Transferring your teaching license from Tennessee to Virginia
Transfer pathway available — expect Virginia exams + likely an interim license
Tennessee and Virginia both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect Virginia's certification exams (such as the VCLA) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
See 2,196 open teaching jobs in Virginia →License transfer finder
Your current credential (Tennessee)
- Issuing authority
- Tennessee Department of Education
- License type
- Apprentice License (3 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- Tennessee participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a Tennessee license; content exams may be required.
Virginia certification
- Issuing authority
- Virginia Department of Education
- License you'll earn
- Provisional License (3 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; Career Switcher Program can be completed in about 1 year
- Virginia reciprocity policy
- Virginia participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid licenses may receive a Virginia Provisional License; VCLA and RVE may still be required for elementary educators.
Exams typically required in Virginia
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on Virginia's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your certification area
- Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)Literacy skills for PK–6 educators
- Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE)Reading instruction for PreK–3 and elementary endorsements
Pass the VCLA exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the VCLA — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Tennessee credential is current. Virginia will request a verification of your active Apprentice License from Tennessee Department of Education.
- Apply through Virginia Department of Education. The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any Virginia-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but Virginia may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to Virginia districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 2,196 active openings — browse Virginia teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in Virginia with a Tennessee teaching license?
Tennessee and Virginia both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect Virginia's certification exams (such as the VCLA) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
What exams are required to teach in Virginia?
Virginia typically requires the VCLA exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to Virginia take?
Typically 12–18 months traditional; Career Switcher Program can be completed in about 1 year.
Who issues teaching licenses in Virginia?
Teaching licenses in Virginia are issued by Virginia Department of Education.