NBPTS MC/Generalist study materials
NBPTS MC/Generalist study resources

NBPTS MC/Generalist study plan

NBPTS MC/Generalist · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Component 1: Content Knowledge

  • Map every content-knowledge objective in Component 1 to a personal confidence rating (1–5) and flag the lowest-scoring areas for priority study.

  • Review the assessment-item formats used in Component 1 and write a one-paragraph description of how each format is scored.

  • Build a content glossary covering the core subject-matter vocabulary you will need to define precisely under timed conditions.

  • Complete one timed practice set of constructed-response items and log your pacing per item.

Your checkpoint

A completed confidence map of all Component 1 objectives, with the five lowest-rated areas marked for review.

Week 2

Component 1: Content Knowledge

  • Deepen the two weakest subject areas by summarizing each key concept in your own words without consulting notes.

  • Analyze three sample constructed-response prompts and outline the evidence each would require.

  • Practice writing a full constructed-response answer within the time limit and self-score it against a rubric you build.

  • Identify and correct recurring errors from week 1 practice by rewriting those answers.

Your checkpoint

Two full-length, timed constructed-response answers with self-scored rubrics and revision notes.

Week 3

Component 1: Content Knowledge & Component 2

  • Complete a second timed Component 1 practice set and compare accuracy against week 1 baseline.

  • Read the Component 2 portfolio requirements and list every required artifact and written commentary.

  • Select the student-work samples you will analyze for Component 2 and confirm they meet the stated criteria.

  • Draft an outline for the first written commentary, linking each claim to specific evidence from the samples.

Your checkpoint

A Component 2 artifact inventory plus a full outline of the first written commentary.

Week 4

Component 2

  • Write the first Component 2 commentary in full, citing concrete evidence from the selected student work.

  • Revise the commentary against the scoring rubric, checking for analysis rather than description.

  • Draft the second commentary outline and gather supporting evidence.

  • Peer-review or self-review both drafts for clarity, accuracy, and alignment to standards.

Your checkpoint

Two complete Component 2 commentary drafts ready for revision.

Week 5

Component 2 & Component 3

  • Finalize and proofread all Component 2 written materials for submission readiness.

  • Read the Component 3 requirements and identify the video-recording and analysis expectations.

  • Plan the lesson or interaction to record for Component 3, aligning it to the required teaching standards.

  • Create an observation log template to capture evidence during the recorded session.

Your checkpoint

Submission-ready Component 2 portfolio and a written Component 3 recording plan.

Week 6

Component 3

  • Record the Component 3 session and review the footage against the required evidence criteria.

  • Timestamp key moments that demonstrate each targeted standard and note what each shows.

  • Write the Component 3 analysis, connecting each timestamped moment to a specific standard with justification.

  • Revise the analysis to ensure claims are evidence-based rather than descriptive.

Your checkpoint

A completed Component 3 written analysis with timestamped evidence mapped to each standard.

Week 7

Component 3 & Component 4

  • Finalize and proofread the Component 3 analysis for submission readiness.

  • Read the Component 4 requirements and identify the required documentation and reflection components.

  • Gather all evidence and documentation needed for Component 4 and verify completeness against the checklist.

  • Draft the Component 4 written reflection, linking documented evidence to professional growth.

Your checkpoint

Submission-ready Component 3 materials and a complete Component 4 evidence file with a draft reflection.

Week 8

Component 4 & Component 1: Content Knowledge

  • Finalize and proofread all Component 4 materials for submission readiness.

  • Revisit the lowest-confidence Component 1 areas from week 1 and confirm mastery with a short self-quiz.

  • Complete one final timed Component 1 practice set and compare results to your baseline.

  • Assemble a consolidated submission checklist and verify every component meets its deadline.

Your checkpoint

A final submission-readiness checklist confirming all four components are complete and verified.

Milestones

Week 4: Component 1 baseline established with two timed practice sets completed; two Component 2 commentary drafts written.

Week 6: Component 2 portfolio submission-ready; Component 3 recorded and analysis drafted.

Week 8: All four components finalized, proofread, and verified against a submission checklist.