfolio entry that is based on classrooms. Candidates are required to gather and analyze information about the strengths and weaknesses of students individually after which they are required to formulate a study plan that can benefit them the best.
Candidates will be required to provide work samples that portray the growth of students along with a commentary that justifies their instructional choices.
- Component 3- Teaching Practice and Learning Environment- Like component 2, this is also in the form of a portfolio entry where candidates should document the interaction between them and students in a video format. They will also have to provide a written commentary where they explain their teaching style.
- Component 4- Effective and Reflective Practitioner- The last component is also in the form of a portfolio entry where candidates are required to provide evidence for their ability in being effective and reflective teachers for students. Candidates will have to assess themselves based on the positive impact they have made on their students’ learning abilities.
Scoring the Assessments
The four components of the NBPTS certification are scored based on whether it is a selected response assessment or a portfolio assessment. This implies that component 1 is scored differently when compared to the other 3 components.
Select Response Scoring
This component is machine scored with one point being given to each of the correct answers and zero points given to wrong answers. The marks that a candidate receives are converted into a rubric scale between 0 to 4.25.
Portfolio Scoring
Components 2, 3, and 4 are scored based on the responses provided by the candidate by using a 12-point rubric score scale. The range of the scores will be between 0.75 to 4.25. This is calculated as follows-
| Rubric Level | Score | Implication |
| Level 1 | 0.75-1.25 | Little or No Quality |
| Level 2 | 1.75-2.25 | Limited Quality |
| Level 3 | 2.75-3.25 | Clear |
| Level 4 | 3.75-4.25 | Consistent and Convincing |
Note-- Level 1 and 2 and considered to be a Fail grade. This implies that candidates have not yet accomplished teaching practice.
Validity and Renewal of NBPTS Certification
The NBPTS Certification that one has completed will be valid for only 5 years after which candidates will have to pay a sum of $1,250 for its renewal. For renewal, candidates will have to submit proof of their ongoing professional learning and they will also have to show their professional achievements.
