The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) oversees the process of becoming a licensed public school teacher in the state. Securing a license is a prerequisite for employment in any of Virginia’s 132 public school divisions, ensuring instructors meet a consistent standard of professional preparation. The requirements verify an applicant’s academic background, subject-matter knowledge, and professional readiness. Aspiring teachers must navigate a system that validates their foundational education, mandates professional assessments, and requires administrative clearance through a formal application process.
Foundational Education and Preparation
Certification requires candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. While the degree does not need to be in education, the institution must be recognized by one of the six regional accrediting bodies. Most applicants must also complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). These programs provide the pedagogical training and instructional theory necessary for effective classroom management and teaching. Preparation also requires a supervised clinical experience, such as student teaching or an internship, providing hands-on practice prior to licensure.
Understanding Virginia’s Licensure Tiers
Virginia uses a tiered system of licensure to accommodate both fully prepared teachers and those finalizing requirements. The standard goal is the Collegiate Professional License, which is renewable and issued for ten years. This license is granted to individuals who have met all academic, testing, and experience requirements prescribed by the VDOE. Candidates who secure a teaching position but have not completed all criteria may receive a Provisional License. This temporary license is non-renewable and valid for three years, allowing the educator to teach while fulfilling any remaining conditions. The Provisional License helps the educator transition to the Collegiate Professional License within the three-year period.
Required Assessments for Certification
Virginia mandates that all licensure candidates pass standardized tests and complete specific training modules to verify competency. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in their area of instruction through the Praxis Subject Assessments. These examinations confirm an applicant’s knowledge in the specific subject they intend to teach, such as mathematics, history, or biology. Elementary and special education candidates must also pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) assessment, which measures the skills necessary to teach reading. The VDOE requires certification in Emergency First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). New teachers must also complete state-mandated training modules on child abuse recognition, dyslexia awareness, and cultural competency.
The Official Application Process
After completing educational requirements and passing assessments, the final phase involves submitting an application packet directly to the Virginia Department of Education. This packet must include official transcripts demonstrating the conferral of a bachelor’s degree and completion of the approved preparation program. Applicants must pay the required processing fees. A mandatory background check, including state and federal fingerprinting, is also required. The school division’s human resources department often assists in coordinating background checks and collecting materials before forwarding the application for final approval.
Alternative Paths to Licensure
Virginia offers structured pathways for professionals with a bachelor’s degree and significant career experience to transition into teaching without a traditional preparation program. The most prominent is the Career Switcher Program, designed for individuals with at least three years of full-time work experience. This route is available for middle and high school subjects, but not for elementary or special education endorsements. The program begins with Level I, an intensive preparation period often lasting 18 weeks; completion of Level I and required content assessments grants a one-year Provisional Career Switcher License. The second phase, Level II, involves a year of mentored, full-time teaching under the provisional license, combined with additional professional development, leading directly to the 10-year Collegiate Professional License.
Reciprocity for Out-of-State Teachers
Virginia participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates the transfer of licenses from other states. Licensure is not automatically granted, and out-of-state teachers must apply and demonstrate that their credentials are comparable to Virginia’s standards. Teachers holding a valid, full license from another NASDTEC member state can qualify for a Virginia license in a comparable endorsement area. They must still satisfy Virginia’s specific, non-academic requirements, such as mandated training modules in child abuse and cultural competency. Upon employment, the applicant may receive a Provisional License, providing a three-year window to complete any Virginia-mandated tests or training.
Maintaining and Renewing Your License
The Collegiate Professional License is valid for ten years and must be formally renewed with the VDOE. To maintain the license, educators must demonstrate ongoing professional growth by accumulating 270 professional development points (PDPs) during the validity period. PDPs can be earned through various activities. These activities include graduate coursework, professional conferences, curriculum development projects, and mentorship roles. Teachers must also verify completion of all statutory renewal requirements, such as updated training in first aid and CPR, before submitting the renewal application.