The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) continues to show its support for the work Illinois National Board Candidates are doing by providing a Retake subsidy for Retake Candidates who completed and submitted ALL components (1-4) and received final scores for ALL components by December 2025. Retake candidates have two options: Retake immediately after the score release with a May (portfolio-styled components) and June (testing component) deadline, or wait until the following school year (if more time is needed).
If you did not achieve National Board Certification after score release, NBRC is here to support you through the retake process.
All candidates planning to retake any component or exercise must attend a virtual Retake Jumpstart before registering through NBPTS.org.
During the Jumpstart, the NBRC Retake Team will provide one-on-one consultations to help you:
If eligible, fees will be paid to retake Components 2, 3, and/or 4 once; for Component 1, the three Constructed Response Exercises and/or the Selected Response Items (SRIs) will be paid once for each section.
To qualify for the Illinois NB RETAKE Candidate Fee Subsidy:
Note: It is best to use Mozilla Firefox, Chrome or Safari. DO NOT use Internet Explorer.
The FY26 Candidate Retake Subsidy Application window will be open December 6, 2025, at 10 am and close January 25, 2026, at midnight.
The names of the retake candidates who have applied to receive the Illinois NB Retake Candidate Fee Subsidy and are approved for the funding will begin to be posted on the Approval List until the Illinois NB Retake Candidate Fee Subsidy application closes on January 25, 2026. Being approved only means that you have completed the application and all of your information is accurate. The funds will only be paid if all required steps are followed.
Once you are found eligible, look for an email from the NBRC outlining the next steps. This will include how to pay the $75 registration fee to NBPTS and complete the NBPTS RETAKE registration for Component 1 (one or more exercises), Component 2, Component 3, and/or Component 4 using your NBPTS Account. DO NOT PAY FOR YOUR COMPONENTS. Once approved, the NBRC will make the payment.
National Board Certification is a rigorous and rewarding process that requires deep reflection and mastery across a range of professional skills. You don’t have to do it alone!
The National Board Resource Center (NBRC) offers a comprehensive candidate support program designed to guide you every step of the way. Through this program, you’ll be placed in a small cohort led by a National Board Certified Professional Learning Facilitator (PLF) who will walk you through each component with structure, encouragement, and expertise.
Break down each component into manageable steps.
Receive expert guidance and feedback from an NBCT facilitator.
Connect with other candidates in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Stay motivated, organized, and on track for success.
NBRC-trained facilitators lead all cohorts, comprising 12 two-hour sessions.
For candidates retaking components, this online cohort provides structure, guidance, and peer support.
Even if you’re already part of a cohort, having a one-on-one mentor can make a big difference in your National Board journey. Mentors offer personalized guidance, help you stay on track, and provide valuable feedback tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, need a second set of eyes on your writing, or just want extra encouragement, we’re here to help. Requesting a mentor is a smart step toward success.
Strengthen your portfolio with support from expert National Board Certified Teachers. The NBRC Writing Workshop helps candidates refine their written commentary for Components 1–4, offering guidance on clarity, alignment to rubrics, and evidence-based reflection. Whether you’re just getting started or putting on the final polish, our workshop provides actionable feedback to help you confidently showcase your accomplished teaching.
Connect, collaborate, and grow with educators pursuing National Board Certification in your same certificate area. The NBRC Certificate-Alike Symposium offers targeted support through breakout sessions led by experienced NBCTs, allowing candidates to dive deep into content-specific standards, portfolio expectations, and instructional practices. It’s a unique opportunity to ask questions, share strategies, and build confidence with peers on a similar journey.
Help us continue to provide excellent support for you by updating your information. Remember, all schools have firewalls that block our emails. Please provide a personal email address for the NBRC.