NCLB Certification | Application | Study for Exam | What to Bring
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NCLB Certification
The National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) has established rigorous standards for certifying competent professionals who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in reading and writing the literary braille code. Successful applicants who earn the National Certification in Literary Braille (NCLB) are entitled to all rights and responsibilities therein as long as he or she maintains active certification status and upholds the NBPCB Code of Professional Ethics.
Candidates who fulfill all application requirements and successfully pass the National Literary Braille Competency Test (NLBCT) are awarded the National Certification in Literary Braille. The NLBCT is used to measure the level of a person’s ability to read and write contracted literary braille. Although the test can be taken by anyone, it is intended primarily for teachers of braille and future teachers of braille. Click here for the complete NCLB Candidate Guidelines.
History
The National Literary Braille Competency Test (NLBCT) was originally maintained and administered by The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress. It was developed in response to a recommendation of the Committee on Joint Organizational Effort (JOE), which was made up of representatives from the American Council of the Blind, the American Foundation for the Blind, the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Blinded Veterans Association, the Canadian Council of the Blind, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress. The promotion of braille literacy, and thus the development of the test by the JOE, was born out of the committee’s concern that teachers of blind children and adults should have sufficient knowledge and skills in braille.
Eligibility
There are no prerequisites for taking the National Certification in Literary Braille exam. However, it is presumed that applicants have received adequate preparation in learning to read and write literary braille.
Application Process
Applications are specific to test dates and locations. Click on the link on your preferred date and location. Applications to retest failed sections of the exam will be accepted at any of the test dates and locations listed on the Application page. No applications will be accepted after the registration deadline and are not complete until the NBPCB has received all fees (unless other arrangements have been approved by the NBPCB). In addition, the applicant must agree to abide by the NBPCB Code of Professional Ethics before the exam will be administered.
Accommodations
Requests for accommodations based on disability must be documented by a qualified professional and be received by the NBPCB office at least thirty (30) days prior to the test date for approval. Any candidate who has a disability that prevents them from taking the test under standard testing conditions, may request reasonable modifications. Some accommodations may not be available at all test sites.
The use of the following items have been pre-approved for blind or visually impaired candidates, and does not require additional documentation:
- Hand-held magnifier
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Felt-tip marker
- WikiStix
NBPCB Code of Professional Ethics
At the time of application, candidates are expected to have read, understood, and be willing to abide by the NBPCB Code of Professional Ethics.
Examination Process
Candidates will have a maximum of six (6) hours to complete the test: two (2) hours for Braillewriter; one (1) hour for Slate & Stylus; two (2) hours for Proofreading; and one (1) hour for Multiple Choice. Breaks and a one hour lunch will be scheduled, candidates are responsible to obtain their own food/beverages.
Scores will be mailed to the candidate within 6 to 8 weeks of completing all sections of the exam. Candidates will receive pass/fail scores for each of the four test sections. The NBPCB will also send score reports to up to three other institutions designated by the candidate. If an applicant does not pass the certification examination on the first attempt, he/she may retake part, or all, of the exam at any of the scheduled test sites.
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