What do I do first?
Fill out the application forms as directed.
Is there a time limit for becoming certified once I have sent my initial application and fee?
Yes. The MTNA Professional Certification process must be completed within a two-year time limit from the date the application is received at MTNA Headquarters. If the process is not completed within two years, the applicant may request, in writing, a single one-year time extension, after which, an application extension fee will be assessed. (See Fee Schedule)
May college and university students apply for professional certification?
Yes; as long as a person meets the certification requirements, students are eligible to apply.
Will I have to study? Are study guides provided?
Depending on your particular situation you may have to take Proficiency Examinations in music theory, music history/literature and/or pedagogy/teacher education. Whether you would need to take time to study is up to you. MTNA provides a Study Guide for these examinations. A Study Guide also is provided to candidates who choose to Certification Examination option to the Certification Portfolio or Administrative Verification to meet Step II requirements. You may request a copy of the study guide from MTNA or view it now.
When and where will the tests be given?
MTNA is encouraging states and divisions to use the state and division meetings (convention) as a time for taking examinations. In addition, certification examinations will be administered at the national conference every year. After successful completion of the initial application, you will be sent an official MTNA Examination Site and Date List. Candidates may take examinations at any of the sites and dates on the official list.
How long will it take for me to hear if I am certified?
As you prepare your materials, it is important to send them all in one packet to expedite your application. MTNA realizes transcripts might be sent under separate cover. Until all materials are received, the evaluation process will not begin. Once the applicant’s materials are received, the packet will be sent to a National Certification Commissioner for evaluation. This application process will take approximately four to six weeks. Candidates will know examination results in approximately eight weeks.
May I use student teaching as my two years of teaching experience?
Yes; you may use supervised student teaching as long as there is proper verification of such work and you can document two years of teaching.
May parents or students write letters of recommendation?
Professional music educators writing letters of reference may be an NCTM, the applicant’s applied music teacher, major professor/advisor or student teaching supervisor, a dean, director or chair of a school of music or music department at a college/university, or a church musician. It is preferable that letters of reference be written by professional music educators who are not members of a candidate’s family, are not parents of a candidate’s students or are not the candidate’s students.
Can I charge more for lessons once I am certified?
MTNA Professional Certification increases the earning power potential for applied music teachers. Make your MTNA Professional Certification known in your newsletters, studio policies and brochures. Creating awareness among parents regarding professional development will help them understand your fee structure.
How many more times will this program change?
MTNA continually looks for ways to improve programs and make them accessible to more people. Most likely, there will not be another significant revision for five years.
What do I get when I become certified?
You will receive written notification that you are certified pending the successful completion of Step II: The validation and fulfillment of Standards II, III and IV by successfully 1) completing the Certification Examination, 2) submitting a Certification Portfolio or 3) obtaining Administrative Verification from a college or university administrator. Once you have been successful with either of these Step II options, you will receive notification with a certificate, a cop of the Guidelines for the Renewal of MTNA Professional Certification and a congratulatory letter for the MTNA Executive Director. In addition, you will receive a brochure entitled Getting the Most Out of MTNA Professional Certification.
If my certification is not approved, will I get a refund?
No; the time and materials required to evaluate an application are the same, whether or not the application is approved.
If my certification is not approved, will I know why?
Yes; the evaluators will provide the reason your application was not approved. In addition, you will be able to appeal any decision in writing to the MTNA Board of Directors.
If my certification is not approved, how long do I have to wait to reapply?
The answer depends on what part of the application was denied. There is no minimum waiting period.
I am certified, but I am no longer an MTNA member. Am I still certified?
Yes, but if you are not a member when you renew your certification, you will have to pay the nonmember renewal fee.
I have never gone to college and do not have a degree; can I still become certified?
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements.
I have only a few credits toward a degree; what do I have to do to become certified?
You must successfully meet the requirements.
I have not taught for several years and want to return to teaching. Will I have to wait two years to apply?
No; you may use any two years of teaching as long as you validate those two years.
Does the two-year teaching requirement mean that those two years must be consecutive?
No.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of students I should be teaching during this two-year period?
No.
Who should I call if I need help?
There is a certification chair in most local associations, a state certification chair in fifty-one states (including the District of Columbia) and seven division commissioners. Also, there is a person designated at the national headquarters to answer your questions. To find out the name and contact information for your division commissioner, call the MTNA national headquarters at (888) 512-5278.
Revised July 2005