National Certification Assessments

Candidates for national certification are expected to demonstrate sound judgment in their professional practice and an ability to act on this judgment. Evaluating such behavior requires performance-based assessment methods that go beyond paper and pencil tests and are fair, reliable, and valid. The NBPTS uses assessment methods that include documentation of practice through classroom observations, videotapes, and the collection of teacher and student materials and products. Testimony from members of the education community are included in the assessment, along with assessment centers with structured interviews, exercises and simulations, and examinations of subject matter and content specific pedagogy.

The prerequisites for national certification are a B.A. degree from an accredited institution; three years of successful early childhood, elementary, middle, or high school teaching experience; and a valid state teaching license for these three years.