NB Candidacy FAQs

The National Board Certification process can be a bit overwhelming at first. Getting answers to questions that arise is a matter of knowing whom to ask. Some of the common questions are listed here along with answers. If there are questions that are not addressed here, help is a phone call away. The help line for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is 1-800-22-TEACH, or call us at the National Board Resource Center at 650-724-7349.

How does a teacher become National Board certified?

National Board certification is achieved by teachers who have created a unique portfolio of evidence from their own practice that aligns to a set of high professional standards set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The teacher submits the portfolio to the NBPTS where it is scored by highly-trained assessors who teach the same level and content as the candidate. Teachers whose portfolios are judged as demonstrating convincing evidence of accomplished teaching are granted National Board certification.

How do teachers learn about what they must demonstrate in the portfolio?

The NBPTS website allows teachers to look at the portfolio guidelines for their content area and level. The NB Resource Center helps teachers really understand what is needed to produce a portfolio through its Introductory Sessions. Interested teachers get a chance to preview the work of creating a portfolio and receive suggestions that help them get started planning the work.

How do teachers who decide to pursue candidacy find the resources and support they need?

Understanding how to demonstrate and document evidence for the portfolio often involves some study and guidance. The first task in deciding whether to undertake National Board certification is to understand the nature of this challenge. Once the decision to become a candidate is made, the next task is to know how to establish candidacy and finance it. A good third step is to locate like-minded professionals with whom to collaborate in the process. The Candidate Support Program at Stanford is one place to engage in that kind of collaboration.