State hub

How to become a teacher in Virginia

Prep providers

Completers

2,744

Newly licensed

6,595

Colleges (IPEDS)

147

Credential rules change. Confirm current requirements with Virginia Department of Education.

Steps drawn from the state's data

Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
Complete clinical experience such as student teaching.
Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
Apply to Virginia Department of Education for an initial credential, such as Type B Certificate - Collegiate Professional License; Type C Certificate - Postgraduate Professional License.
Career changers can use one of 1 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.

Virginia teacher certification Alternative routes

Teacher preparation providers in Virginia

Provider	Program types	Enrollment	Completers
Averett University	Traditional	75	11
Bluefield University	Traditional	8	5
Bridgewater College	Traditional	128	36
Christopher Newport University	Traditional	72	34
College of William and Mary	Traditional	118	46
Eastern Mennonite University	Traditional	42	10
Emory & Henry College	Traditional	28	18
Ferrum College	Traditional	3	3
George Mason University	Traditional	1,342	270
Hampton University	Traditional	47	1
Hollins University	Traditional	22	0
James Madison University	Traditional	1,000	346
Liberty University	Traditional	913	612
Longwood University	Traditional	648	131
Mary Baldwin University	Traditional	165	22
Marymount University	Traditional	21	10
Norfolk State University	Traditional	24	20
Old Dominion University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	1,596	280
Radford University	Traditional	121	79
Randolph College	Traditional	10	3
Randolph-Macon College	Traditional	41	13
Regent University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	132	78
Roanoke College	Traditional	48	24
Shenandoah University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	326	110
Sweet Briar College	Traditional	5	1
Univ. of Mary Washington - COE	Traditional	373	81
University of Lynchburg	Traditional	41	14
University of Richmond	Traditional	82	23
University of Virginia	Traditional	294	117
University of Virginia at Wise	Traditional	81	19
Virginia Commonwealth University	Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based	689	171
Virginia Community College System	Alternative, not IHE-based	58	58
Virginia State University	Traditional	63	17
Virginia Tech	Traditional	149	67
Virginia Union University	Traditional	62	0
Virginia Wesleyan University	Traditional	24	11
Washington and Lee University	Traditional	5	3

About teacher preparation in Virginia

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