Frequently Asked Licensure Questions

Do I quality for a professional license if...

...I hold a valid out-of-state teaching license or have completed an approved teaching program from a regionally accredited college or university?

If you come into Virginia from any other state, you may qualify for a Virginia teaching license with comparable endorsement areas if you meet at least one of the following two conditions. First, you completed a state-approved teacher training program through a regionally accredited four-year college or university. Second, you hold a valid out-of-state teaching license, which must be in force at the time you apply for a Virginia license. If you are seeking licensure, you must establish a file with the Department of Education by submitting a complete application packet, which includes official transcripts. You must also satisfy a professional teacher’s assessment prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education.

...I am interested in becoming a guidance counselor, a school social worker, or a school psychologist?

You need a pupil personnel services license. This is a five-year renewable license available to those who earned an appropriate graduate degree from an accredited institution with an endorsement as a guidance counselor, a school psychologist, a school social worker, a special education speech language pathologist, or a vocational evaluator. This license does not require teaching experience or an assessment exam.

...I am changing careers and have a bachelor’s degree?

It depends on your major and the subject area you are interested in teaching. The Virginia Department of Education uses an alternate method to determine if you meet minimum requirements for licensure. If you are considered for this alternate method, you will have to meet a total number of credit hours in a specific subject area. You may also be required to satisfy specific coursework related to that subject area. In addition, you must satisfy the professional studies requirements and a professional teacher’s assessment prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education. If you don’t meet the above requirements you should contact a four-year college or university of your choice.

What is an endorsement area?

It is the subject area that you are licensed to teach.

Do I need a master's degree to teach in Virginia?

No, only certain endorsement areas require a master's degree.

Do I need a Virginia teaching license to be offered a contract?

No, but you must be eligible for licensure. If you are offered a contract, the licensure office will help you in the application process.

Where can I get more licensure information?

Find coursework requirements for each endorsement area and licensure renewal information the the Virginia Department of Education website (www.pen.k12.va.us)