This guide is intended to lead candidates through the National Board Certification process and help them address some of the challenges that past candidates have identified. This guide is divided into seven sections: (1) Am I Ready? contains information on those things candidates need to know and do before they begin putting together their portfolio or completing the exercises at the Assessment Center. It contains an introductory chapter, a chapter on certificate areas, a chapter on how to study the NBPTS Standards, and a chapter on collecting materials, planning and fees and frequently asked questions; (2) The NBPTS Portfolio contains information to help candidates create their portfolio entries. It includes chapters on following directions, collecting examples of their teaching practice, preparing written commentaries, and documenting their accomplishments; (3) NBPTS Assessment Center provides information and tips to help candidates complete their Assessment Center exercises successfully; (4) Scoring provides answers to some of the questions related to receiving and understanding scoring; (5) The Advanced Candidacy helps candidates who are still on the journey to obtaining National Board Certification think about the issues involved with continuing their pursuit of National Board Certification. This section contains information on evaluating which, if any, exercises to retake; (6) The Renewal Candidacy provides information about the Profile for Professional Growth for candidates who are ready to renew their National Board Certificates; and (7) Conclusion contains a glossary and survey. A glossary of terms is included. [For the "A Guide to Understanding National Board Certification: 2008 Candidacy Cycle," see ED500469.]