National Board Certification

The National Board Certification Teacher program allows teachers to hone their practice, showcase their talent in the classroom, and demonstrate their dedication to their students and their profession. Research shows that National Board Certified Teachers have a greater impact on student learning and achievement than non NBCT teachers. Candidates say the NBCT process is the best professional development in which they have participated.

Requirements To Apply

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (including Career Technical teachers).
Hold a valid state teaching license (or meet the licensure requirements established by your state for a school counselor if applying for the ECYA/School Counseling certificate) for each of the three years of employment you verify.
NEW Policy Change 9/19/22: Educators no longer have to complete three years of successful teaching in order to apply. While this change allows educators to begin the process earlier, educators will need to complete three successful years of teaching employment in one or more early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary schools to become Board-certified.

Deadline to register: February 3, 2026

What does it cost?
CCS NBCT Stipend

What does it cost?

First year candidates pay the $75 registration fee
Second & third year candidates pay the $75 registration fee - you will be reimbursed
Candidates have three consecutive years to take all four components and five years to successfully pass all four components
Component Fee $475 each
Each component fee will be paid by CCS as long as the participant attends ALL of their Cohort Meetings.
CCS will fund no more than two components per academic year
CCS will fund five components per candidate
CCS will fund Maintenance of Certificate for NBCTs eligible for renewal

Cohort Meetings (Support Sessions):

Support sessions will run from 4:15 – 6:15 p.m.

Support sessions will be held in person (subject to change)

If the candidate has only one component remaining (including retakes), they must attend at least three out of the six support sessions.

If the candidate has two to four components remaining (including retakes), they must attend at least four out of the six support sessions.

Support sessions will be on the following dates:

November 11, 2025
January 6, 2026
February 3, 2026
March 3, 2026
April 1, 2026
May 5, 2026

NBCT Consists of Four Components:

Component 1 (40%): Content Knowledge

Computer-based assessment measuring developmentally appropriate content knowledge and pedagogical practices in the chosen certificate area

Three constructed response items – 30 minutes to complete each
45 selected response items – the time allotted varies by certificate area, but will be no fewer than 60 minutes.

The testing window is usually open from early April - mid-June.

Component 2 (15%): Differentiation in Instruction

Highlights ability to evaluate learning strengths and needs for individual students; plan and implement appropriate instruction; and analyze and modify strategies and materials based on ongoing assessment.
Classroom-based portfolio entry:

Samples of student work that demonstrate the students’ growth over time
An accompanying written commentary that analyzes the candidate’s instructional choices.

Component 3 (30%): Teaching Practice and Learning Environment

Component 4 (15%): Effective and Reflective Practitioner

Highlights understanding of assessments and assessment practices to plan for/positively impact student learning
Portfolio entry information gathered from many sources:

Demonstrating practices with a class of students
Evidence of collaboration with families, community, and colleagues
Candidate’s contributions to learning communities to advance student growth.

For More Information

For more information, please visit the NBPTS website - National Board Certification

NBCT Canvas Course https://ccsoh.instructure.com/courses/77355

Considering Pursuing NBCT?

Interested in pursuing your National Board Certification?

Please contact Stacie Dieffenderfer at SDieffenderfer4400@columbus.k12.oh.us or 380-997-5784

CCS NBCT Stipend

CCS National Board Certified Teachers are eligible to receive a $1,500 stipend yearly from the Columbus Board of Education for presentations as established in the Columbus Education Association Master Agreement (908.01 and 908.02). In order to receive the stipend, NBCTs must complete the presentation guidelines, requirements, and meet presentation deadlines each year in which they apply to receive the stipend.

Completion of NBCT = 18 CEUs!

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