What is National Board Certification?
National Board Certification is acknowledgment that a teacher is highly accomplished, having met challenging professional teaching standards as evidenced by performance-based assessments. At the present time, there are more than 80,000 teachers nationwide who have achieved National Board Certification. Completion of the process is recognized as a valuable professional development experience.

There are 2,419 National Board Certified Teachers in Maryland.

What is the assessment process for National Board Certification?
The assessment process is two-tiered and consists of compiling a student-centered portfolio and completing assessment center exercises. Candidates submit four portfolio entries. Three of the entries are classroom based and include two videos that document the candidates' teaching practice through student work. The fourth entry documents the candidate's work with students' families and community and collaboration with the professional community. Analytical and reflective commentary accompany all documentation.

The Assessment Center consists of six 30-minute prompts that require candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of subject matter content. These written assessments focus on teaching and content knowledge. Assessments are administered at over 300 computer-based testing centers across the United States.

Who is eligible?
At the time of application, a candidate must hold a baccalaureate degree, have taught successfully for a minimum of three years, and have held a valid professional state teaching certificate for those three years, or, where a certificate is not required, taught in schools recognized and approved to operate by the State.

What is the cost of National Board Certification?
The current assessment fee for initial certification is $2500; the assessment fee for renewal of a National Board certificate is $1150.  Retake fee is $350 per entry.