Certification is a process that validates an individual's qualifications for a specific field of professional practice.
It demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that which the individual knows and is able to do. It signifies
commitment to continued excellence in professional practice. In addition, it increases visibility, builds credibility,
provides a goal for personal professional achievement and validates expertise for the individual and to those
outside the field.
The MTNA Professional Certification program exists for teachers who teach music to students of any age level in
private or group settings. The program is based upon a set of five standards defining what a competent music
teacher should know and be able to do:
- Standard I: Professional Preparation
- Standard II: Professional Teaching Practices
- Standard III: Professional Business Management
- Standard IV: Professionalism and Partnerships
- Standard V: Professional and Personal Renewal
Upon fulfillment of these standards, applicants are granted the MTNA Professional Certification credential with the
designation, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). The credential and designation are granted without bias,
discrimination, or favoritism between MTNA members and/or non-members or any other arbitrary differentiation. In
order to maintain the MTNA Professional Certification credential and designation, NCTM must continue fulfilling the
program's standards through the renewal process.
The MTNA Professional Certification program is objectively administered in a uniform manner to ensure fairness,
accuracy, validity and integrity. Due process for reconsideration and reinstatement is included in the program for
certification candidates, renewal candidates and for those who already hold the MTNA Professional Certification
credential.
