NCUEB Testing 

Welcome to information on NCUEB for INITIAL teacher certification in Maryland.

Test Requirement: (COMAR) 13A.12.02.23 Blind Visually Impaired

Testing Dates and Locations

All tests will be held at The Maryland School for the Blind.

2025 Dates 

• February, 13, 2025 (Registration deadline is January 29)

• April 17, 2025 (Registration deadline is March 26)

• June 12, 2025 (Registration deadline is May 20)

• August 7, 2025 (Registration deadline is July 15)

• October 16, 2025 (Registration deadline is September 16)

• December 11, 2025 (Registration deadline is November 14)

Resources in preparing for the test

• Request a free practice packet if you are in Maryland by emailing conchitah@mdschblind.org 

• International Council on English Braille

• BANA (Braille Authority of North America) 

• Book: Unified English Braille (UEB) Practice Sentences, Second Edition 

About the NCUEB

Material Covered in the Exam

The NCUEB covers contracted literary braille as described in the Rules of Unified English Braille, 2nd Edition, 2013 and is available from the International Council on English Braille (ICEB). During the exam, test takers will be provided with the only reference material allowed.

The examination consists of three sections: 

1. Braille Writing: Using a braillewriter

2. Proofreading: Identifying embedded errors

3. Multiple Choice: Answering questions about correct braille usage and rules  

Examination Process

You will have a maximum of four and one-half (4.5) hours to complete the test: 90 minutes for Braille Writing; 90 minutes for Proofreading; and 60 minutes for Multiple Choice. There will be two 15 minute breaks between each section. We will provide reference materials.

What to Bring to the Exam

You are responsible for providing the following items on the day of the exam:

• Government-issued photo ID

• Manual braillewriter that can accommodate 11x11.5 paper and is in good working condition 

• One braille eraser (optional)

• Any items which have been pre-approved as an accommodation

There will be a short break between sections. You are responsible for supplying any drinks or snacks, but neither will be allowed in the testing room. 

Prohibited Items

Any items not directly related to taking the exam must be left outside the testing area. Any questions regarding acceptable equipment or accommodations should be addressed to the NBPCB office prior to the test date.

None of the following items are permitted at any time:

• Laptop computer

• Electronic braille note-taking equipment

• Cell phone

• Camera

• Recording device

• No reference materials are allowed other than those provided by NBPCB during the exam

• Other print or braille materials (all braille paper will be supplied by NBPCB)

Exam Results

All examinations will be evaluated by a panel of qualified test scorers. You will receive an indication of pass or fail for each of the three test sections, as well as an indication of overall performance and an NCUEB certificate, when applicable.

We will e-mail you your scores within 6 weeks of completing the exam.

Retesting

If you do not pass all three sections of the test, you have 18 months from the original test date to do so. Only those sections not passed need to be retaken. Retests can be taken at the time of any scheduled test administration.

Accommodations

If you have a disability that prevents you from taking the test under standard testing conditions, you may request reasonable accommodations. A written request, accompanied by appropriate medical documentation, must be received at the time of registration.

The following accommodations do not require additional documentation:

• Hand-held magnifier

• Felt-tip marker

• Wiki sticks or other tactile place holders

• Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

• Additional personal lighting

You are responsible for providing these items along with any other pre-approved accommodations.

If a power source will be required for any accommodation, it is necessary to bring this to our attention at the time of registration.

NCUEB Certified Individuals in Maryland

To check individual certifications, please check the NCUEB website.