Virginia Initial Teaching Certification
Gain the credentials you need

Initial Virginia Teaching Certification:

• Virginia Initial Teaching Certification


Through the traditional route to certification, a credential is issued to an applicant who has completed a Virginia teacher certification program.


• Step 1:
  
  
  Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs. Teacher Preparation Programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Capella University
• Ashford University
• Walden University


• Step 2:
  
  
  You will need to download and then complete the Virginia Initial Certification Application.


• Step 3:
  
  
  Attach a processing fee of $50 if you are in-state education program or $75 if you have come from out-of-state.
  
  Pay by check or money order and make payable to the "Virginia Department of Education"


• Step 4:
  
  
  Have the "College Verification Form" sent to your teacher education institute, completed and sent back to you.
  
  You will then need to send the form along with the rest of the application and other materials.


• Step 5:
  Submit a copy of your Professional Teacher Assessment scores with your application.
  
  You will need to pass the Praxis I, the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA), and the Praxis II subject exam.
  
  Find more information about the exams you will need to pass, where to take them, when to take them and how much these exams cost.


• Step 6:
  Request Official Transcripts for all coursework you have completed and submit these unopened envelopes along with your application (copies will not be accepted).


Have materials sent to this address:
Virginia Department of Education
Division of Teacher Education and Licensure
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120

Or contact the Virginia Licensing Office by phone at (804) 225-2022


• Step 7:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Virginia Alternative Teaching Certification


The alternative certification option in Virginia allows the teacher candidate to enter the classroom prior to the completion of a teacher education program.

In order to be considered for this Virginia Licensure option, you will need a recommendation from an official at the Virginia school district you wish to teach in and you will also need to have at least a Bachelor's degree in the subject area you wish to teach.

The Virginia certification you will receive is a Non-renewable Provisional License that is valid for 3 years. During this time you will need to complete all requirements to qualify for a Virginia Initial 5-year renewable certification.

For information about how to begin an alternative certification program in Virginia, call this number (804) 225-2022 or visit this website.

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.