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Frequently Asked Questions

 Click the question to see the answer.

 

Q: Where can I find the loan application online? (back to top)
A: You can only obtain a loan application from your district liaison. There is not an online application. It must be the carbon copy, completed, notarized, and sent to CERRA.

 
Q: What is the candidate ID number? (back to top)
A: You must apply with National Board at www.nbpts.org before you complete the loan application. At their site, you will have to pay $65 and National Board will give you an eight digit candidate ID number.

  
Q: Do I have to pay the $500 online when I apply with National Board? (back to top)
A: No. The loan covers the initial cost of the assessment fee. The only thing the candidate must pay the initial year is the $65 registration fee.


Q: Please explain how loan forgiveness works for teachers who teach in a below average or unsatisfactory school? (back to top)
A: Upon submission of all required materials for certification, one-half of the loan principal amount and interest shall be forgiven. The remainder of the loan is forgiven at the rate of 33% for each year of full time teaching in the same school regardless of whether that school exceeds an absolute rating of below average or unsatisfactory during the forgiveness period.


Q: The windows are the same for the next loan window and application window.  Can you do this simultaneously or do you have to apply for the loan first? (back to top)
A: There is a Step by Step flyer the teachers receive when they get their loan application from the district office. It will tell them in which order they need to proceed. First teachers need to complete the online application with National Board so they will have a candidate ID number. They need to be sure to release their name to the Third Party Payers on the application and pay the $65 fee. Then complete the loan application, notarized it, and send it to CERRA. The loan application must be completely filled out. 

   
Q: What happens if I take out the loan but separate from SC before score release? (back to top)
A: Loan recipients not achieving certification who resign, retire, or otherwise separate from the education field in South Carolina during the three-year period of the loan will be disqualified from loan forgiveness of any outstanding principal balance and interest. The candidate must repay the amount due to the State of South Carolina within six months of the resignation, retirement, or other separation from service.


Q: Can private school teachers apply? (back to top)
A: Yes they can apply for National Board. However, they are not eligible to receive the loan from the State of SC. That is for full time educators in public schools.


Q: Can teachers who through PACE apply for the loan? (back to top)
A: As long as they hold a valid teaching license for at least three years.


Q: If you presently teach middle school, but want to go back to teaching high school, which area should you try to certify in?  (back to top)
A: Look at your certificate areas and determine who you have access to student wise and what you know the most about.


Q: If you bank and receive a lower score the second time, does it replace your previous higher score? (back to top)
A: Yes, the last score you receive is the score that is counted. So it is important to choose your retakes carefully. If you choose to retake a 2.4 and you then score 1.5, the 1.5 is the score they will use.


Q: Can I use (ACE) American Council on Education graduate credits for any teacher certification purposes? (back to top)
A: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has announced that graduate credit in education has been recommended for teachers who have completed all requirements of the National Board Certification process and for those who complete it in the future. After researching this effort, the Division of Educator Quality & Leadership has determined that this graduate credit option is appropriate primarily for states that did not award renewal credit and/or grant bonuses to recipients of National Board Certification.

 South Carolina already provides

  • renewal credit which is equivalent to twelve hours
  • an annual bonus of $7500 for the life of the National Board Certificate
  • forgivable loans for the application fee

Due to these established incentives for teachers who earn National Board Certification, the South Carolina Department of Education will not accept the American Council on Education (ACE) graduate credit for any teacher certification purposes.

 

Q: I am a NBCT but thinking about only teaching part time. Do you know if the state supplements for part-time employment? (back to top)
A: The supplement is pro-rated depending on the amount of time that you are employed. Therefore if you are a .5 teacher, you receive .5 of the supplement.


Q: What do you know about the "Take One" opportunity from National Board? (back to top)
A: It is a great opportunity. You can find more information at www.nbpts.org.