VA certification
Virginia teacher certification
Teaching credentials in Virginia
Each row is a credential Virginia reported to Title II. Initial means a first credential for a new teacher. Years is the length of validity.
| Credential | Initial | Years | Renewable | Grade levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A Certificate - Provisional License | Yes | 3 | No | PK-6, 6-8, 6-12 |
| Type B Certificate - Collegiate Professional License | Yes | 10 | Yes | PK-6, 6-8, 6-12 |
| Type C Certificate - Postgraduate Professional License | Yes | 10 | Yes | PK-6, 6-8, 6-12 |
Requirements
Yes means the state reports the item as required for that credential. Tests shows only whether tests are required; Title II does not name the tests.
| Credential | Bachelor's | Master's | Education degree | Prep program | Tests | Performance assessment | Clinical | Coursework | Credit hours | Min. GPA | Transcripts | Employment | Mentoring | Recency | Background check | Fingerprint | Police check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A Certificate - Provisional License | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Type B Certificate - Collegiate Professional License | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Type C Certificate - Postgraduate Professional License | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Verify a teaching license in Virginia
Teaching licenses in Virginia are verified on the lookup service run by Virginia Department of Education. Search there by the teacher's name or certificate number to see current status.
PT3 does not verify licenses and holds no records of individual teachers.
Renewal
Renew times is how many times the credential can be renewed; renewal years is the length of each renewal.
| Credential | Renewable | Renew times | Renewal years | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A Certificate - Provisional License | No | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Type B Certificate - Collegiate Professional License | Yes | 99 | 10 | A license may be renewed upon the completion of 270 professional development points based on an individualized professional development plan, Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel, and Study in Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention. Professional development points may be earned through eight options. |
| Type C Certificate - Postgraduate Professional License | Yes | 99 | 10 | A license may be renewed upon the completion of 270 professional development points based on an individualized professional development plan. Professional development points may be earned through eight options. |
Emergency and temporary credentials
| Credential | Initial | Years | Renewable | Grade levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A Certificate - Provisional License | Yes | 3 | No | PK-6, 6-8, 6-12 |
Out-of-state teachers
Title II lists no separate out-of-state credential for Virginia. Ask Virginia Department of Education how it reviews licenses from other states.
Newly licensed teachers prepared out of state: 4,033.
Alternative routes
- Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Programs (teach while completing)
About Virginia certification
The Virginia Department of Education licenses teachers and administrators according to regulations adopted by the Board of Education. The department also administers regulations governing educator preparation programs to ensure that teachers enter the classroom with content knowledge and instructional skills aligned to the Standards of Learning and other objectives for learning and achievement.
The department also administers programs such as the registered apprenticeship and teacher residency programs to help school divisions recruit, train, and retain highly qualified teachers and recognize instructional excellence.
Using the Web address listed below, the reader may access additional licensure and other information relative to teacher preparation in Virginia.
References and Web Addresses:
Reference: Division of Teacher Education and Licensure
Web Address: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/teaching-in-virginia
How to become a teacher in VirginiaVirginia teacher preparation providers
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a teaching certificate in Virginia?
Virginia reports 3 credentials to Title II, 3 of them initial. 3 initial credentials require a bachelor's degree, 0 require a preparation program and 3 require tests. Apply through Virginia Department of Education.
How do I verify a teaching license in Virginia?
Licenses are verified on the lookup service run by Virginia Department of Education. PT3 does not verify licenses.
Can I renew a Virginia teaching certificate?
2 of 3 Virginia credentials are reported as renewable. Renewal details by credential are listed in the Renewal section.
Does Virginia issue emergency or temporary teaching certificates?
Yes. Title II lists 1: Type A Certificate - Provisional License.
Can I teach in Virginia with an out-of-state license?
Title II lists no separate out-of-state credential for Virginia. Ask Virginia Department of Education how it reviews licenses from other states.
Is there alternative teacher certification in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia reports 1 alternative route to Title II.