How to Get a Teaching Certificate in Virginia: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

If you want to teach in Virginia’s public schools, you need a teaching certificate. It’s not optional. It’s the law. And while the process might seem confusing at first, it’s straightforward if you know the steps. No fluff, no guesswork-just what you actually need to do to get certified in 2025.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

You can’t get a teaching certificate in Virginia without a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t have to be in education-but if it isn’t, you’ll need to complete additional coursework later. Most people choose a degree in the subject they want to teach, like biology, history, or English. Others major in education and pick a concentration like elementary education or special education.

Virginia requires that your degree come from a regionally accredited college or university. That means community colleges, state schools, and private universities all count-as long as they’re accredited by one of the six regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Pro tip: If you’re still in college, check if your school has a partnership with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Some schools offer approved teacher preparation programs that make the certification process smoother.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

This is where most people get stuck. You can’t just pass a test and walk into a classroom. Virginia requires you to complete a teacher preparation program that’s approved by the state. These programs include:

• Traditional university programs (Bachelor’s + certification)
• Post-baccalaureate programs (for people who already have a degree)
• Alternative certification routes (like Residency Programs)

Traditional programs are the most common. They include student teaching, classroom management training, and pedagogy courses. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, you can enroll in a post-baccalaureate program. These usually take 1-2 years and include a full semester of student teaching.

Alternative routes exist for career changers. The Virginia Residency Program lets you teach under a provisional license while you complete your certification requirements. You’ll need a job offer from a Virginia school district first, and you’ll be mentored by a certified teacher while taking online coursework.

Step 3: Pass the Required Exams

Virginia uses the Praxis tests to measure your knowledge and teaching skills. You’ll need to pass two types:

1. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (or an approved alternative like SAT, ACT, or GRE)
2. Praxis Subject Assessments (specific to what you want to teach)

For example:

• If you want to teach elementary school: Praxis 5018 (Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects)
• If you want to teach high school biology: Praxis 5235 (Biology: Content Knowledge)

Virginia sets minimum passing scores. As of 2025, you need at least 150 on the Praxis Core Reading, 156 on Writing, and 162 on Mathematics. For subject tests, scores vary-check the VDOE Praxis requirements page for exact numbers.

Some candidates skip the Praxis Core if they scored high enough on the SAT or ACT. For example, a combined SAT score of 1100 or higher (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math) waives the Core requirement. Same goes for ACT: 24 composite score or higher.

Step 4: Apply for Your Initial Teaching License

Once you’ve passed your exams and finished your preparation program, it’s time to apply. Go to the Virginia Department of Education’s Certification Portal. You’ll need to:

• Create an account
• Upload official transcripts
• Submit official Praxis score reports
• Complete a criminal background check (fingerprinting)
• Pay the $125 application fee

The background check is handled by the Virginia State Police. You’ll get instructions after you submit your application. Don’t wait-fingerprinting can take 2-4 weeks to process.

Your initial license is called the Standard Professional I (SP I) license. It’s valid for three years and requires you to be employed in a Virginia public school during that time.

Step 5: Get Hired and Start Teaching

You can’t get your SP I license until you have a job offer. Most school districts hire in the spring for the next school year. Start applying by January if you plan to teach in the fall. Use the Virginia Public Schools Job Board to search for openings.

Some districts offer signing bonuses for high-need areas like special education, STEM, or rural schools. If you’re willing to teach in a shortage area, you might qualify for loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement.

Once hired, your school will help you complete the final steps. They’ll submit your employment verification to the VDOE. Your license will be issued within 4-8 weeks after all documents are in.

Step 6: Move to a Professional License (SP II)

Your SP I license lasts three years. To renew it, you need to earn a Standard Professional II (SP II) license. Here’s what you need:

• At least three years of full-time teaching experience in Virginia
• Completion of a master’s degree (any field, but education is recommended)
• Proof of continuing professional development (at least 180 clock hours of training)

The master’s degree doesn’t have to be in education-but if it’s not, you’ll need to show how the coursework relates to teaching. Many teachers choose online programs from Virginia State University, James Madison University, or Liberty University.

Professional development hours can come from workshops, conferences, college courses, or even online modules approved by the VDOE. Keep receipts and certificates. You’ll need them for renewal.

What If You’re Already a Teacher From Another State?

If you’re certified in another state, Virginia has reciprocity-but it’s not automatic. You need to apply for reciprocity through the VDOE portal. You’ll need to:

• Submit your out-of-state certificate
• Provide official transcripts
• Pass the Praxis Core (unless you’re exempt)
• Pass the Praxis subject test for your Virginia endorsement area

Virginia doesn’t require you to retake your subject test if your original state used the same Praxis test and your score meets Virginia’s minimum. But if your state used a different test (like FTCE or NES), you’ll have to take the Praxis.

Many out-of-state teachers get their initial license within 6-8 weeks if they have all documents ready. The biggest delay? Getting transcripts mailed from another state. Start this process early.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Waiting too long to take the Praxis. Some people wait until they graduate. Don’t. Take the Core exam while you’re still in college-you’ll remember the material better.
• Assuming your degree is enough. A degree in biology doesn’t make you a certified science teacher. You need the preparation program and the test.
• Ignoring the background check. A criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose everything. The VDOE reviews each case individually.
• Forgetting to renew. Your SP I license expires after three years. If you don’t renew, you’ll have to reapply from scratch.

Final Checklist: Are You Ready?

Before you apply, make sure you have:

• ✅ A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
• ✅ Completion of a state-approved teacher prep program
• ✅ Passing scores on required Praxis exams
• ✅ Official transcripts sent to VDOE
• ✅ Fingerprint clearance from Virginia State Police
• ✅ A job offer from a Virginia public school
• ✅ $125 for the application fee

If you’ve checked all these boxes, you’re ready to become a certified teacher in Virginia. The system isn’t perfect-but it’s clear. And if you follow these steps, you’ll get there.