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Exam Preparation Materials
This page contains information on how to prepare for taking the National Literary Braille Competency Test (NLBCT). The exam covers contracted literary braille. The official reference for the exam is the 1994 edition of EBAE as revised in 2002, available for purchase from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). For direct access to the English Braille, American Edition (EBAE) manual for purchase or download, please visit the following link: http://www.brailleauthority.org/literary/literary.html.
Although use of any more recent changes to the braille code is welcome, at this time candidates will not be held responsible for changes made after 2002. Not all of EBAE is covered in the test. The following are helpful tips for preparation:
- Taking the Sample Test, located on this page
- Studying a literary braille instruction manual
- Taking a college course in braille
- Taking the Library of Congress course in braille transcribing through Lesson fifteen
- Reading recently published literary Braille
- Writing literary braille using both a braillewriter and a slate & stylus
Sample Test
The Sample Test consists of the instructions that should be followed throughout the NLBCT, including those specific to each of the four sections. This test includes (1) Braille Writing using a braillewriter, which requires you to transcribe material into contracted literary braille; (2) Braille Writing, using a slate and stylus, which requires you to transcribe material into contracted literary braille; (3) Proofreading, in which you are given a passage in contracted literary braille, and you must identify the errors that have been embedded in the document; and (4) Multiple Choice, in which you are tested on the knowledge of braille rules and their use. An answer key is also provided so that you may check your work. You should note that the sample test 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 from this sample.
Click here to download the Sample Test in your preferred format:
Sample Test.brf
Sample Test.PDF
Extra Practice Materials
If you have already taken the sample test, but feel that you would benefit from extra practice, we have provided some material for this purpose. Each of the following links contain instructions particular to that section of the exam and passages for you to use for practice, and the answer key to help you score your own work. Note that Multiple Choice questions are only found in the Sample Test.
Braillewriter Practice Passages
Slate & Stylus Practice Passages
Proofreading Practice Passages
Multiple Choice – Found only in the Sample Test
Final Preparations
The following information should be reviewed as you prepare for the exam, especially as you are approaching your scheduled test date.
- Before the day of the test, read the document “How to Study for the Exam,” to be sure you have covered all relevant materials.
- Also, make sure to read, “What to Bring” at least one week prior to your scheduled test.
- If questions remain regarding the test structure, how to make an application, fee payment, pre-approved test accommodations, or how scores are reported, check the Initial Certification page for more details.
- Finally, if you have additional questions, or need more information (such as how to request test accommodations), you can contact the NBPCB Office at: 318-257-4554, at admin@nbpcb.org, or by writing to us at 101 South Trenton Street, Ruston, LA, 71270.