Other important information:

Testing capacity for Component 1 of initial certification is being increased.

Deferral options for both initial certification and renewal are being developed.

There is a webinar planned for April 2nd; you may register here.

Registration for next year's certification process will be delayed.

​Clarification about the requirements for portfolio submission requirements can be found here.

Earlier today, National Board candidates received a communication from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards regarding their response to the Covid-19 pandemic. They realize this a fluid situation and will make another announcement on March 30th, but the following guidelines are now in place for initial and renewal candidates. This is taken directly from their correspondence.
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• If you have completed components and are ready to submit during the upcoming submission window, your candidacy will continue this year. We will open the submission window as planned on April 1st. We will receive, process, and score your material. 
• If you are scheduled to complete Component 1: Content Knowledge, monitor your emails from Pearson VUE for updates regarding your scheduled appointment. We are closely monitoring national and regional impacts on testing centers and assessing the potential to extend the testing deadline, currently scheduled for June 15th, or to provide other solutions. 
• If you are in the process of completing components, know we are planning to extend the submission deadline for portfolio material. We are still in the process of establishing the revised deadline beyond the currently scheduled deadline of May 13. This extension would apply to all portfolio materials submitted online:
  • Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction
  • Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment
  • Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner
  • Renewal: Profile of Professional Growth
• If you are a current candidate and can no longer complete your component(s) or candidacy this year, know we are in the process of developing solutions for your circumstance.  As soon as possible, we will provide further direction on what action you need to take. 

BY SUZANNE KOTY

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) understands that these are uncertain and unprecedented times for teachers. Please see the message below that came directly from the NBPTS. 

Is National Board looking into accommodations for candidates or changes to deadlines?

• The National Board remains committed to providing you with updated information about the plans we are making to respond to the impact COVID-19 may be having on your candidate journey.
• We know there are a lot of questions about the process and deadlines, and that the situations are rapidly changing and look different in different parts of the country.
• We are currently developing a comprehensive plan and will keep you informed throughout that process. Our planning is aiming to ensure equitable opportunities for all teachers pursuing Board certification and Renewal.
• On March 23, National Board will issue another update.
• In the meantime, you can use one of the other support channels if you have questions about your candidacy (see below).

 
Where can people go for updated information?
Official updates from the National Board will be communicated via email and on our website’s Newsroom, Facebook and Twitter social media channels and on our dedicated COVID-19 update page.
 
Where can I direct candidates who have questions about their Component One testing (e.g., scheduled date, testing center) or about any other aspects of their candidacy?

• If you have questions about Component One testing, please go to the VUE customer support page https://home.pearsonvue.com/nbpts which includes information about how the COVID-19 risk is being addressed at testing sites generally and in your area. 
• All other questions should be addressed to NB customer support via the webform at https://www.nbpts.org/contact-us/ or call us at 1-800-22-TEACH. As a reminder, official decisions by the National Board regarding COVID-19 will be shared via email and also on our website’s Newsroom, Facebook and Twitter social media channels.

You may also reach out to us here at CERRA if you have any questions. While our office building is currently closed, you may still reach us by email.