National Blindness Professional Certification Board

The National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) provides certification for professionals trained in the use of Structured Discovery methods and principles. This training is grounded in a consumer-based perspective that emphasizes that people with significant sight loss are normal people who can learn to use alternative skills and techniques to function competently and be productive members of their communities.

At present, NBPCB oversees three certifications which are based on Structured Discovery Training -- the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), and the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB). Additionally, the board oversees one credential that measures braille proficiency -- the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB). NBPCB also credentials Community-based Rehabilitation training Programs which conduct immersion and training of Structured Discovery Professionals and provide adjustment training for those experiencing significant sight loss – Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers (CSDTC)

NOMC Certification is a five-year renewable certification and is the only certification which can attest to an individual having met rigorous standards in the area of orientation and mobility teaching for the blind using Structured Discovery Cane Travel™ methods and principles.

NCRTB Certification is a five-year renewable certification and is the only certification which can attest to an individual having met rigorous standards in the area of rehabilitation teaching for the blind using Structured Discovery methods and principles.

NCATB Certification is a three-year renewable certification and is the only certification which can attest to an individual's having met rigorous standards in the area of teaching access and mainstream technology using Structured Discovery methods and principles. 

NCUEB is a five-year renewable certification that is specifically intended for professionals working with blind children or adults. This certification is not Structured Discovery-based, but attests only to the skill and knowledge in the use of braille. Actual teaching ability is not assessed.

Certified Structured Discovery Training Center (CSDTC) certification is a three-year renewal accreditation. Facilities holding this designation have demonstrated their use of Structured Discovery methods and principles and are approved to provide immersion, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities for individuals training to become Structured Discovery Professionals.

Our Code of Conduct is a public statement of the common set of values and principles used to promote and maintain high standards of behavior among those specialists in work with the blind who elect and are accepted to become Structured Discovery Professionals or those training facilities that are certified through this Board's certification processes.

Contact Us

NBPCB Office
PO Box 2373
Ruston LA 71273
318 299-7340
admin@nbpcb.org