Virginia Teaching Certificate Timeline Estimator
Estimate Your Certification Timeline
Enter your current situation to see how long it will take to get your Virginia teaching certificate.
Want to teach in Virginia’s public schools? You can’t just walk into a classroom with a bachelor’s degree and start teaching. You need a teaching certificate. It’s not complicated, but it’s not optional either. Every public school in Virginia requires it. And if you’re coming from out of state or switching careers, the path might look different than you expect. Here’s exactly how to get your teaching certificate in Virginia in 2025.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
You can’t skip this part. Virginia requires all certified teachers to hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. It doesn’t have to be in education - many people switch into teaching later in life with degrees in history, math, biology, or even business. But if you’re planning ahead, choosing an education-focused program can save you time later.
Some universities in Virginia, like James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University, offer undergraduate programs that combine your degree with teacher preparation. These programs include classroom observations, student teaching, and coursework aligned with Virginia’s standards. If you already have a degree, you’ll need to complete a post-baccalaureate or graduate-level teacher preparation program.
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program
This is where most people get stuck. You can’t just take a few online courses and call it done. Virginia requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs are offered by:
- Colleges and universities (traditional route)
- Alternative certification programs (like Virginia’s Residency Licensure Program)
- Approved online providers (like Relay Graduate School of Education)
These programs cover:
- Child development and learning theories
- Classroom management strategies
- Instructional methods for your subject area
- Special education basics
- At least 10 weeks of supervised student teaching
Student teaching isn’t a formality - it’s where you learn to handle real classrooms. You’ll be observed, graded, and expected to plan lessons, assess student work, and communicate with parents. If you’re doing an alternative route, your placement will be in a Virginia public school under a mentor teacher.
Step 3: Pass the Required Exams
Virginia uses the Praxis series for teacher certification. You’ll need to pass two types of exams:
- Praxis Core (or approved equivalent): Tests basic skills in reading, writing, and math. You can substitute this with SAT, ACT, or GRE scores if they meet Virginia’s minimum thresholds.
- Praxis Subject Assessments: These vary by grade level and subject. For example:
- Elementary Education: Praxis 5018 (5001 for K-6)
- Mathematics (6-12): Praxis 5161
- English Language Arts (6-12): Praxis 5038
- Special Education: Praxis 5354
You must pass these before applying for your license. Scores are valid for 10 years. If you’re applying for a license in a high-need area like math, science, or special education, you might qualify for a temporary license while you wait to retake an exam - but you still need to pass eventually.
Step 4: Apply for Your License Through the Virginia Department of Education
Once you’ve met the education and exam requirements, you apply online through the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) portal. You’ll need to submit:
- Official transcripts
- Praxis score reports
- Proof of completion of your teacher prep program
- Fingerprint background check (through IdentoGO)
- Application fee ($125 as of 2025)
You can apply for one of three license types:
- Initial License: Valid for three years. For first-time teachers who completed a state-approved program.
- Residency License: For those in alternative certification programs. Also valid for three years.
- Provisional License: For out-of-state teachers or career changers who haven’t completed all requirements yet. You must complete the missing pieces within two years.
Processing takes 4-8 weeks. You’ll get an email when your license is issued. You can print a temporary copy to start teaching while you wait for the physical card.
Step 5: Maintain and Upgrade Your License
Your Initial or Residency License lasts three years. To renew it, you need to:
- Complete 180 professional development hours (or 18 graduate credits)
- Pay a $125 renewal fee
- Submit proof of completion through the VDOE portal
After holding your Initial License for three years and meeting the renewal requirements, you can apply for a Professional License. This is valid for five years and doesn’t require continuing education unless you’re moving into a new subject area.
If you earn a master’s degree in education or a related field, you can upgrade to a Professional License sooner - and it often leads to higher pay in Virginia school districts.
What If You’re Coming from Another State?
Virginia has reciprocity agreements with many states, but it’s not automatic. You’ll still need to:
- Submit your out-of-state license and transcripts
- Pass Virginia’s required Praxis exams (even if you passed them elsewhere)
- Complete the fingerprint background check
- Apply for a Provisional License
Some states have similar standards - like Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. If you’re from one of those, the process is smoother. But if you’re from a state with lower requirements, you may need to complete additional coursework or training.
High-Need Areas: Get Help Faster
Virginia has teacher shortages in specific areas. If you’re willing to teach in one of these, you can get support - and sometimes faster certification:
- Math
- Science (especially physics and chemistry)
- Special Education
- Foreign Languages (Spanish, Arabic)
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Early Childhood Education
Programs like the Virginia Teaching Fellows and the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program offer grants, loan repayment, and mentoring for teachers in these areas. Some school districts even pay for your Praxis exam fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people delay their certification because they make these errors:
- Waiting until the last minute to take the Praxis exams - scores take weeks to process.
- Using non-approved online programs - not all are accepted by Virginia.
- Forgetting to request official transcripts - unofficial copies won’t work.
- Skipping the fingerprinting - it’s mandatory, and delays can hold up your license.
- Assuming out-of-state licenses transfer automatically - they don’t.
Plan ahead. Start your Praxis prep six months before you want to teach. Contact the VDOE early if you’re unsure about your program’s approval status.
Where to Get Help
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
- VDOE Certification Office: Call (804) 225-2628 or email [email protected]
- Virginia Education Association: Offers webinars and mentorship for new teachers
- Local school districts: Many have hiring coordinators who walk you through the process
- Virginia’s Alternative Route to Certification (VARC): For career changers - check varc.virginia.gov
There’s no secret shortcut. But if you follow these steps, you’ll get your certificate without unnecessary delays. Teaching in Virginia is demanding - but it’s also rewarding. And with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to make a real difference in a classroom by next fall.
Can I teach in Virginia without a teaching certificate?
No, you cannot teach in a Virginia public school without a valid teaching certificate. Private and charter schools may have different rules, but they still prefer certified teachers. Some districts may hire you under a Provisional License if you’re working toward certification, but you must complete the requirements within two years.
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in Virginia?
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, the process usually takes 12 to 18 months. This includes completing a teacher prep program, passing exams, and waiting for approval. If you’re starting from scratch with no degree, it could take four to five years. Alternative certification programs can shorten the timeline to 9-12 months if you’re full-time.
Do I need a master’s degree to teach in Virginia?
No, you don’t need a master’s degree to get your initial teaching license. But you will need one to qualify for a Professional License after three years, and most school districts pay higher salaries to teachers with advanced degrees. Many teachers earn their master’s while teaching to advance their careers and increase their pay.
Can I teach in Virginia with a degree from another country?
Yes, but you’ll need to have your foreign degree evaluated by a VDOE-approved credential evaluation service like WES or ECE. You’ll also need to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program in the U.S. and pass the required Praxis exams. English proficiency may be tested if your degree was not taught in English.
What if I fail a Praxis exam?
You can retake any Praxis exam after a 21-day waiting period. You’ll need to pay the fee again, but many test centers offer free prep resources. Virginia allows multiple attempts, and your highest score counts. Don’t delay - start studying again right away. Some school districts offer reimbursement for retake fees if you’re hired.
Next Steps: What to Do Today
If you’re serious about teaching in Virginia, here’s what to do right now:
- Visit doe.virginia.gov and download the latest certification handbook.
- Check if your degree program is approved by Virginia - search the VDOE’s list of approved institutions.
- Register for the Praxis Core and your subject exam. Schedule them at least six months before you plan to start teaching.
- Contact your local school district’s hiring office - they can tell you which subjects are in demand.
- Start gathering transcripts and plan your background check through IdentoGO.
Teaching in Virginia isn’t easy - but it’s doable. Thousands of people make the switch every year. You just need to follow the steps, stay organized, and keep moving forward. Your classroom is waiting.
