National Blindness Professional Certification Board

NCLB Certification

Examination Process

The test consists of four (4) sections. The instructions, test passages, and questions, will be provided to all candidates in print (18-point) and/or a combination of contracted and uncontracted Braille.

Up to six (6) hours is allowed to take the entire test. Two sections will be presented in the morning session and two sections will be presented in the afternoon session. There will be a 10-minute break between the two morning sections and a 10-minute break between the two afternoon sections. There will also be a one-hour lunch break.

The four sections of the test are outlined in the table below:

Section:	Time Allotted:	Description:
1. Braillewriter	Two (2) hours	Contains passages that the candidate will Braille using a Braillewriter.
2. Slate and Stylus	One (1) hour	Contains passages that the candidate will Braille using a slate and stylus.
3. Proofreading	Two (2) hours	Contains Braille passages with embedded errors which candidates must identify.
4. Multiple Choice	One (1) hour	Contains approximately 40 multiple choice questions.

The only reference that candidates may use during the test is a copy of English Braille, American Edition, 1994 (EBAE), which is provided by the Test Administrator in print or Braille. This reference may be used during the entire test. Please note that candidates must use the copy of EBAE provided and may not use their own personal copy during the test.

Different versions of the examination will be administered to ensure integrity and confidentiality during each testing cycle. However, each version will entail the following components:

Candidates will have a maximum of six (6) hours to complete the examination.
The examination instructions will be available in print and Braille
The examination content will be available in print, and a mixture of contracted, and uncontracted Braille
The examination will occur in a well-lighted and quiet location
There will be a scheduled break between each test section
All examinations will be directly proctored by NBPCB staff
All examinations will be scored by a panel of qualified test scorers

Equipment Candidates Should and Should Not Bring to the Test Site
The following table lists what candidates should and should not bring to the test site:

Candidates Should Bring:	Candidates Should NOT Bring:
A braillewriter capable of making 40-cell lines A slate and stylus A Braille eraser Pens Pencils (optional)	Laptop computers Electronic notetakers Refreshable Braille displays Cellphones Notes or references

Note: Any notes, equipment, or paraphernalia not directly related to the test must be left outside the testing area. Any questions about acceptable equipment or accommodations, should be addressed to the NBPCB office in writing at least 30 business days prior to the test date. See Application Process for more details.

Stopping or Cancelling the Exam

The examination can be stopped by the Test Administrator or the applicant for the following reasons:

The time limit is exceeded
The test administrator deems that successful completion is impossible or unlikely
Testing facility conditions deteriorate to the point that it prevents normal performance or evaluation
The applicant does not want to continue
The Test Administrator feels that the applicant is overly stressed or overwhelmed to the point that it affects performance
The test administrator has evidence or adequate suspicion that the applicant is cheating or otherwise manipulating the test
There is a fault in necessary equipment used during the test

If the test is stopped or canceled for any of the above reasons, the applicant may choose to reschedule the exam within six months of the initial test, or 18 months of the initial application date, whichever comes first. Retesting fees will be assessed accordingly (see Section 8.1). If the test is stopped or canceled for any reason that is outside the control of the applicant, the exam may be rescheduled within the indicated timeframe at no additional cost to the applicant.

Grading of Examinations

Test results are solely based on individual performance. The following is a list of areas covered throughout the test with their respective percentage weights:

Basic knowledge including letters and numbers 1%
Contractions 68%
Common punctuation and composition 26%
Formatting 5%

Important note: Candidates should be advised that grading is based on accuracy. Speed is not currently being tested except to the extent that the applicant completes the test within the given timeframe.

Reporting of Examination Scores
All examination scores will be turned into the NBPCB office by the test administrator. The NBPCB office will then determine successful/unsuccessful test completion, and scores will be mailed to the candidate within 30 days of completing all sections of the examination. Candidates will receive scores for each of the four test sections, as well as an indication of overall performance. The NBPCB will also send score reports to up to three other institutions designated by the candidate.

Candidates who successfully pass all sections of the test are eligible to receive the National Certification in Literary Braille (NCLB), and will receive an NCLB identification number and an original copy of the NCLB certificate. If the applicant fails to pass any section of the examination, he/she will be mailed a letter detailing which sections were failed and guidelines for retesting.

Retesting Procedures

If an applicant does not pass the certification examination on the first attempt, he/she should retake the examination in part or in full. The following guidelines apply to applicants who must retest:

If the candidate fails only one section, then that section may be retaken.
Any single section of the test that is failed must be retaken within six months of the initial test, or 18 months from the application date, whichever comes first
If the candidate fails more than one section, then all sections of the test must be retaken.
A fee will apply each time a test or test section is re-taken
If any section of the examination is failed three (3) times, the applicant cannot apply for certification again until additional NBPCB approved training is received

The candidate will be notified of examination scores within sixty (60) days of taking the examination. If the candidate is notified that one or more sections of the test are failed, he or she must contact the NBPCB office to schedule a time to retake the examination. The NBPCB office will provide the applicant with a re-examination place and date after the appropriate fees are paid. Scores for the retesting will be mailed to the applicant within sixty (60) days after completion of the exam. All examination procedures will be the same as the original examination.