The National Board of Executive Function Certification (NBEFC) awards professional credentials to qualified individuals who meet education, training, and examination requirements established by the Board. These credentials provide a trusted standard of competence for professionals working in executive function support.
Credential Designations
The Board currently awards three designations:
NBEFC-C | Credentialed Executive Function Coach
- Awarded to individuals who have completed approved executive function training programs and have passed the NBEFC examination.
- This designation is appropriate for professionals who provide coaching, skills training, or executive function support outside of licensed educational or clinical roles.
- Holders of the NBEFC-C credential may include executive function coaches, life coaches, and related practitioners.
NBEFC-E | Credentialed Executive Function Educator
- Awarded to licensed or credentialed teachers, academic specialists, and educational professionals who provide executive function support in schools or educational settings.
- Candidates must hold a degree in education or a related field and provide documentation of current or past teaching credentials.
- This designation affirms that the credential holder meets both educational standards and NBEFC’s executive function competency standards.
NBEFC-T | Credentialed Executive Function Therapist
- Awarded to licensed clinical professionals who integrate executive function support into therapy or counseling.
- Candidates must hold an advanced degree in psychology, counseling, social work, occupational therapy, or a related mental health field, and must provide proof of current licensure.
- This designation recognizes the integration of executive function expertise within clinical and therapeutic practice.
Public Registry and Verification
All credentialed professionals are listed in the NBEFC public registry. Each professional is assigned a unique Credential ID number that may be used for verification of active status. The registry includes the individual’s name, credential designation (C, E, or T), degree(s) as applicable, and credential status (Active, Expired, Suspended, Revoked).
Renewal of Credentials
Credentials are valid for a fixed term and must be renewed to remain active. Renewal requires proof of continuing education in executive function or related fields, submission of renewal dues, and agreement to the current Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Misuse of Credentials
Credentials remain the property of the National Board of Executive Function Certification. Unauthorized use of the NBEFC designation or misrepresentation of credential status may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation.
Credential Lookup
The National Board of Executive Function Certification maintains a public registry of credentialed professionals. Each individual who earns an NBEFC credential is issued a unique Credential ID number.
Employers, clients, and institutions may use this number to confirm the validity and status of a credential through our online Credential Lookup System.
The lookup tool allows the public to:
- Verify that an individual holds an active NBEFC credential.
- Confirm the specific designation earned (NBEFC-C, NBEFC-E, or NBEFC-T).
- View the professional’s degree(s) and credential expiration date.
- Check whether a credential is active, expired, suspended, or revoked.
Only credentials awarded directly by the Board are included in the registry. If no record is found, the individual does not hold an NBEFC credential.
The National Board of Executive Function Certification (NBEFC) has established a clear process for earning a professional credential. Each step ensures that candidates receive appropriate education, demonstrate competence through examination, and maintain high standards through continuing education and ethical practice.
The Board and the approved provider are committed to accessibility. All training materials, preparation resources, and examinations include closed captioning and are available in text format to support candidates who are hard of hearing or who require alternative formats.
Step 1: Complete Approved Education
All candidates must complete training through the approved accredited educational provider.
Current Approved Provider: The EF Institute
The training program is designed to:
- Educate candidates in executive function principles and applied strategies.
- Provide the educational foundation necessary to sit for the NBEFC examination.
- Conclude with a certificate of completion, which must be submitted with the exam application.
Step 2: Apply for the Examination
Candidates who complete the approved provider’s program may apply for the NBEFC examination.
Examination Details:
- Delivered online through the Board’s secure testing platform.
- Timed to ensure fairness and consistency.
- Evaluates knowledge, application, and ethical standards in executive function.
- Includes closed captioning and text-based accessibility options.
- Examination Format
- Format: Multiple-choice
- Number of Questions: 150
- Delivery: Online, through the Board’s secure testing platform.
- Timing: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Scoring: Candidates must achieve a passing score of 75% to be awarded a credential.
- The examination is designed to measure knowledge, applied understanding, and ethical standards in the field of executive function. Each question offers four possible answers, with only one correct response.
Examination Fee: $675 (non-refundable)
Step 3: Preparation Option
Candidates may elect to purchase the Preparation + Exam Package through NBEFC. Inquire at the email on the bottom of the page, to purchase.
Preparation + Exam Package: $1,275 (non-refundable)
- Includes exam preparation materials.
- Includes one examination attempt.
- All preparation resources include closed captioning and text-based options for accessibility.
Step 4: Retake Policy
Candidates who do not pass the exam may retake it under the following conditions:
- A minimum waiting period of 30 days is required before retaking the exam.
- Each retake requires payment of a Retake Fee of $275 (non-refundable).
- Candidates may attempt the exam up to three times in a 12-month period.
- After three unsuccessful attempts, candidates must complete additional training through the approved provider before reapplying.
Step 5: Earn the Credential
Candidates who successfully pass the examination are awarded one of the following designations:
- NBEFC-C Credentialed Executive Function Coach
- NBEFC-E Credentialed Executive Function Educator (requires a degree in education and a teaching credential)
- NBEFC-T Credentialed Executive Function Therapist (requires an advanced degree and/or professional license)
Each credential holder receives a unique Credential ID number and is listed in the NBEFC public registry for verification.
Step 6: Credential Renewal
NBEFC credentials are valid for two years. Renewal ensures that professionals remain current and uphold the standards of the Board.
Renewal Requirements:
- Renewal Fee: $395 every two years (non-refundable).
- Completion of 40 continuing education units (CEUs) through the approved provider.
- Agreement to uphold the NBEFC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Summary of Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Examination Fee | $675 | One exam attempt |
| Preparation + Exam Package | $1,275 | Includes study materials + one attempt |
| Retake Fee | $275 | Per attempt, after 30-day wait |
| Renewal Fee | $395 | Every two years, with 40 CEUs required |
Next Steps
Once you have completed training with the approved provider and received your certificate of completion, you may schedule your online examination or order the Preparation + Exam Package.
Please contact the Board at info@nbefc.org to begin the process.