Getting organized is an important first step in your National Board journey! Before beginning your components, it is essential to understand the certification process and explore the requirements for your certificate area. 

Taking the time to really understand the standards, component expectations, and evaluation rubrics before jumping into the work will set you up for success throughout your National Board journey. The time you put in now will make a difference as you dig into the components!

Start Here:

• Create your National Board candidate account.

• Explore and identify the certificate area and developmental level that best align with your teaching assignment and experience.

• Study and internalize the National Board Standards for your certificate area. Reflect on how each standard connects to your current teaching practices and how you demonstrate those standards in your classroom. 

• Download the General Portfolio Instructions and your certificate-specific component instructions to understand the expectations, evidence requirements, and evaluation rubrics.

• Review registration, assessment, and submission deadlines. 

National Board Candidate Center

Candidate Standards & Instructions

National Board Certification consists of four components designed to demonstrate accomplished teaching. The following descriptions provide a brief overview of the four certification components, based on information from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Component 1: Content Knowledge

Demonstrate your knowledge of your certificate area's content and pedagogy through a computer-based assessment.

Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction

Demonstrate how you collect and analyze information about individual students' strengths and needs to design and implement effective instruction through a portfolio entry.

Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment

Use classroom video evidence to demonstrate your accomplished teaching practices.

Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner

Demonstrate how you use knowledge of students, assessment, collaboration, and reflection to support student learning.

Each component provides an opportunity to demonstrate accomplished teaching through the lens of the National Board Standards for your certificate area.  

National Board Components Overview

Explore helpful resources, planning guides, and professional learning opportunities to support you through your National Board journey in our BCS National Board Candidate Resource Guide.