NBPTS EAYA World Languages study guide
NBPTS EAYA World Languages · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
National Board Certification in World Languages for the Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (EAYA) age band is a voluntary, performance-based credential for teachers of languages other than English working with students roughly ages 11 through 18. It is offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and is designed to recognize accomplished practice rather than to license entry into the field. The NBPTS EAYA World Languages study guide has 6 sections and about 1,458 words.
01Knowledge of Students and Language Development
This domain tests how you use adolescent and young-adult development and second-language acquisition research to make instructional decisions: proficiency-level placement, differentiation, and the design of supportive interaction. The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines describe what learners can do in unrehearsed communication at Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior, and Distinguished levels.
285 words, about 1 min02Language and Culture: Interpersonal Communication
This domain tests your ability to design spontaneous, unrehearsed interaction in which learners negotiate meaning and sustain conversation in the target language. Interpersonal communication is two-way and spontaneous; both participants contribute, clarify, and repair breakdowns.
236 words, about 1 min03Language and Culture: Interpretive Communication
This domain tests how you select authentic spoken, written, and visual texts and assess comprehension without requiring learners to produce a parallel text. Use authentic materials such as menus, podcasts, infographics, and news clips.
255 words, about 1 min04Language and Culture: Presentational Communication
This domain tests how you plan, scaffold, and assess one-way speaking or writing for an audience, including drafting, revision, and mode-appropriate rubrics. Presentational communication is planned and rehearsed or revised, but it remains proficiency-based; audience and purpose shape language choices.
235 words, about 1 min05Planning, Instruction, and Assessment for Language Learning
This domain tests backward design, standards alignment, integrated performance assessment, formative feedback, and proficiency-based grading. Backward design starts with an essential question and enduring understandings, then assessment evidence, then learning activities.
224 words, about 1 min06Professional Learning, Collaboration, and Advocacy
This domain tests how you use evidence to grow professionally, collaborate across roles, and advocate for world language programs. Reflective practice follows a cycle: examine student work or feedback, set a goal, pursue professional learning, implement, and reassess.
223 words, about 1 min