West Virginia Initial Teaching Certification
Gain the credentials you need

Initial West Virginia Teaching Certification:

• West Virginia Initial Teaching Certification


Through the traditional route to certification, a credential is issued to an applicant who has completed a West 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 West Virginia Information Sheet (Form 20-T)


• Step 3:
  
  
  You will need to request Fingerprint Cards from the West Virginia Department of Education.
  
  email to this address: stmward@access.k12.wv.us to request fingerprint cards to be sent to you.
  
  You will need to have your fingerprints taken at a West Virginia Police Department or at the West Virginia Department of Education. Fingerprint cards will be sent along with the rest of your application materials.


• Step 4:
  
  
  Download and complete the Recommendation Form (form 4-B) if you are not employed by a West Virginia School District.
  
  Otherwise have your supervisor write you a recommendation for certification.


• Step 5:
  Download and complete Form 7 (Release of Information form). This form authorizes the West Virginia Deparment of Education to access your criminal history records for the purposes of certification.


• Step 6:
  Attach Official Transcripts for all coursework you have completed. Copies will not be accepted.


• Step 7:
  Have the Institutional Recommendation Form (Form 20-A) downloaded and completed by your teacher education institutions certification officer.


• Step 8:
  You will need to successfully complete the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills exam and the appropriate Praxis II content examinations required by the West Virginia Department of Education.


• Step 9:
  Include a processing fee by check or money order in the amount of $34 for the background check and $15 for each form attached to your information sheet.
  
  Make payable to the "West Virginia Department of Education"


Have materials sent to this address:
West Virginia Department of Education
Office of Professional Preparation
Building 6, Room 252
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, West Virginia 25305

Or contact the West Virginia Licensing Office by phone at (304) 558-7010


• Step 10:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!

• West Virginia Alternative Teaching Certification


The alternative certification option in West Virginia allows the teacher candidate to enter the classroom prior to the completion of a teacher education program. This certification is valid for 1 year and may be renewed twice.

In order to be considered for a West Virginia Alternative Certification, you will need to first be offered employment in a teaching shortage area in a West Virginia School District.

You will also need to have at least a Bachelor's degree with 2.5 GPA out of a 4 point scale.

You will need to obtain passing scores on the Praxis I and Praxis II assessments or otherwise obtain exemption.

You will also need to complete a West Virginia State Police and FBI background check.

Download a West Virginia Alternative Teaching Certification Application (Form 25)

Call for Alternative certification specifics at (304) 558-7010

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.