How to Get Your Virginia Teacher Certification
Your Virginia teaching license is a gateway to a rewarding career. With a strong commitment to educational excellence and a diverse student population, Virginia offers a dynamic and meaningful environment for educators.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your teaching license in the Old Dominion State — from selecting an Educator Preparation Program to passing the required assessments and submitting your licensure application.
Virginia Department of Education
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) oversees teacher licensure and provides essential resources for aspiring and current educators. The department offers comprehensive information about licensure requirements, pathways to certification, and employment opportunities.
How to Become a Licensed Teacher in Virginia
Virginia offers multiple pathways to teacher licensure, accommodating traditional and alternative routes as well as options for educators licensed in other states.
Virginia Pathways
Virginia offers three main pathways to earning a teaching license:
1
Traditional Pathway
Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), including student teaching, and pass all required assessments. This is the most common route for individuals earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education.
2
Career Switcher Program
Designed for professionals transitioning into teaching, this program provides intensive training and classroom experience. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of full-time work experience, and complete a Level I preparation program.
3
Provisional Licensure
A temporary, three-year license is available to individuals employed by a Virginia educational agency who have not completed a traditional EPP. During the provisional period, candidates must meet all remaining licensure requirements.
Reciprocity Pathway
The Virginia Department of Education has a list of state-approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs). If you complete another EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you could earn your teaching certification in another state and use reciprocity to transfer the license to Virginia.
Example: Reciprocity via D.C.
Step 1: Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program. Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program is fully accredited and 100% online.
Step 3: Pass the required certification exams in D.C. These will vary depending on the subject and grades you wish to teach.
Step 4: Submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
Step 5: Complete and submit your application for a D.C. teacher certification.
Step 6: Apply to transfer your license to Virginia.
For more detailed information, visit the VDOE Licensure Reciprocity page.
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For comprehensive details on all licensure pathways and requirements, refer to the Virginia Department of Education’s Licensure page.
Benefits of Earning Your Virginia Teaching Certification
Comprehensive Perks
Virginia provides comprehensive health insurance packages that cover medical, dental, prescription drugs, and behavioral health services. Teachers are also part of the Virginia Retirement System.
High Demand for Teachers
Virginia has a strong demand for educators, with the number of secondary school teachers expected to increase by 11% from 2020 to 2030. The need is particularly high in areas such as special education, STEM subjects, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Professional Growth
The Virginia Department of Education supports teacher development through programs like Teacher Direct, which offers information on instructional resources, professional development, and grant opportunities.
Supportive Community
Virginia’s education community is known for its collaborative spirit. Teachers often benefit from strong professional networks, local education associations, and community engagement initiatives.
Licensure Types in Virginia
Virginia offers a structured licensure system for educators. The two primary types are Provisional Licenses and Collegiate Professional Licenses.
Provisional License
This is a non-renewable, three-year license for individuals who have not yet met all licensure requirements but have been offered employment by a Virginia educational agency. It allows educators to teach while completing the necessary criteria for a full license.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Obtain a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Employment Offer: Secure a teaching position in a Virginia public or accredited nonpublic school.
- Background Check: Successfully pass state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
- Plan Development: Collaborate with the employing school division to outline a plan for completing all licensure requirements within the provisional period.
Collegiate Professional License
This is a 10-year, renewable teaching license issued to individuals who have fulfilled all licensure requirements, including education, assessments, and experiential components.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Completion of an Educator Preparation Program: This may include student teaching or a comparable supervised experience.
- Passing Scores on Required Assessments: Successfully pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and any relevant Praxis Subject Assessments.
- Demonstration of Proficiency in Specific Areas: Examples include child-abuse recognition and intervention, emergency first aid, CPR, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
- Background Check: Successfully pass state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
In addition to Provisional and Collegiate Professional Licenses, Virginia offers Postgraduate Professional, Technical Professional, Online Teacher, School Manager, Division Superintendent, and International Educator licenses. For comprehensive information on licence types and requirements, visit the Virginia Department of Education’s Licensure page.
Virginia Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
Virginia teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
- Fulfill a student teaching internship for hands-on experience.
- Pass all required Virginia educator assessments.
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
- Submit all required application materials to the Virginia Department of Education.
Testing Requirements
Virginia teachers must complete a series of state-mandated assessments based on endorsement area and license type. Specific exams vary by grade level and subject, and are grouped into these key categories:
- Content Knowledge – Praxis Subject Assessments
- Reading Instruction Assessments (For Elementary and Special Education)
- Specialized Endorsement Assessments
For comprehensive information on testing requirements, visit the Virginia Department of Education Licensing Forms & Information page.
Education and Degree Requirements
Virginia requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If your degree is in a subject other than education, you can earn your license through an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Virginia Licensing Application Process
Once you’ve completed the requirements for teacher licensure in Virginia, you can apply online through the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) licensure portal. The application process involves submitting necessary documents, such as official transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, and payment of the application fee. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the VDOE Teacher Licensure page.
Virginia Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
The Virginia Department of Education provides a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs). If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you could earn your teaching certification in another state and use reciprocity to transfer the license to Virginia.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a licensed teacher in Virginia. We have answers.
How do I become a Virginia teacher?
Virginia offers three main pathways to a teaching license: Traditional, Career Switcher Program, and Provisional Licensure. You can also transfer a teaching license from another state through a process called reciprocity.
For more detailed information, visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Licensure page.
How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching license in Virginia?
Educators holding a valid teaching license from another state may qualify for a Virginia teaching license through reciprocity. Virginia recognizes out-of-state licenses and has established processes to facilitate licensure for experienced teachers. For detailed information, visit the VDOE Licensure Reciprocity page.
Do I need a teaching license to teach in Virginia?
Yes, in most cases, you need a teaching license in Virginia. Virginia offers a structured licensure system for educators. The two primary types are Provisional Licenses and Collegiate Professional Licenses. For comprehensive information on licensure types and requirements, visit the Virginia Department of Education’s Licensure page.
What are the requirements for Virginia teacher licensure?
The specific requirements for teacher licensure in Virginia vary depending on the license type and the subject or grade level you wish to teach.
In general, Virginia teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
- Fulfill a student teaching internship for hands-on experience.
- Pass all required Virginia educator assessments.
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
- Submit all required application materials to the Virginia Department of Education.
How do I maintain my Virginia teaching license?
Specific renewal requirements in Virginia vary depending on the license type.
- Provisional Licenses must transition to a full Collegiate Professional or Postgraduate Professional License within three years, often by completing assessments or required coursework.
- Collegiate and Postgraduate Professional Licenses are renewable every 10 years online through the VDOE.
For details regarding your specific license renewal requirements, visit the VDOE Licensure Renewal page.
How long does it take to become a licensed teacher in Virginia?
The timeline to become a licensed teacher in Virginia can vary depending on your educational background, the specific pathway you choose, and the time it takes to complete the required exams and training programs.
The Traditional Pathway, for example, could take around four years as you work to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, your path to teaching could be much quicker. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months. TEACH-NOW is 100% online, with rolling admissions, monthly start dates, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
Since Moreland is not a state-approved EPP in Virginia, it’s important to note that you would earn your teaching credential in another state and then transfer the license to Virginia through a process called reciprocity. For more detailed information, visit the VDOE Licensure Reciprocity page.
How much do Virginia teachers make?
Virginia teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. According to the National Education Association:
- The average annual salary for a Virginia teacher is $63,103.
- The average starting salary is $46,250, varying by district and experience.
Those with advanced degrees, such as a master’s in education (M.Ed.), may earn higher salaries.
How can I learn more about becoming a licensed teacher in Virginia?
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is the best resource to learn more about teacher licensure, endorsements, and pathways to teaching.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online Educator Preparation Program (EPP).