Virginia Teaching Certificate: How to Get Certified to Teach in Virginia

Getting a Virginia teaching certificate, an official license that allows you to teach in public schools across the state. Also known as a Virginia teaching license, it’s not just a formality—it’s the gatekeeper to every classroom in the state. Whether you’re fresh out of college or switching careers, Virginia doesn’t make it easy, but it does make it clear. You need a bachelor’s degree, passing scores on state-approved exams, and proof of background checks. No shortcuts. No guesswork.

The Virginia Teacher Assessment, a series of exams required for certification. Also known as VDOE assessments, it includes the Praxis Core for basic skills and the Praxis Subject Assessments for your teaching area. These aren’t optional. If you’re teaching math, you take the math test. If you’re teaching elementary, you take the elementary curriculum test. And if you’re coming from out of state, Virginia will compare your credentials to theirs—sometimes you’ll need extra coursework. The process isn’t the same for everyone. Alternative routes exist for career changers through programs like Virginia Alternative Teacher Preparation Program, a state-approved path for non-education majors to become licensed teachers. Also known as VATPP, it lets you teach while finishing your training, but you still have to pass the same exams and meet the same standards. Costs add up: exam fees, application fees, fingerprinting, background checks. You’re looking at $500–$800 before you even step into a classroom.

Timeline matters too. Most people take 6 to 18 months to complete everything, depending on whether they need to take classes first. If you’re already a college grad with the right major, you can apply for a provisional license while you finish your required training. But you won’t get hired without that certificate. Schools in Virginia don’t hire uncertified teachers—not even as substitutes. This isn’t like some states where you can teach on a temporary permit for years. Virginia expects you to be ready, or you’re not in.

Below, you’ll find real guides that break down exactly how to get through each step: which exams to take, how to study for them, what paperwork to file, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay certification. You’ll see what others have done, what costs they faced, and how long it actually took. No theory. No fluff. Just what works.