The 2026 training calendar marks a milestone for the National Board. For the first time, more classes will be taught virtually than in person. With 19 virtual classes scheduled, it’s a great opportunity to revisit what it means to enroll in and successfully complete a virtual training class.
So, how does a virtual classroom experience differ from attending in person?
For the training staff, it means continually exploring new ways to deliver material without the benefit of face-toface interaction or hands-on workshops in our inspection room. For students, it means making an extra effort to stay engaged - because everything happens on a screen rather than across a table.
Let’s look at a few key ways to make the most of your virtual training experience.
Set up your space for success: Choose a comfortable, quiet, and well-lit location with minimal distractions. We’ve all seen pets stroll across a desk or people moving in the background. Those moments distract not only you but everyone else in the class.
Mind your camera and audio: Attendance in virtual training is required, and we use your camera to confirm participation. Make sure it’s centered on your face – not your chin, forehead, or ceiling. (We’ve seen enough ceiling fans for a lifetime!) Cameras must remain on for the entire class; turning them off is the virtual equivalent of leaving the room.
Engage actively: Instructors are used to seeing raised hands in person – but in a virtual class, it’s easy for questions to get lost. Don’t hesitate to speak up when you have a question or something to add. You’ll usually be heard faster than if you wait for the “raise hand” icon to be noticed. Participate in discussions, answer questions, and share your experience when relevant. Our instructors prefer a lively, interactive class to one where they’re simply talking “at” the screen all day.
Preparing for Your Virtual Class
So, what should you do between enrolling and the first day of class to set yourself up for success?
Confirm your shipping information: About six weeks before your class begins, we’ll contact you to confirm your shipping address for training materials, which include manuals, homework assignments, and supporting documents. Please double-check and confirm this information promptly. Once materials are shipped, the delivery address cannot be changed.
Review your materials: When your box arrives, take a few minutes to open it and review what’s inside. Materials are organized in the order you’ll need them, making it easy to follow along during class. There’s a lot included, so if you don’t immediately see something, look again – 99% of the time, it’s there. Familiarizing yourself with the materials in advance helps you feel more comfortable once class begins.
Understand your exam options: One of the most common questions from virtual students is: “How do I take the exam?” It’s an important one, and we make sure that information is available from the start. Details about exams following virtual classes are posted at the top of the classroom catalog and can be reviewed before you enroll. We also review exam information at the end of each class and provide a quick overview at the beginning of every session.
Examinations are available in three formats:
- Participating National Board jurisdictions – offered on the first Wednesday of March, June, September, and December.
- Prometric testing centers – our on-demand, computer-based testing partner.
- The National Board campus – in-person testing available by appointment.
For most courses, you must complete the training before becoming eligible to sit for the exam. When you register for an exam, we verify course completion before processing your request.
Because training materials must be shipped in advance, enrollment for virtual classes closes earlier than for in-person courses. Class dates and seats are limited, so we encourage you to register as early as possible. Course descriptions, dates, and enrollment links can be found under the Education Center.