Traditional Certification

• You can earn a teaching license in Virginia by completing an approved teacher education program. Most of these programs are four-year programs culminating in a Bachelor's degree. Upon completion of the teacher education program, you must pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment exam and the Praxis II test in the subject area you wish to teach. If you seek certification as a reading specialist or in special education, primary or elementary education, you must also pass the Virginia Reading Assessment exam. Virginia law also requires you to complete the required Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention training course before applying for a license.
  
  

Out-of-State Applicants

• If you are a licensed teacher in another state, or if you have completed an approved teacher preparation program at a non-Virginia four-year college or university, you can apply for a Virginia teaching license through reciprocity. Out-of-state teachers that are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards are also eligible for a Virginia license. Unless you have three years of verifiable teaching experience outside of Virginia, you'll be required to either take the Virginia teacher assessment exams or provide proof of passing scores on equivalent exams. The Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention Training is required for out-of-state applicants as well.
  
  

Alternative Licensure

• Virginia allows those who have not completed a teacher-training program to apply for licensure as well. With the recommendation of a Virginia school district, you can apply for licensure by meeting the education and experience requirements. Those seeking alternative licensure must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, with coursework in the specific endorsement areas, a qualifying score on the required exams, and at least five years of paid, full-time work experience in the area where they are seeking endorsements.
  
  

General Requirements

• Applicants for teaching licenses in Virginia must complete and submit the application for a Virginia license with the required paperwork and supporting documents. The application requires you to submit your Social Security number and authorization for a background check. Your application will also be checked against the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification database, to ensure that you have not had a teaching license revoked, denied, suspended or reinstated in other states. You will also need to submit verification forms for your education and student teaching experience, signed by a representative of your college or university, along with copies of your transcripts, exam scores and your out-of state license, if you have one. As of 2010, there is also a $25 application fee for teaching license applications. (See Reference 3)