The Certification Process

To apply for Certification as a Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE), you will be required to follow the mandatory process outlined below. Please be sure that you have also read our Certification Criteria and Certification Benefits pages.

 

Certification Application

 

You must submit the below documents in a three-ring binder in the same order in which they are listed on the checklist referenced below. Each document must be presented behind a separate, labeled tab in the binder. In the event that a given document is not applicable or available, the tab must still be included with a letter explaining the absence of the document. Failure to do so will result in delays in your certification or the binder being returned at your expense.

Application binders must contain the following:

  • Completed hard copy of certification application . you will fill out this application online but will also be required to include a hard copy in your application binder. Please note that the online application does not need to be completed in one sitting; you may have your information saved for subsequent sessions.
  • Signed, dated, and notarized affidavit/declaration page ("Declaration of Certification of Minority Status")
  • A $350.00 check or cashier's check payable to NCMSDC. The processing fee is non-refundable. NCMSDC does not accept credit cards.
  • Please provide copies of all required documents in a three-ring binder. Click Here to view the list of required documents. To be certified, you must provide a hard copy of all required documentation in the same order as listed. Additionally, each item must be presented behind a separate, labeled tab in the binder. In the event that a given document is not applicable or available, the tab must still be included with a letter explaining the absence of the document. Failure to do so will result in delays in your certification or the binder being returned at your expense. Please do NOT use plastic sheet covers in your application binder.

 

You must submit your binder to the following address:

NCMSDC
c/o Certification
460 Hegenberger Road, Suite 730
Oakland, CA 94621

NCMSDC must receive all requested items before we can begin processing your application.

 

Application Deadline & Timeline

 

Completed applications must be received (not postmarked) by the 21st of the month at 5:00 pm PST. If the 21st falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday at 5:00pm PST. The certification process typically takes between 45-60 days (and, in some cases, up to 90 days) depending on when the application is submitted and the completeness of supporting documentation.

 

Application Review

 

Completed applications are first reviewed by the NCMSDC Director of Certification. You will be notified if additional supporting documents or information are required. Only complete applications will then be reviewed by the Certification Committee, which meets during the first week of the following month.

Site Visit

Site visits are a mandatory part of the certification process. After the Certification Committee has reviewed your application and you have submitted all additional requested documents, NCMSDC will schedule a site visit with you during the second, third, or fourth week of the month. Your site visit will be conducted at your company's headquarters by NCMSDC staff or a member of the Certification Committee. If you have a home-based office, you will be required to meet with the site visitor at the NCMSDC office in Oakland, CA. Applications will not be approved without a completed site visit.

Approval/Denial

The Certification Committee reviews all applications and recommends approval or denial based on the evaluation and analysis of your application data and a site inspection of your business. NCMSDC's Board of Directors reviews the recommendation for approval or denial on the last day of each month and renders a final decision. If you are denied certification, you may submit a letter of appeal. Otherwise, denied applicants must wait one (1) year to reapply.

 

Certification Renewal

 

Should you become certified by NCMSDC, you will be required to renew your certification each year. It is your responsibility to maintain up-to-date certification yearly. Your certification expiration date will be listed on your hard copy paper certificate. While your registered contacts may receive a courtesy notification warning that your certification is due to expire, NCMSDC is not responsible for ensuring that an MBE gets recertified. Recertification remains the sole responsibility of each MBE. To identify or update your current registered contacts, click here.

If you are currently certified with NCMSDC and would like to renew your certification, please click here.

If you have additional questions please read our Frequently Asked Questions.

To apply for MBE Certification, click here.