National Board Certification FAQs

National Board Certification is a highly respected professional certification. It was created by teachers, for teachers, and allows educators to demonstrate their skills and teaching effectiveness through a rigorous process. The certification is designed to improve student learning and recognize accomplished teachers across the nation.

Pursuing NBCT allows you to deepen your professional knowledge, improve student outcomes, and enhance your leadership opportunities. It may also come with financial benefits, as some districts offer bonuses or salary incentives for certified teachers. Additionally, Oklahoma provides scholarships and stipends to support teachers in obtaining certification.

National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced certification that goes beyond state licensure. It focuses on meeting rigorous national standards for accomplished teaching and requires candidates to demonstrate their impact on student learning. State licensure ensures that teachers meet basic requirements, while National Board Certification is a recognition of mastery in teaching.

NBCTs are often viewed as leaders in their schools and districts. Certification opens up opportunities for roles in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and other advanced positions. Many NBCTs report increased confidence, professional fulfillment, and recognition for their teaching excellence.

National Board Certification has four main components: 

• Component 1: Content Knowledge – an assessment of your subject knowledge. 
• Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction – a portfolio demonstrating how you meet student needs. 
• Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment – a video recording and analysis of your classroom practice. 
• Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner – evidence of your ability to assess student learning and contribute to your school community. 

Each component is designed to showcase your skills and impact as a teacher.

Yes, the National Board Certification process is flexible, allowing you to choose the order in which you complete the four components. You can focus on one or two components at a time, depending on your schedule and goals. OEQA mentors can help you plan the best order for completing the components based on your strengths and timeline.

Candidates have up to five years to complete all four components of National Board Certification. This flexibility allows you to work at your own pace and balance certification requirements with your teaching responsibilities.

Once certified, you will join an elite group of accomplished teachers. In addition to potential financial incentives, you may have opportunities to take on leadership roles in your school or district, mentor other teachers, or contribute to curriculum development. National Board Certification is valid for five years, after which you can maintain your certification through the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process.

National Board Certification is valid for five years. After this period, you will need to complete the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process to renew your certification. This process is shorter and more streamlined than the initial certification and ensures that you continue to meet the high standards set by the National Board.

The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process is required every five years to maintain your National Board Certification. The MOC is less intensive than the initial certification and focuses on your continued professional growth and impact on student learning. Completing the MOC ensures you stay up to date with best practices in education.

Yes, some districts in Oklahoma, including those following the State Minimum Salary Schedule, offer additional pay for teachers who achieve National Board Certification. These financial incentives vary by district, so we recommend confirming specific policies with your school district's HR or administration office to understand the benefits available to you.

OEQA offers a $1,800 scholarship to support Oklahoma teachers interested in pursuing NBCT. The scholarship includes: 

• $1,300 toward the certification fee, paid directly to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). 
• A $500 stipend to help cover additional costs associated with obtaining the certification, such as materials or travel expenses for meetings.

To qualify for the scholarship, you must be a full-time classroom teacher in an accredited Oklahoma school.

The application process involves submitting an online application through the OEQA Website. Once accepted, you'll register with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and begin the certification process.

Yes, if you have already begun the NBCT process but have not completed all components, you may still apply for the Education Leadership Oklahoma (ELO) Scholarship. Contact OEQA to see how the scholarship can support you in completing your certification.

OEQA provides funding for up to two retakes, pending the availability of funds. If you do not pass a component on your first attempt, you can use this support to reattempt the component and continue working toward certification.

The process is designed to be flexible. Most candidates complete the certification process within 1 to 3 years. You can take up to five years to complete the four required components, giving you the ability to work at your own pace.

The time commitment for National Board Certification can vary, but on average, teachers spend between 200 to 400 hours completing all four components. Typically, candidates report spending 50-100 hours per component. Balancing certification with your teaching duties requires careful time management, but OEQA’s mentorship and support programs can help you stay organized and on track throughout the process.

Yes! OEQA provides a comprehensive mentorship program for candidates throughout the NBCT process. Experienced NBCTs serve as mentors to guide you through certification requirements, offer advice on the portfolio process, and provide moral support.

The OEQA mentorship program includes: 

• Guidance from a certified NBCT who understands the certification process and can help you navigate each step. 
• Workshops and informational sessions focused on specific components of certification, including portfolio preparation and content assessments. 
• Peer support networks where you can connect with other candidates going through the certification process. 
• Regular check-ins and feedback to help you stay on track with deadlines and progress.

Yes, the OEQA mentorship program includes breakout sessions tailored to your specific subject area. These sessions connect you with experienced NBCTs from your content area who can offer targeted guidance on subject-specific standards, portfolio requirements, and assessments.

Once you are accepted into the Education Leadership Oklahoma (ELO) Scholarship program and registered for the National Board Certification process, you will receive further information on the mentorship program. You’ll also receive invitations to peer support networks and the National Board Summit in June.

Yes, participation in the OEQA mentorship program is fully optional. While mentorship can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the certification process, you are not required to take part. You can choose the level of involvement that fits your needs and preferences.

The National Board Certification process allows you to retake specific components if necessary. You can retake components and continue working toward certification until you succeed.

The National Board Certification process includes detailed rubrics and guidelines to help candidates succeed. OEQA mentors are experienced in helping teachers prepare for the content assessments and develop their portfolio entries. Workshops and peer support sessions can also help build your confidence and skills.

NBCT is ideal for teachers who are passionate about improving their teaching practice, committed to professional growth, and interested in deepening their impact on student learning. If you are willing to engage in reflection and continuous learning, and you want to be recognized for your excellence in the classroom, NBCT is likely a good fit.

For more information, please visit the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards' website or reach out to OEQA at info@oeqa.ok.gov for additional support.