NBCOT Scoring Dates 2026: When Results Come Out

How do NBCOT scoring dates work?

NBCOT scores every exam itself, then posts results on the dates in its scoring calendar. NBCOT’s own example: to get a result on a Thursday score date, take the exam by the Monday before.

Scores aren’t instant because NBCOT runs quality checks after each exam before it sends a report. It aims to post results on the scheduled date, but if something unforeseen stops that, it posts them as soon as it can. Any test-day complaint you file holds your score until NBCOT has investigated it.

NBCOT’s 2026 calendar: the last score dates of the year

Score date	Take the exam by
Thursday, December 3	Monday, November 30
Thursday, December 10	Monday, December 7
Thursday, December 17	Monday, December 14
Tuesday, December 22	Saturday, December 19

Testing stops for NBCOT’s yearly maintenance from December 20, 2026, to January 3, 2027, and starts again on January 4, 2027.
NBCOT’s office is closed from December 24 to January 3.
To be sure of an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter before the office closes, send your application, payment and final transcript or Degree Verification Form (DVF) by Thursday, December 17, 2026.

These dates come from NBCOT’s 2026 scoring calendar. For any date after January 3, 2027, check the live calendar on NBCOT’s scoring page.

How you get your NBCOT results

If you pass, NBCOT emails you when the result is posted. A second email explains your certification benefits and how to download your digital certificate, badge and wallet card. If it hasn’t come within five business days, email info@nbcot.org with your full name and certification number.
If you don’t pass, you get an email and a feedback report in MyNBCOT. What the report shows, and how long you wait to retake, are on the passing score page.
NBCOT doesn’t give scores by phone, fax or email, or to anyone else without your written consent.

What your score means →

If you tested with a Degree Verification Form

With a DVF, your score comes out on the score date only if NBCOT has already processed your final transcript. If it hasn’t, NBCOT releases the result 24 to 48 business hours after it approves the transcript, without waiting for the next score date, and sends it to any state boards you chose in the same time.

Sending your score to a state board

A state board doesn’t get your score unless you order a score transfer. NBCOT says every state except Hawaii requires one for a license. Ordered before you test, the transfer goes out within two to three business days of scoring; ordered later, within two to three business days of your request. Check with your board whether it wants a transfer after every attempt.

Score transfer fees →NBCOT certification and your state license →

Sources: NBCOT and 5 more. Checked October 2026.