
State Review
The state review takes place in December and January. State review teams evaluate applications based on the standards found in the 11 Principles Framework. Schools receive a score-sheet with comments citing strengths, areas of growth, and potential Promising Practices. Character.org announces the schools and districts that have met the criteria for state certification at the end of January. State certification is valid for five years. Schools and districts that achieve state certification are invited to participate in the national review that same year using the same application.
Schools that receive state certification may choose to wait before applying for national certification. This option provides schools time to address feedback received from the state review team that will help strengthen their application. Schools that receive state certification have five years in which they may apply for national certification. Schools may use the same application but are encouraged to submit a new application if they have made significant changes to their initiative or if applying in years 3, 4, or 5 of their state certification period. When submitted, the application will only be reviewed at the national level.

National Review
The national review, based on the information highlighted in the state application, takes place in February, March, and April. Character.org assigns a national evaluator to visit each school or district. The type of site visit (virtual or in-person) will be determined by current conditions and other factors.
All national applicants receive a score-sheet and a detailed report citing strengths and areas of growth. Character.org announces the schools and districts that have met the criteria for national certification in May.

International Review
Schools outside the United States submit their application in English and follow the same review process but use the name of the city where the school is located for certification if they meet the criteria of the first level of review, and the name of their country if they meet the criteria of the second level review. Schools invited to participate in the second level of review will receive a virtual or in-person site visit. The type of site visit will be determined by current conditions and other factors.

Recertification
National Schools and Districts of Character applying for recertification submit a complete application in the year they are to be recertified. (Note: Please apply for recertification in the beginning of the 5th year of your National designation to prevent a lapse in status. For example: 2022 NSOCs would apply in the fall of 2026 for certification in 2027.) They are recertified first at the State level and then at the National level.