The Numbers Behind the Badge: National Board Certification by the Stats

When you think of National Board Certification, what comes to mind?

Maybe the word “accomplished.”
Maybe “rigorous.”
Maybe even “intimidating.”

But what about this word: common?

It might surprise you to learn that National Board Certification is becoming increasingly common across the U.S., with more and more teachers choosing to pursue NBC. And while the process is certainly demanding, the growing number of Board-certified teachers tells a powerful story—one of professional pride, teacher leadership, and student impact.

So today, let’s step back and take a look at the big picture.
Let’s talk numbers—who’s getting certified, where it’s happening, and what it all means for our profession.

So, How Many Teachers Are Board Certified?

As of the latest data from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS):

More than 137,000 teachers across all 50 states have achieved National Board Certification.

That number is growing every single year, with thousands of new candidates entering the process annually.

In fact, according to NBPTS:

In the 2022–2023 cycle, over 8,800 teachers earned certification.
And more than 25,000 teachers were actively pursuing certification or renewal during that year.

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent thousands of educators who chose to push themselves professionally, reflect deeply on their practice, and put students at the center of their growth.

Where Is Certification Most Common?

While teachers pursue National Board Certification in every U.S. state, some states and districts lead the way with especially strong support systems and incentives.

Here are the top five states by total number of NBCTs (as of 2024):

Rank	State	Number of NBCTs
1	North Carolina	~24,000
2	Florida	~14,000
3	Washington	~12,000
4	South Carolina	~9,000
5	California	~7,500

States like North Carolina and Washington have invested heavily in National Board Certification, offering salary increases, mentoring programs, and structured support cohorts. That investment has paid off—not only in the number of certified teachers, but in improved student outcomes and retention of accomplished educators.

Some districts—like Los Angeles USD, Chicago Public Schools, and Guilford County Schools (NC)—have hundreds or even thousands of NBCTs within their own systems. They often offer stipends, PD time, or leadership opportunities for Board-certified teachers.

Why Do So Many Teachers Pursue It?

Aside from the professional growth, many states and districts offer incentives for becoming Board-certified. These can include:

Salary bonuses or stipends (ranging from $1,000 to $10,000+ per year)
License renewal credit
Leadership opportunities (mentor roles, department chairs, PD facilitators)
Tuition and fee support for the application process
State scholarships for low-income school candidates

For example:

Mississippi, South Carolina, and Georgia offer automatic pay raises for NBCTs.
Washington State offers a 10% salary bonus, with additional incentives for teachers in high-need schools.
North Carolina provides 12% salary supplements for Board-certified teachers.

These policies don’t just reward excellence—they encourage retention and recognize the value of teacher expertise.

What Do We Know About the Teachers Who Certify?

Here are some national trends and demographics, based on NBPTS reporting:

Most NBCTs have 6–20 years of experience. That “mid-career” window is ideal for many teachers who feel ready to deepen their practice.
Over 50% teach in Title I schools. This shows that accomplished teaching is happening across diverse, high-need communities—not just in well-funded districts.
Elementary teachers make up the largest group, followed by middle and high school educators.
Many NBCTs go on to pursue roles as:
- Instructional coaches
- Curriculum developers
- Department leaders
- District PD coordinators
- State education policy advisors

Simply put: NBC opens doors.

Why Do These Numbers Matter?

They matter because they challenge the myth that National Board Certification is only for the elite or the few.

With over 137,000 certified teachers and counting, this is no longer a fringe path—it’s becoming a national movement. And it’s backed by decades of research showing that NBCTs positively impact student learning, school culture, and teacher leadership.

Studies have found that:

Students taught by NBCTs perform better on standardized tests than those taught by non-NBCTs.
NBCTs are more likely to stay in the profession long-term.
Schools with strong NBCT representation often experience stronger collaboration, mentorship culture, and teacher-driven innovation.

So when we talk about the numbers, we’re really talking about something bigger:
A collective commitment to excellence.
A profession that grows from within.
A movement to elevate what it means to teach well.

Where Do You Fit In?

Maybe you’re just learning about National Board Certification for the first time.
Maybe you’ve thought about it, but you’re not sure you’re ready.
Maybe you’re already in the middle of the process.

Wherever you are, know this:
You are not alone.

Thousands of teachers across the country are walking this path—with all the same doubts, questions, and hopes you might have. And with support, structure, and community, and high-quality resources, so can you.

If you’ve ever looked at a colleague with the NBCT badge and thought, “I could never do that”…
I challenge you to look again.
You can do it. One component, one reflection, one breakthrough at a time.

Because behind every statistic is a teacher who once thought, “Maybe I’m not good enough.”
And then chose to prove themselves wrong.

Want to explore certification stats in your own state or district? Visit http://www.nbpts.org and check out the interactive data tools. You might be surprised by how many NBCTs are already in your school community—and how many more are needed.