Renew a West Virginia Teaching Certification

West Virginia Certification Renewal:

• Initial or Provisional Certification Renewal:
Complete the renewal application (Form 4)

You must complete at least 6 semester hours of coursework. The following are 4 options for completing this coursework:
• courses required in a program leading to a master's degree
• courses related to the improvement of instruction and your own professional development
• courses needed for an additional endorsement
• courses prescribed by your superintendent based on your annual evaluation
• Submit a processing fee of $15 by check or money order made payable to the "West Virginia Department of Education"


• Convert an Initial Certification to a Professional Certification:
By converting your Initial Certification to a Professional Certification, your license will then be valid for 5 years.

The following are requirements for advancing your certification:
• Hold an Initial Certification.
• Meet all renewal requirements as stated above.
• Complete your teacher internship
• Complete at least 2 years of teaching experience (at least 1 year must be in West Virginia)
• Receive a recommendation for certification advancement from your employer
• Submit Form 4 from the West Virginia Deparment of Education.
• Submit a processing fee of $15 by check or money order made payable to the "West Virginia Department of Education"


• Professional Certification Renewal:
Requirements are the same as Initial Certification Renewal as stated above.


• Convert a Professional Certification to a Permanent Certification:
There are two avenues to converting your professional certification to a permanent certification.

Avenue 1:
• Be eligible to hold or currently hold a Professional Teaching Certification
• Currently hold a Master's Degree
• Successfully complete 5 years of teaching experience
• Receive a recommendation for certification from your district supervisor
• Submit Form 4 along with $15 fee by check or money order made payable to the "West Virginia Department of Education"

Avenue 2:
• Complete 2 renewals of a professional certification.
• Receive the recommendation of your West Virginia district Supervisor.
• Submit Form 4 along with $15 fee by check or money order made 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


• West Virginia Salary Advancement:
Enroll in a Master's degree program or doctorate degree program and then complete Form 12 from the West Virginia Department of Education website as you accumulate courswork credit and you will qualify for salary increases.

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.