North Carolina Principal Portfolio Assessment (NCPPA)

Performance assessment consisting of three leadership tasks:

• Task 1: Leadership through a Vision for High Student Achievement
• Task 2: Instructional Leadership for a Professional Learning Culture
• Task 3: Leadership in Observing, Assessing, and Supporting Individual Teacher Effectiveness

Each task is divided into four components of leadership action that reflect the cycle of leadership inquiry and learning, as shown below.

You are welcome to review the NCPPA assessment materials now. Registration and submission will open on October 7, 2025.

• Candidate Assessment Handbook
• Review Task 1
• Review Task 2
• Review Task 3
• Administrative Field Guide for Principal Preparation Programs
• Template

The following evidence charts provide a list of all required work products for each NCPPA task, as well as a description of supported file types for submission.

• Task 1 Evidence Chart
• Task 2 Evidence Chart
• Task 3 Evidence Chart

NCPPA District Informed Consent Form Template

This is an example of a district consent form for candidates to obtain their superintendent's permission to complete the work for Task 3 (Leadership in Observing, Assessing, and Supporting Individual Teacher Effectiveness). This form template explains the project and the task the candidate will be completing and asks the superintendent to grant the candidate permission to gather the information and video record both the teacher observation and the post-observation meeting. Candidates should consult with their program faculty and district supervisors about requirements to obtain formal district consent and use district-required forms, if available. Otherwise, we recommend that candidates use this form.

NCPPA Teacher Informed Consent Form Template

This is an example of a teacher consent form for candidates to obtain a teacher's permission to complete the work for Task 3 (Leadership in Observing, Assessing, and Supporting Individual Teacher Effectiveness). To complete his or her assignment as part of Task 3, a candidate will gather relevant information about the teacher and his or her class, conduct a pre-observation meeting, observe the volunteer teacher and video record one or more class lessons, conduct and video record a post-observation meeting, and solicit the teacher's feedback. This form explains the project and the task the candidate is completing, explains the confidentiality of the student, and grants the candidate permission BY THE TEACHER to provide information required for the candidate to complete the task and video record both the teacher observation and the post-observation meeting. Candidates should consult with their program faculty and district supervisors about requirements to obtain teacher consent and use district-required forms, if available. Otherwise, we recommend that candidates use this form.

NCPPA Parent/Guardian Informed Consent Form Template

This is an example of a parent/guardian consent form for candidates to obtain permission to video record their children's classroom as part of observation work for Task 3 (Leadership in Observing, Assessing, and Supporting Individual Teacher Effectiveness). This form explains the project and the task the candidate is completing, explains the confidentiality of the student, and obtains parental/guardian consent for the candidate to have permission to video record the classroom as part of a teacher observation. Candidates should consult with their program faculty and district supervisors about requirements to obtain parental/guardian consent and use district-required forms, if available. Otherwise, we recommend that candidates use this form.

NCPPA Student (Over 18) Informed Consent Form Template

This is an example of a student (over 18) consent form for candidates to obtain permission to video record the classroom observation work for Task 3 (Leadership in Observing, Assessing, and Supporting Individual Teacher Effectiveness). This form explains the project and the task the candidate is completing, explains the confidentiality of the student, and obtains student consent for candidate permission to video record the classroom as part of a teacher observation. Candidates should consult with their program faculty and district supervisors about requirements to obtain student consent and use district-required forms, if available. Otherwise, we recommend that candidates use this form.

Preparation materials for the NCPPA, including assessment support resources and user guides for the ePortfolio system, will be posted here as they become available.

View the submission deadlines associated with each reporting date.

• Task 1: $125
• Task 2: $150
• Task 3: $150

The North Carolina Principal Portfolio Assessment is not a nationally normed assessment. It is standard operating procedure for Pearson to provide guidance to states in establishing cut scores, but it is ultimately up to each state to determine a) what the cut score is and b) when and how it takes effect. We defer to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to communicate that information to candidates.

Candidates will receive a score and feedback in a score report.

When registering for the NCPPA, candidates must agree to abide by all program policies and rules. These will be posted here when registration opens in October.

When will more information be available?

Information regarding registration, usage of the ePortfolio system, and NCPPA policy will be available October 7, 2025. You are invited to register and take the assessment (if you qualify—see below).

Who is required to take the NCPPA?

With the passage of Session Law 2024-57, any candidate who has not completed at least one course towards a degree or licensure-only program by August 31, 2025, will be required to complete the NCPPA for obtaining a principal license. Candidates are required to register for and pay a fee to complete each NCPPA task.