National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB)

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Overview
Why Is the NCUEB Important?
Why Become Certified?
Material Covered in the Exam
Eligibility
Registration Process
Examination Process
What to Bring to the Exam
Prohibited Items
Exam Results
Retesting
Practice Materials
Dates and Locations
Fees
Accommodations
Canceling or Stopping the Test
Recertification
Appeal Process
Contact Us

 

The National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) administers the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB) exam as a five-year renewable certification awarded to those who successfully pass all three sections of the exam. Although the test can be taken by anyone, it is intended primarily for teachers, future teachers, and other professionals whose responsibilities include teaching or producing braille. Individuals who are interested in applying for NCUEB certification are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with all of the information included here.
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Why Is the NCUEB Important?

If you currently hold a degree in working with either blind adults or children, you have met the curriculum requirements of a specific university. However, each professional preparation program establishes its own criteria for braille competency. By adding the designation of NCUEB certification administered by a nationally recognized credentialing organization, you will unequivocally demonstrate that you possess knowledge and skill in the use of the braille code beyond the rudimentary level. This is especially true given that most professionals in the field were trained prior to the adoption of UEB and therefore certification is even more important to demonstrate professional qualifications in reading and writing of the braille code.
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Why Become Certified?

There are a number of professions that have certification as a part of distinguishing individuals as possessing a standard of expertise. Physicians and teachers are just two examples. The existence of certifications developed in these professions is indicative proof of the need to meet specific standards that are uniformly applied to those engaging in specialized fields. The goal of the NCUEB, as any other certification process, is to:

  • Recognize that a uniform national standard set by professionals in the field has been met.
  • Assure employers, school administrators, colleagues, consumers, families, and other professionals that certificants possess updated and appropriate braille knowledge and skills.
  • Enhance professional credibility.
  • Contribute to a higher degree of job satisfaction.
  • Provide an opportunity for professional development.
  • Prepare professionals and paraprofessionals to meet current and future needs.
  • Provide essential information necessary for consumers to make informed choices.

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Material Covered in the Exam

The NCUEB covers contracted literary braille as described in the Rules of Unified English Braille, 2nd Edition, 2013 and is available from the International Council on English Braille (ICEB). During the exam, test takers will be provided with the only reference material allowed. The examination consists of three sections:

  1. Braille Writing: using a braillewriter
  2. Proofreading: identifying embedded errors
  3. Multiple Choice: answering questions about correct braille usage and rules

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Eligibility

There are no prerequisites for taking the NCUEB exam. However, it is presumed that test takers have received adequate preparation in learning to read and write the Unified English Braille code.
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Registration Process

Individuals wishing to demonstrate their proficiency in the Unified English Braille code must register and submit appropriate fees. After your registration has been processed, you will be contacted to confirm testing date, time, location, and any other relevant information related to taking the exam. No registration will be processed until the NBPCB has received the full amount of the testing fee.
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Examination Process

You will have a maximum of four and one-half (4.5) hours to complete the test: 90 minutes for Braille Writing; 90 minutes for Proofreading; and 60 minutes for Multiple Choice. There will be two 15-minute breaks between each section. We will provide reference materials.
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What to Bring to the Exam

You are responsible for providing the following items on the day of the exam:

  • Government issued photo ID
  • Manual braillewriter that can accommodate 11x11.5 paper and is in good working condition
  • One braille eraser (optional)
  • Any items which have been pre-approved as an accommodation

There will be a short break between sections. You are responsible for supplying any drinks or snacks, but neither will be allowed in the testing room.
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Prohibited Items

Any items not directly related to taking the exam must be left outside the testing area. Any questions regarding acceptable equipment or accommodations should be addressed to the NBPCB office prior to the test date. None of the following items are permitted at any time:

  • Lap top computer
  • Electronic braille note taking equipment
  • Cell phone
  • Camera
  • Recording device
  • Reference materials other than those provided by NBPCB
  • Other print or braille materials (All braille paper will be supplied by NBPCB)

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Exam Results

All examinations will be evaluated by a panel of qualified test scorers. You will receive an indication of pass or fail for each of the three test sections, as well as an indication of overall performance and an NCUEB certificate, when applicable. We will e-mail you your scores within 6 weeks of completing the exam. For a fee, we can also send your score report to other institutions which you designate.
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Retesting

If you do not pass all three sections of the test, you have 18 months from the original test date to do so. Only those sections not passed need to be retaken. Retests can be taken at the time of any scheduled test administration.
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Practice Materials

We can provide practice materials which consist of the instructions that should be followed throughout the exam, including those specific to each of the three sections. An answer key is also provided so that you may check your work. You should note that this test preparation material is an accurate representation of the types of tasks that are required of you on the actual exam; however, the length, complexity, and/or format of the exam may differ. You can request practice materials by filling out our order form. There is a $50 fee for either print or braille formats.

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Dates and Locations

To find dates and locations for upcoming NCUEB exams, check our website often, as we are continually adding new test dates and locations. Tests are scheduled in Ruston, Louisiana on a regular basis, and you may also request a specific test administration in your area. For more information about this option, contact us at braille@nbpcb.org.
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Fees

Following is a list of the applicable fees for certification. Your registration will not be processed if the appropriate fee is not paid in full at the time of registration.

  • Initial Examination Fee $350
  • Retest single section of exam $125
  • additional or replacement certificate (Electronic only) $25
  • additional or replacement certificate (print copy) $35
  • Insufficient Funds Fee $35

All fees are non-refundable.
* Individuals who are current students or recent graduates (within last 6 months) of University Personnel Preparation programs for Special Educators may contact braille@nbpcb.org to see if a discounted rate may be available. The NBPCB reserves the right to make exceptions to student eligibility as well as the right to request proof of current standing.

All fees can be paid by using the online option at the time of registration or by mailing a check or money order to:
NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston, LA 71273

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Accommodations

If you have a disability that prevents you from taking the test under standard testing conditions, you may request reasonable accommodations. A written request, accompanied by appropriate medical verification, must be received at the time of registration. The following accommodations do not require additional documentation:

  • Hand-held magnifier
  • Felt-tip marker
  • Wiki sticks or other tactile place holders
  • Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
  • Additional personal lighting

You are responsible for providing these items along with any other pre-approved accommodations. If a power source will be required, it is necessary to bring this to our attention at the time of registration.
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Canceling or Stopping the Test

If there are insufficient numbers of individual registered for any testing opportunity, we reserve the right to cancel that test administration, and a full refund will be issued.

If the test administration has already begun but must be stopped for any of the following reasons, no refunds will be permitted:

  • You do not want to finish the test
  • The time limit is exceeded
  • You are creating a distraction to others
  • Your equipment fails to work properly
  • The test administrator has evidence or adequate suspicion that you are cheating or otherwise manipulating the test

If testing conditions deteriorate to a point that negatively impacts the test administration, you will be asked to reschedule without further cost.
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Recertification

We recognize the need for blindness professionals to continue their education and training in order to remain current on innovations and policies in the field. Once your initial five-year certification has lapsed, you must reapply to the NBPCB for recertification in order to maintain active NCUEB status. You can only be recertified by once again successfully completing the NCUEB examination.
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Appeal Process

If you feel that you have wrongfully been denied certification, you can appeal this decision. You must submit a letter within 30 days of receiving your examination scores requesting an appeal. Be sure to include a signed statement of the grounds for your appeal and any relevant documentation. The board members of the NBPCB will review all relevant facts and information, and their decision will be binding.
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Contact Us

NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston LA 71273
318 299-7340
admin@nbpcb.org
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