Teaching License Virginia: Requirements, Alternatives, and How to Get Certified

When you think about getting a teaching license Virginia, a state-issued credential that allows someone to teach in public schools across Virginia. Also known as Virginia teaching certification, it’s the official gateway to classrooms in public schools — but it’s not the only way to teach. Many people assume you need a full education degree and years of coursework, but that’s not always true. Virginia offers alternative routes for career changers, veterans, and subject-matter experts who want to get into teaching without starting from scratch.

There are three main paths: the traditional route through a university program, the alternative certification program (ACP), and emergency or provisional licenses. The ACP lets you start teaching while finishing your training — ideal if you have a bachelor’s degree in math, science, or English and want to switch careers. You’ll still need to pass the Praxis exams, a series of standardized tests used by Virginia and other states to measure teaching knowledge and skills, complete background checks, and submit transcripts. But you don’t need to enroll in a four-year education program. Some districts even hire you first and pay for your training later.

What if you don’t have a degree? You can still work as a substitute teacher, a temporary educator hired to fill in for certified teachers in Virginia with just a high school diploma and passing a background check. Many substitutes later move into full-time roles after earning certification. And if you’re teaching in a high-need area like special education or STEM, Virginia often fast-tracks applications and offers bonuses.

It’s not just about the license — it’s about where you teach. Rural districts struggle to fill spots, while urban schools often need bilingual teachers. Virginia’s Department of Education keeps a list of shortage areas, and if you’re willing to work in one, you can get loan forgiveness, stipends, or even tuition help. You don’t have to wait years to start. Some people begin teaching part-time in after-school programs or charter schools while working on their license.

There’s also a growing group of educators who skip the traditional license entirely — teaching online, running tutoring businesses, or working with homeschool co-ops. These roles don’t require state certification, and they’re growing fast. If you’re good at explaining things, you can build a career without ever stepping into a public school classroom. But if your goal is to teach in a Virginia public school, the teaching license Virginia is still the key.

What you’ll find below are real guides and stories from people who’ve walked this path — whether they got certified through an alternative program, passed the Praxis on their third try, or started as a substitute and became a full-time teacher in under a year. You’ll also see what’s changed in 2025, how to save money on fees, and which subjects have the easiest entry points. No fluff. Just what works.