Chuncheon National University of Education (CNUE) announced that its acceptance rate for the 2025 Elementary School Teacher Certification Exam stands at 70.8%, ranking third among universities of education nationwide. 

This success is attributed to the impact of the government’s expansion of Neulbom Schools, changes made to the Teacher Certification Exam instituted by the Gangwon State Office of Education, and an increase in university programs preparing students for the exam. 

The nationwide introduction of Neulbom School programs in elementary schools has resulted in a 36% increase in the number of newly certified teachers by the state offices of education, rising from 3,157 in 2024 to 4,265 in 2025, which may have also contributed to this new record. 

In the case of the Gangwon State Office of Education, the evaluation criteria for the second round of the exam were adjusted, with the in-depth interview for teaching aptitude reduced from 70 to 40 points, while the classroom demonstration increased from 10 to 40 points. Starting in 2026, the Office announced that the points for the essay section in the first round of the exam will be adjusted from 100 to 20 points and that the abolished curriculum subject would be reintroduced with 80 points. 

Professor Ko Junghwa, the Dean of Student Affairs, remarked, “We will continue to expand and strengthen our mentoring programs, special lectures, and classroom demonstration programs to help students gain a competitive edge in the Teacher Certification Exam.”