How to Become a Teacher in Virginia

When you want to become a teacher in Virginia, a state-regulated process that requires certification, background checks, and passing specific exams. Also known as Virginia teacher certification, it’s not just about having a degree—it’s about proving you can teach effectively in public schools. This isn’t a shortcut. Virginia sets clear standards, and if you skip steps, you won’t get hired—even with a master’s degree.

The core of getting certified is the Virginia teaching certificate, the official license issued by the Virginia Department of Education that allows you to teach in public schools. It comes in different types: initial, professional, and temporary. Most new teachers start with an initial license, which requires a bachelor’s degree, completion of an approved teacher prep program, and passing the required exams. If you didn’t go through a traditional program, you can still qualify through alternative routes like the Virginia Teacher Preparation Program, a state-approved pathway for career changers and non-traditional candidates.

Two exams are non-negotiable: the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, a basic skills test in reading, writing, and math that all candidates must pass, and the Praxis Subject Assessment, a content-specific exam that proves you know your subject—whether it’s biology, history, or elementary education. You can’t bypass these. Even if you’re a PhD in physics, you still need to pass the Praxis for secondary science. The state doesn’t care how smart you are—it cares if you can teach it.

Costs add up fast. The Praxis exams alone can run $200–$300. Background checks cost around $30. Application fees for the certificate are $85. And if you need to take extra courses to meet Virginia’s requirements, tuition can hit $1,000 or more. But here’s the truth: most people who fail don’t fail because they’re unqualified—they fail because they didn’t plan. The process takes 6 to 12 months if you start from scratch. If you’re already teaching in another state, you might qualify for reciprocity—but Virginia still reviews your credentials case by case.

There’s no magic formula. No one gets hired because they’re "passionate." Schools hire because you checked every box: degree, exams, background check, application, and proof of completion. The system is strict, but it’s also clear. If you follow the steps, you’ll get there. And if you’re serious about teaching in Virginia’s classrooms, you already know the payoff is worth the effort.

Below, you’ll find real guides that break down every step—from which exams to take and how to study for them, to where to apply and what paperwork to send. No fluff. Just what works.