Do you meet the minimum requirements? Minimum Requirements of NBCT Candidates
Will your state certificate stay current until you complete the process?
Candidates have one to three years to complete the process. After completing all four components, candidates may need to retake some components to achieve a certifying score. With retakes, the process can take up to five years. If you are not sure if your state certificate will stay current during this time, you need to check with OSPI Certification.
Will I be teaching in my current position and/or NBCT certification area until I complete the NBCT certification process?
Example: Your state certificate is for K-8 and you teach 5th grade. If you were pursuing a Middle Childhood Generalist NBCT certificate, you are in the correct grade. If you move to 1st grade while you are pursuing NBCT, you would not be in the correct age range. You need to select a National Board Certificate area that you will continue teaching while completing the NBCT process. After certification, you will need to renew in the same certification area that you initally certified. If you have moved to another certification area, you will need to "borrow" a class for your renewal.
What do I need to do to certify as a National Board Certified Teacher?
Before you begin the certification process it is important that you read the requirements and understand the standards for accomplished teachers. NBPTS Certification Areas, Standards, and Portfolio Instructions
The last thing to consider:
Do I have enough teaching experience to successfully meet the rigorous standards to become a National Board Certified Teacher? Even though you may have the minimum number of years of experience, you may not have the skills to meet the high expectations in all of the required standards. Read the Standards and Component directions carefully before you decide.
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