Beginning in 2025, PSEA is the approved provider of Act 48 hours for educators with a Pennsylvania instructional or specialist certificate who submit initial NBC or Maintenance of Certification (MOC) components.

Please see the FAQ below:

What do I need to do for PSEA to report my Act 48 hours?

• In the summer, NBPTS will send an email to all Pennsylvania educators who have completed at least one component for NBC or MOC during that calendar year. This will be sent to the email address on file with NBPTS. This email will include instructions for submitting the information PSEA requires to report your Act 48 hours. Following verification of the information provided, PSEA will report your hours to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Professional Education Record Management System (PERMS) within 30 days of the deadline provided in the email.

How many Act 48 hours will be reported?

• Each submitted component is worth 45 hours. Initial certification includes four components, for a potential total of up to 180 hours. MOC includes two components, for a potential total of up to 90 hours.

Do I earn Act 48 hours only if I am successful in the certification process?

• Act 48 hours are earned for component submission. However, hours will not be reported for a resubmission of the same component during the NBPTS certification window if Act 48 hours were already granted.

Will hours be reported each time I renew certification through the MOC process?

• Yes

How can I verify that my Act 48 hours have been reported?

• You can access your Act 48 records in PERMS.

How do I earn Act 48 hours for NBC prior to 2025?

• For submissions completed prior to 2025, PDE is the approved provider of Act 48 hours. PDE provides these hours for initial certification only. Contact PDE at RA-EDACT48@PA.GOV.

I did not receive an email from NBPTS. How can my hours be reported?

• Check the email address on file with NBPTS and your spam folder. If you did not provide permission for NBPTS to share your contact information or if your mailing address is outside of Pennsylvania, please email ProfessionalLearning@psea.org. PSEA cannot submit hours beyond June 15 of the following year.

Do I have to be a PSEA member to earn Act 48 hours for NBC or MOC component completion through PSEA?

• No, PSEA reports Act 48 hours for all NBC or MOC component completers. However, PSEA is only able to provide certification support to members. PSEA also provides several other opportunities to engage in high-quality professional learning. Click here to read about the benefits of PSEA membership.

I have a national certification from another organization. Can PSEA report Act 48 hours?

• PSEA is only an approved provider of Act 48 hours for submissions to NBPTS.

What do I need to do to maintain a valid and active PA educator certificate?

• General information can be found on PDE’s Certification webpage. PSEA members with specific concerns regarding their certificate should contact their local union leadership or UniServ Representative.

Can NBC count towards Level II certification?

• Yes, educators who hold a certificate issued by NBPTS may be issued a Level II certificate comparable in grade scope and content area upon application for Level II certification. Please visit PDE’s Level I to Level II page for more information.

I have a question regarding NBC or MOC fee support, stipends, salary advancement, or contract language. Whom do I contact?

• PSEA members should contact their local union leadership or UniServ Representative.

I have a question regarding NBC or MOC Act 48 hours that is not addressed here. Whom do I contact?

• Email ProfessionalLearning@psea.org.