NBPTS Reading - Language Arts: Early and Middle Childhood Practice Test

You need to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, have completed at least three years of successful teaching in early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary schools, and hold a valid state teaching license.

Component 1 is a computer-delivered exam consisting of 45 selected-response questions and three constructed-response essay questions. It tests your content knowledge and pedagogical practices.

Component 2 requires you to gather and analyze information about individual students' strengths and needs, then use that information to design and implement instruction that advances student learning.

This portfolio entry requires video recordings of interactions between you and your students, plus a written commentary where you describe, analyze, and reflect on your teaching.

Component 4 demonstrates your effectiveness as a reflective practitioner. You'll show how you develop and apply knowledge of your students, use assessments to plan instruction, and collaborate to advance student learning.

You have a five-year window to achieve certification, though you can complete it in as little as one year. However, components must be completed during the assessment cycle in which they're purchased.

Registration and component selection typically opens from July to February of the following year, though exact dates vary by cycle.

The selected-response questions cover four content areas:

• Learners and Collaborating with Families (20% of questions)
• Plus sections on reading processes
• Writing processes
• Language development appropriate for ages 3-12

The National Board Certification is valid for 10 years. After that, you can renew through a maintenance of certification process to keep your credential current.