Q. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GRADE THE EXAMS?
A. To ensure that scores released to examinees are accurate, the National Board conducts numerous post-exam procedures. These include:

• Accounting for all answer sheets which may include verifying that the bubbled-in examinee number is completed
• Carefully reading all comments made by examinees
• Researching certain questions based on the comments made
• Processing scores, including answer and scanning verification
• Comparing answer sheets to ensure that the computer scores match the hand-graded scores
• Proofing and posting scores to an individual’s permanent record
• Printing and releasing scores

This provides the examinee a very fair process. The process takes time, but examinees can be assured that it is the most accurate and fair process possible. Scores are posted online approximately six weeks after the examination. Written notification of scores are released to examinees approximately seven weeks after the exam. To view dates for a specific exam administration, see the NBCE Examination Information Brochure.

Q. WHAT DOES THE NBCE DO WITH EXAMINEE COMMENTS REGARDING TEST QUESTIONS OR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE EXAMS?
A. All examinee comments are reviewed by NBCE staff. Subject specialists review comments regarding exam content and appropriate changes are made if warranted. Exam administration comments are researched and forwarded to college and test administration personnel as necessary.

Q. HOW IS PASSING OR FAILING OF EXAMINATIONS DETERMINED?
A. The NBCE-recommended passing score is 375 and anyone who receives a score below 375 fails. A passing score of 375 is carefully maintained through a process known as equating. Equating means that the difficulty of the examination is consistent from one test administration to the next. State boards may require a different score, so it is important to check with the state in which the examinee is requesting licensure for its requirements.

Q. HOW MANY TIMES CAN AN INDIVIDUAL TAKE THE EXAMINATIONS?
A. While still enrolled as a student, an applicant may take the exam as often as necessary, provided approval has been given by the dean or registrar.

After graduation: There are NO current NBCE limitations.

Please be aware that some states impose a limit on the number of times an individual may take National Board exams.

Q. HOW DO I STUDY FOR THE NATIONAL BOARD WRITTEN EXAMS?
A. There are two aides provided by the NBCE: online sample tests and reference texts listed in the exam information brochure.

Q. WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL BOARD THINK ABOUT REVIEW COURSES?
A. A course emphasizing a review of concepts and principles may have value; however, the National Board believes that review courses that rely on rote memorization are of minimal value due to the high percentage of new material which appears on the National examination. In addition, the NBCE now offers sample exams on-line at www.nbce.org. Further, a list of recommended reference texts is located in the information brochure. The NBCE is not associated with any review course nor do we recommend any courses offered.

The NBCE would like all examinees to be aware that all NBCE examinations are copyrighted. Reproduction of NBCE test questions violates copyright law and may result in prosecution.

Q. DO NBCE EXAMINATIONS CONTAIN PREDOMINANTLY OLD OR NEW MATERIAL?
A. The majority of NBCE examination questions are new.

Q. IS IT TRUE THAT DURING THE SCORING PROCESS, NBCE WILL ELIMINATE QUESTIONS FROM THE EXAMINATION SO THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL FAIL?
A. This is NOT true. Occasionally, in post-exam review, if it is determined there is a flaw in a question, credit may be given for more than one choice. However, no credit is given if more than one answer is marked on an individual answer sheet. Questions are not eliminated.

Q. CAN AN EXAMINEE REVIEW HIS/HER TESTS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SCORED?
A. Due to exam security, the examinations themselves may NOT be reviewed by the examinee.

Q. CAN AN EXAMINEE APPLY FOR PART IV BEFORE PASSING
PARTS I & II?
A. An examinee must pass ALL of both Part I and Part II to be eligible to apply for Part IV.