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.
2026–27 Subsidy Application
The 2026–27 NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Application opens August 3, 2026. 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, 2026.
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.
2026–27 Eligible High Priority Schools List (XLXS)
2025–26 Eligible High Priority Schools List (XLXS)
2024–25 Eligible High Priority Schools List (XLXS)
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
2026–27 Application Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026–27 NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Award Application Opens | August 3, 2026 |
| Application Window Closes | December 18, 2026 by 4 p.m. |
| Confirmation of Teaching Assignments with LEAs | January 2027 |
| Deadline for LEAs to Confirm Teaching Assignments | January 22, 2027 |
| Subsidy Award Notifications | By February 1, 2027 |
| Component Funds approvals sent to NBPTS for component registration | Ongoing through February 22, 2027 |