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 four designations:
NBEFC-C | Credentialed Executive Function Coach
- Awarded to individuals who have completed an approved executive function training program 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 or education.
- This designation recognizes the integration of executive function expertise within clinical and therapeutic practice.
NBEFC-O | Credentialed Executive Function Organization
Awarded to schools, districts, clinics, hospitals, and professional organizations that demonstrate a strong institutional commitment to executive function support. To qualify, organizations must credential at least 5 of their staff through NBEFC and provide documentation of structured executive function programming across their services. This designation affirms that the organization meets both professional development standards and NBEFC’s executive function competency benchmarks, signaling excellence at the institutional level. Please contact us directly for more information at info@nbefc.org
CEU Courses at NBEFC
NBEFC offers continuing education (CEU) courses that serve two purposes: they meet the two-year CEU requirement for credential renewal and allow professionals to highlight specialty areas in their practice.
Our current specialty CEU courses include:
- ADHD & Executive Function: Strategies to support attention, working memory, and self-regulation.
- Autism & Executive Function: Tools for flexibility, planning, and social cognition.
- Executive Leadership & Executive Function: Applications for workplace performance, leadership, and organizational growth.
These courses do not grant a credential by themselves and can only be taken once you have passed the exam. They can then be advertised as a professional specialty once you have received your credential from passing the exam. For example:
- “ADHD Coach”
- “Autism Coach”
- “Executive Coach”
This makes your expertise more visible to clients, employers, and colleagues while also ensuring you stay in good standing with your NBEFC credential.
Each CEU course provides high-quality, evidence-based training that expands professional skills and validates your commitment to ongoing growth.
Public Registry and Verification
All credentialed professionals are listed in the NBEFC public registry. Each professional or organization is assigned a unique Credential ID number that may be used for verification of active status. The registry includes the individual’s or organization’s name, credential designation (C, E, T, O), 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 or organization holds an active NBEFC credential.
- Confirm the specific designation earned (NBEFC-C, NBEFC-E, NBEFC-T, or NBEFC-O).
- 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 is 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.
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NBEFC Certification Pathway
Step 1: Enroll in the NBEFC Prep Program
All candidates begin with the NBEFC Exam Prep Program. This program is 100% online and designed to:
- Teach executive function principles and applied strategies.
- Build the foundation necessary to sit for the NBEFC examination.
- Provide real exam readiness through full practice testing.
Prep Details:
- Fee: $2,995 (non-refundable, multiple payment plans available)
- Includes 150 hours of guided preparation materials
- Includes 5 full practice exams with randomized questions drawn from a 400-question bank
- Access to all materials for 6 months (many candidates finish in 1-3 months)
- Closed captioning and text-based resources for accessibility
Step 2: Complete the Prep Program
Candidates must finish all modules of the prep program, including the practice exams, before they are eligible to purchase and schedule the board examination.
Step 3: Purchase and Schedule the Examination
Once the prep is complete, candidates purchase the NBEFC Examination.
- Exam Fee: $675 (non-refundable)
- Within 24 hours of purchase, candidates receive:
- Secure login credentials
- A personalized exam passcode
- Instructions for accessing the timed online exam
- The exam may be taken anytime of day.
- Candidates have 30 days from purchase to complete the exam.
Step 4: Sit for the Examination
The exam is delivered online through the Board’s secure testing platform.
Examination Details:
- Format: Multiple-choice
- Number of Questions: 150
- Duration: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
- Passing Score: 75%
Step 5: Retake Policy
Candidates who do not pass may retake the exam under these conditions:
- Minimum 7-day waiting period between attempts
- Each retake requires a $275 fee (non-refundable)
- Up to three attempts allowed in a 12-month period
- After three unsuccessful attempts, candidates must re-enroll in the prep program before reapplying
Step 6: Earn Your Credential
Candidates who pass the examination are awarded one of the following designations:
- NBEFC-C: Credentialed Executive Function Coach (no prerequisites)
- NBEFC-E: Credentialed Executive Function Educator (requires degree in education + teaching credential)
- NBEFC-T: Credentialed Executive Function Therapist (requires advanced degree and/or professional license)
- NBEFC-O: Credentialed Organization (requires 5 credentialed staff within the organization)
Each credential holder receives a unique Credential ID and is listed in the NBEFC public registry for verification. This Credential ID can be listed anywhere that you market your skills. You will also receive a credential badge to share on LinkedIn, social media, your website, email signature, or resume.
Step 7: Credential Renewal
NBEFC credentials are valid for two years. Renewal ensures professionals remain current and uphold Board standards.
Renewal Requirements:
Agreement to uphold the NBEFC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Renewal Fee: $395 every two years (non-refundable)
Completion of 2 CEUs through an approved course
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $675 | One exam attempt |
| Preparation – 150 Hour Exam Prep | $2995 | Includes study materials + 5 full practice exams |
| Retake Fee | $275 | Per attempt, after 7-day wait |
| Renewal Fee | $395 | Every two years, with 2 approved CEUs required |
Next Steps
Once you have completed the prep program, including the 5 full practice exams, you may schedule your online exam.