I went through the process as a candidate for NBCT, and I assure you I don't feel that my time was wasted. It was a vehicle for re-evaluating myself as an educator, and finding better ways to utilize my resources. In additon to this, the pay increase is better than the pay increase that comes with a masters degree. This is a big help, since NC is one of the lowest paying states in the nation. Just like other things in life, you get out of it what you put into it. I am currently redoing a portion on my entries. It is my hope that by this time next year, I will be one of the proud educators of our state with the dinstinction of being an NCCT!