Proviso Updates
The General Assembly recently revised the proviso (annual legislation) governing the National Board supplement (Proviso 1A.62). The information below is provided as a guide to this new legislation. As new information becomes available, we will continue to update this page.
Based on the current proviso, there is no limit to the length of time an NBCT may receive the salary supplement.
To be eligible for the supplement, NBCTs must:
The amount of the salary supplement is determined by the NBCT's initial date of application to the National Board. We currently have four groups of NBCTs in the state (as determined by date of application).
Group 1:
Group 2:
Group 3:
Group 4:
Based on the current proviso, there is no limit to the length of time an NBCT may receive the salary supplement.
To be eligible for the supplement, NBCTs must:
- Maintain National Board Certification
- Be employed in a supplement eligible position in a SC public school (non-administrative, school-based positions)
- Be employed full-time (supplement will be pro-rated for part-time positions)
The amount of the salary supplement is determined by the NBCT's initial date of application to the National Board. We currently have four groups of NBCTs in the state (as determined by date of application).
Group 1:
- Made an initial application to NBPTS prior to July 1, 2010
- Eligible for the supplement at the $7500 level for the length of their national ten-year [Renewal] certificate(s)
- Eligible for the supplement at the $5000 level for the length of their national five-year [MOC] certificate(s)
Group 2:
- Made an initial application to NBPTS between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2018
- Eligible for the supplement at the $5000 level for the length of their national certificate(s) (certificates could be five or ten years depending on whether the NBCT completed the ten Entry or four Component process and Renewal or MOC)
Group 3:
- Made an initial application to NBPTS between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021, and certified in fall 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022
- Eligible for the supplement at the $5000 level for the remainder of their national certificate (all certificates will be five years in length)
- SCDE will not provide payment for FY19, FY20, nor FY21
- Can complete the MOC process and continue to receive the supplement at the $5000 level
Group 4:
- Made an initial application after July 1, 2021
- Eligible for the supplement at the $5000 level for the length of their national certificate(s)
National Board Certification
National Board in South Carolina
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INCENTIVES FOR NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION
Be Recognized With The Best: National Board Certification is more than just adding a set of initials after your name. It is the highest symbol of professional teaching excellence. The rewards are many and becoming a National Board Certified Teacher attests to the fact that you have been judged by your peers as one who is accomplished in your field.
SC National Board (NB) Salary Supplement:
The amount of the salary supplement is determined by the NBCT's initial date of application to the National Board. We currently have four groups of NBCTs in the state (as determined by date of application).
Group 1:
Group 2:
Group 3:
Group 4:
Impact Your School & Profession: Research is consistently positive about the impact of National Board Certification on improvements to teacher practice, professional development and areas of school improvement that are critical to raising student achievement.
Impact Student Achievement: Independent studies show students of NBCTs do better on standardized tests than students of non-NBCTs.
District-Level Incentives: South Carolina school districts have the option to offer additional incentives for NBCTs and/or support for candidates. Please contact your district's National Board liaison for information.
Do I qualify for the STATE NB Salary Supplement?
IMPORTANT: The General Assembly must approve this funding each year for this incentive to remain intact.
In order to assist districts in the definition of the “the classroom teacher who works with classroom teachers”, the State Department of Education offers these guidelines.
These SC educators must be:
SC National Board (NB) Salary Supplement:
The amount of the salary supplement is determined by the NBCT's initial date of application to the National Board. We currently have four groups of NBCTs in the state (as determined by date of application).
Group 1:
- Made an initial application to NBPTS prior to July 1, 2010
- Eligible for the supplement at the $7500 level for the length of their national ten-year [Renewal] certificate(s)
- Eligible for the supplement at the $5000 level for the length of their national five-year [MOC] certificate(s)
Group 2:
- Made an initial application to NBPTS between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2018
- Eligible for the supplement at the $5000 level for the length of their national certificate(s) (certificates could be five or ten years depending on whether the NBCT completed the ten Entry or four Component process and Renewal or MOC)
Group 3:
- Made an initial application to NBPTS between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021, and certified in fall 2018, 2019, or 2020
- Eligible for the supplement at the $5000 level for the remainder of their national certificate (all certificates will be five years in length)
- SCDE will not provide payment for FY19, FY20, nor FY21
- Can complete the MOC process and continue to receive the supplement at the $5000 level
Group 4:
- Made an initial application after July 1, 2021
- Eligible for the supplement at the $5000 level for the length of their national certificate(s)
Impact Your School & Profession: Research is consistently positive about the impact of National Board Certification on improvements to teacher practice, professional development and areas of school improvement that are critical to raising student achievement.
Impact Student Achievement: Independent studies show students of NBCTs do better on standardized tests than students of non-NBCTs.
District-Level Incentives: South Carolina school districts have the option to offer additional incentives for NBCTs and/or support for candidates. Please contact your district's National Board liaison for information.
Do I qualify for the STATE NB Salary Supplement?
IMPORTANT: The General Assembly must approve this funding each year for this incentive to remain intact.
In order to assist districts in the definition of the “the classroom teacher who works with classroom teachers”, the State Department of Education offers these guidelines.
These SC educators must be:
- School-based
- Non-supervisory
- Non-administrative
- Work with classroom teachers in an instructional or curriculum coordinator capacity
- Any other school based personnel not requiring principal/administrative supervisory certification
SC RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NBCTS
Recertification Credit: National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in SC who hold a ten-year national certificate are exempt from the South Carolina requirement to earn a minimum of 120 renewal credits within five years to renew their teaching certificate, provided they maintain certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS™). However, if an NBCT chooses not to pursue the renewal process for the 10-year NBPTS™ certificate, the teacher then must earn 120 renewal credits during the last five years of the valid NBPTS™ certificate to maintain a valid South Carolina teaching license. For more information on renewing a NBPTS™ certificate, visit www.nbpts.org. For more information on renewing a South Carolina professional educator's license, visit ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/professional/.
NBCTs in SC who hold a five-year national certificate are required to earn a minimum of 120 renewal credits within five years to renew their teaching certificate or must successfully complete the NBPTS Maintenance of Certification process.
NBCTS who renew their NB certificate also must meet the requirements related to the Jason Flatt Act and the Read to Succeed Endorsement. For more information on these requirements, visit ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/professional/.
NBCTs in SC who hold a five-year national certificate are required to earn a minimum of 120 renewal credits within five years to renew their teaching certificate or must successfully complete the NBPTS Maintenance of Certification process.
NBCTS who renew their NB certificate also must meet the requirements related to the Jason Flatt Act and the Read to Succeed Endorsement. For more information on these requirements, visit ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/professional/.
New Initial Candidate FAQ
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I am interested in pursuing NB certification. What can you tell me about the process?
National Board Certification (NBC) requires the successful completion of four Components.
Component One, Content Knowledge, is a computer-based assessment designed to allow the candidate to demonstrate content specific knowledge as well as pedagogical practices. This component contains three constructed-response exercises (each 30 minutes in length) and 45 selected response items (60 - 75 minutes allotted, depending on certificate area).
Component Two, Differentiated Instruction, requires the completion of a classroom-based portfolio comprised of examples of student work and an accompanying written commentary. The included student work samples should demonstrate students’ growth over time. The written commentary should demonstrate the teacher’s ability to analyze his/her own instructional practices.
Component Three, Teaching Practice and Learning Environment, requires the completion of a classroom-based portfolio comprised of videos of instruction and an accompanying written commentary. The focus of this Component is on instructional planning, reflection, and analysis of one’s own teaching. Candidates are evaluated on evidence of practice and analysis as it relates to instruction, student engagement, and the learning environment.
Component Four, Effective and Reflective Practitioner, requires the completion of a classroom-based portfolio featuring a profile of a group of students, formative (including student self-assessments) and summative assessments, and the candidate’s participation in a learning community. Candidates also complete a written commentary. Component 4 evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of students, planning, instruction, assessment, partnerships, reflection, and professionalism.
Potential candidates can find more information about the certification process here.
The National Board process is flexible, allowing candidates to select the number of Components they complete each year. Candidates will be required to attempt each of the four Components within a three year period. After each initial attempt of a Component, candidates will have two opportunities to retake. Components may be completed in any order.
We encourage all potential candidates to visit the NBPTS website. This website includes important information and the application for National Board Certification.
Component One, Content Knowledge, is a computer-based assessment designed to allow the candidate to demonstrate content specific knowledge as well as pedagogical practices. This component contains three constructed-response exercises (each 30 minutes in length) and 45 selected response items (60 - 75 minutes allotted, depending on certificate area).
Component Two, Differentiated Instruction, requires the completion of a classroom-based portfolio comprised of examples of student work and an accompanying written commentary. The included student work samples should demonstrate students’ growth over time. The written commentary should demonstrate the teacher’s ability to analyze his/her own instructional practices.
Component Three, Teaching Practice and Learning Environment, requires the completion of a classroom-based portfolio comprised of videos of instruction and an accompanying written commentary. The focus of this Component is on instructional planning, reflection, and analysis of one’s own teaching. Candidates are evaluated on evidence of practice and analysis as it relates to instruction, student engagement, and the learning environment.
Component Four, Effective and Reflective Practitioner, requires the completion of a classroom-based portfolio featuring a profile of a group of students, formative (including student self-assessments) and summative assessments, and the candidate’s participation in a learning community. Candidates also complete a written commentary. Component 4 evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of students, planning, instruction, assessment, partnerships, reflection, and professionalism.
Potential candidates can find more information about the certification process here.
The National Board process is flexible, allowing candidates to select the number of Components they complete each year. Candidates will be required to attempt each of the four Components within a three year period. After each initial attempt of a Component, candidates will have two opportunities to retake. Components may be completed in any order.
We encourage all potential candidates to visit the NBPTS website. This website includes important information and the application for National Board Certification.
How much does it cost to go through the NB process? Is there any financial assistance available to cover the cost of the NB process?
Annual Registration Fee - (nonrefundable cycle enrollment fee paid each year) - $75
Application not accepted without payment of $75. Due with application submission and no later than February 28th of the year of application.
Component 1 Fee - Required for the Content Knowledge Assessment - fee of $475. This fee is due by February 28th of the year of entry submission.
Component 2 Fee - Required for Portfolio Component - fee of $475. This fee is due by February 28th of the year of entry submission.
Component 3 Fee - Required for Portfolio Component - fee of $475. This fee is due by February 28th of the year of entry submission.
Component 4 Fee - Required for Portfolio Component - fee of $475. This fee is due by February 28th of the year of entry submission.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a reimbursement incentive of up to $2000 for eligible veterans. Please call (888) GI-BILL-1 for more information and to apply.
Unfortunately, we are not aware of any other financial assistance at this time. We have been told that it may be possible to claim the fees associated with NB certification as an educational expense for tax purposes. We strongly suggest that candidates check with a tax attorney or certified accountant to verify this information.
Application not accepted without payment of $75. Due with application submission and no later than February 28th of the year of application.
Component 1 Fee - Required for the Content Knowledge Assessment - fee of $475. This fee is due by February 28th of the year of entry submission.
Component 2 Fee - Required for Portfolio Component - fee of $475. This fee is due by February 28th of the year of entry submission.
Component 3 Fee - Required for Portfolio Component - fee of $475. This fee is due by February 28th of the year of entry submission.
Component 4 Fee - Required for Portfolio Component - fee of $475. This fee is due by February 28th of the year of entry submission.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a reimbursement incentive of up to $2000 for eligible veterans. Please call (888) GI-BILL-1 for more information and to apply.
Unfortunately, we are not aware of any other financial assistance at this time. We have been told that it may be possible to claim the fees associated with NB certification as an educational expense for tax purposes. We strongly suggest that candidates check with a tax attorney or certified accountant to verify this information.
Am I eligible to go through the National Board Certification process?
NBPTS™ makes all final determinations about candidate eligibility. Specific eligibility questions should be directed to NBPTS at 1-800-22-TEACH.
To be eligible for National Board Certification, you must:
Note: Teachers may begin the NB certification process prior to completing three years, but the certification will not be awarded until those years of experience have been satisfied.
World Language Candidates must also provide official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) certified ratings of Advanced Low or higher from ACTFL speaking and writing proficiency assessments. For more information about this prerequisite, please review the “Guide to National Board Certification” available here.
To be eligible for National Board Certification, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (Exception: Career and Tech Ed teachers must have met the licensure requirements for the state);
- Have completed three full years of teaching or school counseling prior to receiving NB certification; and
- Possess a valid state teaching or school counseling license (Exception: If you are teaching where a license is not required, you have taught in schools recognized and approved to operate by the state).
Note: Teachers may begin the NB certification process prior to completing three years, but the certification will not be awarded until those years of experience have been satisfied.
World Language Candidates must also provide official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) certified ratings of Advanced Low or higher from ACTFL speaking and writing proficiency assessments. For more information about this prerequisite, please review the “Guide to National Board Certification” available here.
How do I apply for National Board Certification?
Please visit the NBPTS website.
Review the eligibility guidelines and then click the “Get Certified” button followed by the “Log In/Sign Up” button.
Review the eligibility guidelines and then click the “Get Certified” button followed by the “Log In/Sign Up” button.
What are the application deadlines?
The 2023-2024 registration period is May 22, 2023 - February 29, 2024. Candidates who apply during this window will complete their purchased components during the 2023-2024 academic year.
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
For the current cycle, the fee payment deadline is February 29, 2024.
WHEN WILL MY COMPONENTS BE DUE?
The assessment window for Component 1 for the 2023-2024 cycle is March 1-June 15, 2024. Component 2-4 entries for the 2023-2024 cycle must be submitted between April 1-May 18, 2024. Your component 2-4 entries must be submitted electronically through E-Portfolio.
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
For the current cycle, the fee payment deadline is February 29, 2024.
WHEN WILL MY COMPONENTS BE DUE?
The assessment window for Component 1 for the 2023-2024 cycle is March 1-June 15, 2024. Component 2-4 entries for the 2023-2024 cycle must be submitted between April 1-May 18, 2024. Your component 2-4 entries must be submitted electronically through E-Portfolio.
When is full payment due?
The fee payment deadline is February 29, 2024 for the 2023-2024 cycle. NBPTS offers a payment plan with no fees or interest.
When will my entries be due?
The assessment window for Component 1 for the 2023-2024 cycle is March 1-June 15, 2024. Component 2-4 entries for the 2023-2024 cycle must be submitted between April 1 and May 18, 2024. Your component 2-4 entries must be submitted electronically through E-Portfolio.
I registered for NB certification. What should I do now?
NBPTS™ has gone completely paperless! As a result, they will not send you any materials through the mail. Candidates should visit the NB website to review the current information. Candidates should read the following information and begin planning their work:
· Guide to National Board Certification
· Certificate Specific Professional Teaching Standards
· Five Core Propositions
· Scoring Guides
· Assessment Center Policy and Guidelines
We strongly encourage all applicants to attend an Awareness session. CERRA offers free Awareness webinars throughout the year. Please visit our Candidate Support Workshop page for more information and to register for a session.
· Guide to National Board Certification
· Certificate Specific Professional Teaching Standards
· Five Core Propositions
· Scoring Guides
· Assessment Center Policy and Guidelines
We strongly encourage all applicants to attend an Awareness session. CERRA offers free Awareness webinars throughout the year. Please visit our Candidate Support Workshop page for more information and to register for a session.
How much is the salary supplement assuming I achieve certification?
As a new candidate, you are eligible to receive the salary supplement at the $5000 level for the length of your national certificate. You must remain in a supplement eligible position in order to receive the supplement. Some positions that do not qualify for the supplement include school and district level administration. The final decision about supplement eligibility is determined by the State Department of Education and is based on the coding of the position in the state Professional Certified Staff database.
My friend received a loan from CERRA to cover the cost of the process. Can I get a loan too?
Unfortunately, the General Assembly was unable to continue to fund the loan and the program was discontinued in 2010.
My friend received a grant and a scholarship from CERRA to cover the cost of the process. Can I get a grant and a scholarship too?
Unfortunately, the Federal Subsidy grant program was discontinued at the national level in 2012.
What support is available to assist candidates going through the NB process?
Check with your district’s NB liaison to determine if there are any support sessions scheduled. You will find your liaison’s name and contact information here. Upcoming candidate support workshops can be found here. This page includes the registration link for upcoming webinars as well as information about Palmetto State Teacher’s Association (PSTA), South Carolina Education Association (SCEA), and the South Carolina National Board Network (SCNBN) sponsored support sessions.
I have a specific question about the work I am completing for NB certification.
We recommend that candidates send all specific questions to NBPTS™ through their account within the NBPTS™ “Candidate Management System.” Please keep a copy of the response for your records.
Retakes FAQ
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WHEN A CANDIDATE DOESN'T PASS NATIONAL BOARDS, WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Candidates are encouraged to review the information about minimum section average score requirements and meeting minimum score requirements in the “Scoring Guide,” which is available here.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum score requirements may retake Components. NBPTS™ allows candidates two additional years to retake Components, as necessary. Retakes do not have to be concurrent or consecutive and Components can be retaken regardless of the earned score.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum score requirements may retake Components. NBPTS™ allows candidates two additional years to retake Components, as necessary. Retakes do not have to be concurrent or consecutive and Components can be retaken regardless of the earned score.
I AM A RETAKE CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL BOARDS. IS THERE ANY MONEY AVAILABLE TO HELP OFFSET THE COST OF RETAKES?
Unfortunately, National Board was unable to release any funds for retake candidates this year. We have not been able to locate any other sources of assistance.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION WINDOW FOR RETAKES?
Retake applications can be submitted from the time scores are released through February 28th of the year the candidate is planning to submit his/her retake work. During leap years, the date is extended to February 29th.
WHEN WILL MY RETAKE PAYMENT BE DUE?
Full payment for retake applicants must be paid by February 28th of the year the candidate is planning to submit his/her retake work. During leap years, the date is extended to February 29th.
WHEN WILL MY COmponents BE DUE?
The assessment window for Component 1 retakes for the 2023-2024 cycle is March 1-June 15, 2024. Component 2 -4 retake entries for the 2023-2024 cycle must be submitted between April 1-May 18, 2024. Your component 2-4 ePortfolios are submitted electronically through NBPTS.
Maintenance of Certification (MOC) FAQ
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WHAT IS MOC?
As of September 2020, NBPTS™ replaced the National Board Renewal process with MOC. Please note that MOC results in a five-year national certificate.
MOC consists of two Components. In Component 1, NBCTs identify two professional growth experiences (PGEs), develop a written commentary, and gather evidence of their positive impact on student learning. In Component 2, NBCTs choose one PGE as a focus and develop a lesson related to this PGE. NBCTs must submit a video of this lesson and a written commentary.
For more information about MOC, click here.
MOC consists of two Components. In Component 1, NBCTs identify two professional growth experiences (PGEs), develop a written commentary, and gather evidence of their positive impact on student learning. In Component 2, NBCTs choose one PGE as a focus and develop a lesson related to this PGE. NBCTs must submit a video of this lesson and a written commentary.
For more information about MOC, click here.
What does it cost to go through the MOC process?
MOC costs $495 plus a $75 registration fee. Final payment is due by February 28th.
What sources of funding are available for MOC fees?
Unfortunately, there is no financial assistance available for MOC. We have been told that it may be possible to claim the fees associated with MOC as an educational expense for tax purposes. We strongly suggest that candidates check with a tax attorney or certified accountant to verify this information.
CAN I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE MY STATE NATIONAL BOARD SUPPLEMENT IF I AM SUCCESSFUL IN THE RENEWAL PROCESS?
Yes! According to the current proviso (as of July 1, 2021), NBCTs may continue to receive a state supplement as long as they maintain National Board Certification. Refer to the Proviso Updates at the top of this page for specific information.
When can I start the MOC Process?
Candidates must successfully meet the MOC requirements in one of the two years prior to the expiration of their certificate to maintain certification. Candidates should refer to the calendar here to determine if they are eligible this year.
National Board Contacts
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Going through the National Board Certification process was a pivotal point in my teaching career. It forced me to be intentional with every choice I made for my students and for myself. The understanding that all knowledge is related and intertwined gave me a new purpose in my classroom teaching. The “NBCT key” has opened several doors to me professionally. When you hear this is the best professional development you will ever experience – believe it!
Brenda Kingrea
Second Grade Teacher / Pickens County School District
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Since becoming National Board certified, my approach to teaching has become much more reflective. I analyze everything I do, from setting objectives for my students, to carrying out the lessons, to developing meaningful assessments, and then I always take time to think about what worked, what didn’t work, and why. It has made me a more thoughtful, intentional, teacher, which has had a direct impact on my students. In a nutshell, going through the National Board process made me a better teacher.
Sabrina Williams
Social studies, Humanities, and ProTeam Teacher / R.H. Fulmer Middle School, Lexington Two
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