NBPTS MC/Generalist study plan
NBPTS MC/Generalist · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.