Application
Candidates may obtain an application for National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) by (a) contacting the NBPCB office, or (b) Download the Application as a Word document.
NBPCB / NOMC Certification / Application Process
NOMC Certification
Application Process
Once an individual has obtained training on the methods and principles of Structured Discovery Cane Travel either through: (1) university preparation, or (2) agency training, he or she will be eligible to submit an application to the National Blindness Professional Certification Board. Individuals seeking to obtain recognition as a National Orientation and Mobility Certificant (NOMC) must apply for certification under one of the categories of eligibility. The NBPCB office will review applications and determine whether applicants meet all eligibility requirements and have completed all application procedures. No application will be processed without all supporting documentation, including: (1) a completed application, (2) verification of SDCT preparation, (3) Verification of Teaching Competence form, (4) signed NBPCB Code of Professional Ethics Agreement form, and (5) appropriate fees.
Verification of Immersion Experience
Preparation for SDCT instruction requires 480 hours of immersion training at an NBPCB approved orientation center. Verification of successful completion must be signed by the orientation center program supervisor. Download the Verification of Immersion Experience form here. It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain this verification from the orientation center supervisor.
Verification of Instructional Competence
Beyond SDCT preparation, applicants must have had specific training in the instructional techniques and professional practices underlying SDCT. Confirmation of an applicant's ability to successfully teach Structured Discovery Cane Travel must be made by a National Orientation and Mobility Certified Trainer (NOMCT) under one of the Categories A-C. Verification of successful completion must be signed by the supervising NOMCT. Download the Verification of Instructional Competence form here. It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain this verification from the NOMCT.
Individuals seeking NBPCB recognition as National Orientation and Mobility Certificants (NOMC) must demonstrate the ability to teach Structured Discovery Cane Travel techniques, understand foundational principles, and conduct himself or herself with professional demeanor and decorum. Individuals learn to teach SDCT either through apprenticeship training at an approved NBPCB agency or through a recognized university program. All applicants will serve in the capacity of mobility instructor intern for a minimum of 400 hours (see Eligibility Prerequisites). Through this instructional preparation, the applicant will have been directly observed by an NOMCT who will attest to the applicant's understanding of SDCT methods and principles, his/her ability to connect with students on a professional and personal level, effectiveness in conveying concepts and instructions to students, and judgment in monitoring student progress and safety. The NOMCT will make a professional assessment of the applicant's ability to demonstrate competent instruction of SDCT methods and principles to a wide variety of students in various environments and conditions.
Verification Process
When an individual applies to the NBPCB office for NOMC certification, the applicant must list on the application form the name of the NOMCT who supervised the internship/apprenticeship as well as the location of the internship or apprenticeship. The applicant is responsible for providing the supervising NOMCT with a copy of the verification of teaching competency form. The completed and signed form must be returned to the NBPCB office in a sealed envelope, either as part of the application packet, or mailed directly by the supervising NOMCT. The verification of teaching competency form is available on the NBPCB web page and one copy is included in the application packet.
Applicants who are verified as competent to teach orientation and mobility using SDCT methods and principles, and who have completed all sections of the application process, will be determined eligible to sit for the written and performance examinations. Candidates whose applications are rejected because of failure to complete any section of the application may appeal the denial to the NBPCB Board (see Appeals Process).
If the NOMCT determines that the applicant has not demonstrated competent instruction under the SDCT methodology, the NBPCB office will provide a letter to the applicant within thirty (30) working days of receipt of all application materials, denying the request to sit for NOMC examination. If the applicant wishes to contest any decisions made by the NOMCT, he or she may file an appeal with the NBPCB Board (see Appeals Process).