CA NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Program Information
Overview of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Candidate Subsidy Program for teachers working in high-priority schools to apply for the candidate subsidy to cover up to $2,500 for the cost of certification.Commencing July 1, 2021, any teacher who initiates the process of pursuing a certification from the NBPTS when teaching at a high-priority school is eligible to receive an award of up to $2,500.
California Education Code (EC) Section 44395
states "a teacher shall be assigned to teach for at least 50 percent of a full-time position." For purposes of this award, "assigned to teach" may include, but is not limited to, a teacher leadership role as a peer assistance and review coach, mentor, or other teacher support provider if the position does not require an administrative credential.
Are you already a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) interested in the $25,000 incentive award program? Please see the CA NBCT Certification Incentive Program web page for more information.
2024–25 Subsidy Application
The 2024–25 NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Application is now open. This application is for new and continuing teachers in the process of pursuing a certification from NBPTS when teaching at a school on the Eligible High-Priority Schools List after July 1, 2024. There are two windows for 2024–25 applicants:
Early Bird Application Window 1: Open September 3, 2024, through October 31, 2024 at 4 p.m.
Application Window 2: Open November 7, 2024, through January 10, 2024 at 4 p.m.
For new applicants: You must first register for an account with NBPTS
prior to applying for the subsidy award. There is no cost to create an account. Applicants will be asked to provide your candidate ID in the subsidy application. Subsidy applications with an invalid candidate ID will be rejected and applicants will be required to re-apply for the subsidy award.
Eligibility and Funding
Candidates who teach at least 50 percent time in a high-priority school are eligible for the $2,500 subsidy award. High-priority school is defined as a school with 55 percent or more of its pupils (unduplicated) classified as an English learner or foster youth, or eligible for free or reduced-price meal.
2024–25 Eligible High Priority Schools List (XLXS)
2023–24 Eligible High Priority Schools List (XLXS)
Lists of California’s 2023–24 and 2024–25 Eligible High Priority Schools. These lists are only used for the purpose of identifying schools with teachers eligible to receive the NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Award and the NBCT Certification Incentive Award. If you don't see your school on the high-priority lists but you believe it qualifies, please email NBCT@cde.ca.gov.
Upon completion of the application process CDE will confirm with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) the applicant’s assignment working at least 50 percent in an eligible high-priority school. LEAs will confirm completion of teaching assignments of at least 50 percent in an eligible high-priority school each of the candidate’s years obtaining certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Award
2024–25 Application Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Award Early Bird Application Window 1 Opens | September 3, 2024 |
| Applications Window 1 Closes | October 31, 2024 by 4 p.m. |
| Confirmation of Teaching Assignments with LEAs Window 1 Applicants | November 2024 |
| 2024–25 NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Award Application Window 2 Opens | November 7, 2024 |
| Applications Window 2 Closes | January 10, 2025 by 4 p.m. |
| Confirmation of Teaching Assignments with LEAs Window 2 Applicants | January 2025 |
| Subsidy Award Notifications | January 31, 2025 |
| Component Funds approvals sent to NBPTS for component registration | Ongoing through February 7, 2025 |
For additional information about the subsidy program, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions.