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Overview
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.
The NCLB is the only nationally recognized certification in literary braille geared specifically toward teachers. The NCLB is a five-year renewable certification awarded to those who successfully pass all four sections of the National Literary Braille Competency Test (NLBCT).
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.
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In 2005, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) was asked to take over leading the development of the test . The NFB, along with a steering committee of experts in the field, including members of the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB), has reviewed, updated, and revised the test to meet today’s needs in the field. The target population of individuals who will take the test is now seen as including pre and in-service teachers who teach or will teach braille reading and writing to children and adults, and other individuals interested in demonstrating their knowledge/proficiency in reading and writing the braille literary code as defined in the most recent version of the English Braille American Edition (EBAE).
In March, 2007, it was decided that the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) should lead in the final stages of test development. The revised test is now in finished form, and is administered solely under the direction of the NBPCB.
Important note: The test materials were only slightly modified to reflect changes in purpose and target population. The test has not been substantially changed from its earlier version administered by the NLS. However, those who take the test now have the advantage of becoming candidates to receive the National Certification in Literary Braille (NCLB).
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. Although this certification exam can be taken by anyone, it is intended primarily for teacher of braille and future teachers of braille.
Click here for the complete NCLB Candidate Guidelines.
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).
Click here for more information on initial certification.
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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 NBCPB 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.
Click here for more information on How to Study for the Exam.
Click here for more information on What to Bring on the Day of the Exam.
Terms You Should Know
CBMR: Consumer Based Model of Rehabilitation refers to the collective knowledge, experiences, and attitudes of the organized blind who have achieved economic, social, and community integration.
CBP: Certified Blindness Professional, as determined by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).
EBAE: English Braille American Edition (EBAE) (1994), the only reference allowed to be used during the NCLB Exam.
JOE: Joint Organizational Effort. The committee that worked collaboratively in the development and testing of the NLBCT.
NBPCB: The National Blindness Professional Certification Board, which is the body responsible for all certification activities, policies, and decisions.
NCLB: National Certification in Literary Braille. The professional credential awarded to successful applicants who receive a passing score on all four sections of the NLBCT. This certification attests that the candidate has successfully demonstrated the capacity to effectively read, write, and understand literary braille.
NLBCT: National Literary Braille Competency Test 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 current and future teachers of braille.
NLS: National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) is a sector of the Library of Congress.