What is National Board Certification?
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a national standards board that defines and recognizes accomplished
teaching across different subject areas. Educators seeking National Board Certification undertake a process in which they demonstrate accomplished
teaching by completing four components:
1. Content Knowledge
2. Differentiation in Instruction
3. Teaching Practice and Learning Environment
4. Effective and Reflective Practitioner
National Board Certification provides meaningful, self-directed professional growth along with national recognition and opportunities for career advancement. NBCTs can be eligible for financial bonuses depending on their district (some local bargain for this). For more information, visit nbpts.org.
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State Provides Incentive Grants for Certification, Commitment

The National Board Incentive Program awards grants of up to $25,000, paid in $5,000 installments, to any teacher who has attained National Board Cer-tification and commits to teaching in a high-priority school for five years. The program also awards subsidies of $2,500, paid in two installments, to teachers at high-priority schools who initiate the National Board Certification process. Teachers in qualifying schools with current National Board Certification and educators who are eligible and interested in pursuing National Board Certification can participate in the National Board Incentive Program during the 2022-2023 schoolyear. Visit cde.ca.gov/pd/ps/nbptsprogram.asp for more information and to apply for the incentive and subsidy awards.

Student Support Services Educators

There are also national certifications that recognize student support services educators who meet rigorous standards for preparation, ethical and professional practice, and continued professional development:

•Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology(ASHA-CCC): The CCC represents a level of excellence in the field of Audiology (CCC-A) or Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Standards for certification are established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (ashacertified.org)

•Nationally Certified School Counselor (NCSC): The NCSC is awarded through the National Board for Certified Counselors to counselors who offer the highest standards of practice for schools and students (nbcc.org)

•Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN): The NCSN credential reflects competence and professionalism in practice. Registered Nurses must demonstrate a high level of education, clinical practice experience and knowledge (nbcsn.org)

•Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP): The NCSP is a credential awarded through the National School Psychology Certification System of the National Association of School Psychologists (nasponline.org)

•Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR): The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy provides OTR certification for occupational therapists who provide just, equitable and inclusive care and professional practice through evidence-based certification practices (nbcot.org)