National Boards Support

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

I completed the National Board certification process during the 2008-2009 school year.  I was extremely excited to certify after my first attempt.  I have had the opportunity to help a few people through the process and thought my blog would be a great platform to use to give tips and suggestions to school counseling candidates for NBPTS.  I will add a link to each blog post I write on this page. Although I have a “game plan,” your input is welcome. Please contact me with any areas you’d like me to address in these posts.

The National Board Counseling Collective

Are you looking to share ideas and collaborate with other school counseling candidates for National Board Certification? If so, I hope you’ll consider joining me and my NBPTS Candidate Friends in the NBCC! The National Board Counseling Collective has officially started as of September 30, 2023, and live virtual sessions will be happening each month! Become a member and join us!

Join the Collective!
The National Board Counseling Collective - Savvy School Counselor

Calling All NBCT School Counselors and those who are candidates for certification!! Please join these Facebook groups to help or to get help! As someone who has gone through both processes, I found both times how difficult it is to find a support system specifically for school counselors. In fact, although I joined a very helpful and supportive Facebook group during the renewal process, it was full of teachers.  I wasn’t able to ask school counselors questions that they would understand and be able to follow a lot better than a teacher would. In order for this group to be effective, we will need current NBCTs to join to offer feedback and support to current NBCT candidates. I want school counselors to have a place to go to talk with other counselors as they go through the NBPTS process. I can tell you that having support is crucial and the support of school counselors specifically will be very beneficial.

Here are the links to both groups:

National Boards Support Group for School Counselors
National Boards Renewal Support Group for School Counselors

Please click the link below to join a mailing list that is specific to National Boards Certification:

Join the National Board Email List

Newer Posts (Effective 2022)

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Important Note:  I am unable to read your individual NBPTS entries.  As much as I would love to help, I have received several requests already, and I realized it is not a feasible commitment for me.  I am happy to answer questions you may have and give specific advice, but please do not send me your entries to read.  I would not want to short change anyone by taking on more than I am feasibly able to handle.   I wish everyone success in this process, and I am still here to answer any questions you may have.

34 Comments

  • Rebecca

    January 1, 2013 at 10:12 pm Reply

    Brilliant idea to put the links all together in one post! Why didn’t I think of that!!!! Thanks for the great idea – I’m going to do the same thing for my sexual abuse prevention posts. Happy New Year!

    Rebecca

    • Vanessa

      June 18, 2014 at 11:38 pm Reply

      Hi, Dedra! The renewal process is something I haven’t experienced yet, so I can’t speak to it right now. I have another three years before I start. This November will be my 5th NBCT anniversary.

    • Vanessa

      December 30, 2014 at 5:52 pm Reply

      Hi! I am just hitting year five and won’t be tackling renewal for at least another 3-4 years. I do not have that experience yet. Hopefully if someone does, they will chime in. You can also ask on my Facebook page. Let me know if you would like to pose a question to my followers.

  • Kim

    March 16, 2015 at 12:12 pm Reply

    Looking for any other school counselors in the renewal process or already renewed. eportfolio window opens April 1 and submission deadline is May 20. I am in my 8th year of certification and have paid my fees and started the process.

    • Vanessa

      March 17, 2015 at 7:36 pm Reply

      I’m in my 6th year, so I do not have the experience yet to write about it. I’ll definitely write about it when I do though. You’ll have to give me some pointers! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

  • Ingle

    March 17, 2015 at 8:30 pm Reply

    I am also attempting renewal this year, my 8th year. I would be open to discussing. It seems like there are so many teachers, but so few counselors to support and encourage each other!
    Ingle in NC

    • Kim Jessee

      March 14, 2016 at 12:31 pm Reply

      Ingle, did you go forward with the renewal last May? I waited until this year. I would love to know about your experience and any tips or pointers you can send my way. I will have to be successful with this one attempt since I am in year 9.

  • Ingle Armstrong-Sloop

    March 21, 2016 at 2:42 pm Reply

    Kim, I did renew last year because I didn’t want to take any chances! I was very thorough in reading through and restating the requirements and match them my professional experiences. I wrote, revised, re-read, and had several non-counselors read over my writing to make sure it was easy to understand. I stressed too much over it, but made it through! You will be fine, just make sure to address all required aspects and follow the outlines provided. Good luck!

  • Melissa Guida

    April 22, 2018 at 3:34 pm Reply

    Vanessa,
    Hello
    I certified one school year after you. Have you renewed your certification or are you in the process of doing so?

    • Vanessa

      May 12, 2018 at 12:08 am Reply

      Hi, Melissa! Yes, I’ve been working on my renewal. I finally submitted my portfolio a few days ago. You are right, it is a lonely process for school counselors.

  • smc1015

    November 15, 2018 at 3:49 pm Reply

    Hi! I am waiting on my scores to arrive on Dec. 1st. It has been a stressful process because now I am thinking about all the things I could have done differently. Wish me luck!!

  • Amy Reese

    February 27, 2019 at 8:46 pm Reply

    I trying to get started on my renewal but I seem to be at a loss as to where to start. I’m not sure that I am looking at my professional development the way i need to for this. Not many counselors out there to ask.

  • amy rosser

    January 26, 2023 at 2:21 pm Reply

    Hi there! I am working on all 4 components here in 2023! I am struggling to pick apart component 4 and figure out what exactly I need to do. I think things were different when these original blog posts were made. Any help 🙂

      • Jenn

        October 31, 2023 at 12:14 pm Reply

        Hi Vanessa! Thank you for the supports you have provided for School Counselors seeking National Board. I’m in the same boat as Amy, above. Could you please email me with any help for unpacking component 4. I can’t decide where to start. I’m leaning on selecting a small group of students instead of an entire class, but I just need a little guidance on the best way to get my wheels moving. Thank you!

  • Chelsie Picon

    February 2, 2023 at 8:47 am Reply

    Hello! I am looking into doing my National Boards for School Counseling during the 2023-24 school year. My question is do you sign up for the components and pay for them first and then register later on in the school year? I am a bit confused by their website timeline. Thank you!

    • Vanessa

      February 2, 2023 at 1:06 pm Reply

      Hi, Chelsie!

      Each component is $475. You can pay as early as you want once the new school year begins, but all payments must typically be received by February 28 (or 29th). So whether you do all 4 or just one, you have until the end of February to make your official payment. You will also need to pay a $75 registration fee annually.

  • Jessica Bishop

    November 9, 2023 at 11:11 am Reply

    Hi Vanessa,
    If I want to cite data from the CDC as part of my “why” for component 2, is this allowed? Encouraged? Discouraged?
    Thank you!

    • Vanessa

      November 9, 2023 at 4:35 pm Reply

      Not knowing the context for which you plan to cite the CDC, I would say I do not believe citing any data would be discouraged. As long as you are providing evidence and using the standards and the level 3 and/or 4 rubric as a guide, you should be fine.

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