The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was established in 1987 as the teaching profession’s vehicle for defining and recognizing accomplished teaching. National Board Certification, which is built upon National Board Standards and the National Board’s Five Core Propositions, is the profession’s mark of accomplished teaching. To date, more than 112,000 teachers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have achieved National Board Certification. There are 25 areas in which teachers can certify. A guide to finding the right certificate for candidates can be found here: Choosing the Right Certificate: Information by Certificate Area.

The National Board’s Five Core Propositions describe what knowledge teachers should have and be able demonstrate. The process to becoming certified includes candidates completing four components to demonstrate accomplished practice. These four components are comprised of content knowledge, differentiation in instruction, teaching practice and learning environment, and effective and reflective practice.

Each certificate area has specific instructions on what these components entail. Candidates must attempt each of the four components within the first three years of their candidacy. Candidates can also retake specific components up to two times to try and improve their score. However, the entire process must be completed within five years. This Candidate FAQ Page provided by the National Board for Professional Teaching standards contains more specific information about obtaining initial certification.

National Board Certification lasts for five years. To maintain certification, candidates will go through the Maintenance of Certification process. Maintenance of Certification supports and information can be found on the National Board website.

Each of the four components costs $475, with the total certification costing $1,900. Candidates can pay for and submit each component individually, spreading the cost out over three years. There is a $75 non-refundable registration fee for each year a candidate completes components. Candidates who choose to retake components must pay the $475 fee or, for Component 1, pay $125 per exercise and/or the Selected Response section. The Maintenance of Certification costs $495 plus a $75 registration fee.

“Recognized as the gold standard in teacher certification, the National Board believes higher standards for teachers means better learning for students” (NBPTS webpage). Research shows that the students ​​of Board-certified teachers learn more than students in other classrooms, which is why many states and districts, including Kentucky, offer incentives for teachers to pursue Board certification. Furthermore, the Kentucky General Assembly found that:

• Student achievement is directly related to a teacher’s ability to nurture learning
• All students are entitled to have teachers who know the subjects they teach and who demonstrate skill to manage and monitor student learning
• Teachers need support and opportunity to develop higher-level skills throughout their careers
• National Board certification is based upon high and rigorous standards and provides a process of development and assessment of teachers’ knowledge, skill and ability
• And that teachers who successfully meet National Board certification requirements strengthen the teaching profession by mentoring new teachers, serving as role models and master teachers for teacher candidates, and assisting other teachers who seek National Board certification.

NBCTs in Kentucky receive an annual $2,000 salary bonus for the life of their National Board certificate, which also factors into their retirement. New NBCTs in Kentucky with Rank 3 certification are permitted to apply to the state Education Professional Standards Board for a permanent change to Rank 2, and NBCTs with rank 2 can apply for a permanent change to rank 1. If a candidate decides not to maintain their certification at the end of the five-year period, they will lose the salary bonus but maintain the rank change. Please note that in accordance with KRS 157.395, “If a nationally certified teacher becomes no longer employed as a classroom teacher or a teacher mentor in the field of his or her national certification, the $2,000 supplement shall cease.”

Candidates pursuing National Board Certification in Kentucky are encouraged to check out the Kentucky NBCT Network to find resources to support their certification journey.

Additionally, candidates can receive support through the Kentucky Education Association. Information on supports provided, including a cohort for those maintaining their certification can be found on the KEA website.

Finally, specific school districts across the Commonwealth may have cohorts or mentors to support the initial certification process. Candidates should check with their district human resources department to see if these opportunities exist.

Per KRS 161.1211, teachers that receive National Board Certification are eligible for a change in rank.

How to Apply for a Change in Rank

STEP 1: Log into the KECS Web Portal.

STEP 2: Follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Rank Change (CA-1).

STEP 3: Select National Board as the basis for the rank change request.

STEP 4: Upload a copy of your National Board congratulatory letter or a copy of the issued certificate.

STEP 5: Complete the Character and Fitness review.

STEP 6: Make the appropriate payment through the online payment service in the KECS Portal for certification fees. Please note that any other forms of payment are not accepted and will be returned to the applicant.

STEP 7: Submit the application.

While NBCT qualifies for a change in rank, it is not directly connected to your Kentucky teaching certificate. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) provides oversight for all NBCT certification and renewal requirements and processes. Please contact NBPTS with questions related to requirements for NBCT certification and renewal.