Certification Department Closure – Wednesday, October 8
The Professional Certification Department will be unavailable on October 8 from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
The Professional Certification Department will be unavailable on October 8 from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
OSPI hosts information sessions for educators interested in starting the National Board process. Please complete this form to register for a National Board Candidate Information Session.
OSPI is hosting monthly workshops throughout the 2025-2026 school year to support candidates' writing for National Board Certification. Each workshop will focus on a different topic based on what candidates may be working on at each step of the portfolio submission cycle.
The OSPI National Board Writing Webinars flyer includes dates, topics, and registration links!
Candidates may opt to join as many of these sessions as desired - cohort NBCT facilitators are also encouraged to attend with their candidates.
National Board Certification is the most widely respected professional certification program. National Board Certification is achieved through the completion of a voluntary assessment process designed to recognize effective and accomplished teachers who meet high standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do.
Even though the Washington system of support for National Board Certification means that our state's certification rate is above average, there is still a chance that a candidate may go through all five years of candidacy and not certify with NBPTS. While this is not meant to discourage an educator from going through the process, it is important information to have before entering the process. Regardless of certifying, the professional learning and skills in reflective practice gained through the National Board assessment process are invaluable.
Produced by NBPTS, this guide covers the assessment process, timeline, fields of certification, scholarships and rewards, how to apply, and who to contact for more information.
Among the benefits, National Board Certification offers higher salary potential, strengthens teaching practice, and helps students succeed. In Washington state, teachers holding National Board Certification:
To seek National Board Certification you must meet the following requirements prior to applying:
A non-refundable annual registration fee of $75 is required when you submit your yearly application. Each of the four components is $475 for initial submission. Retake fees are $475 for components 2, 3, and 4; candidates can retake each assessment exercise of component 1 at $125 each. Candidates may also pay for components in 6 monthly installments at roughly $80/month.
There are a few options if you need financial support to cover the fees:
Ready to become a candidate? Go to the NBPTS website to get started!