2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Virginia
Everything you need to know to earn a Virginia teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Virginia
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Virginia requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- 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
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Virginia Department of Education, including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Provisional License (valid 3 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Collegiate Professional License (5 years, renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the VCLA exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the VCLA — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Virginia
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Career Switcher Program: Intensive alternative route for career changers with 5+ years of work experience
- Teach For America (active in Richmond, Norfolk, and rural Virginia)
- Technical Professional License for industry professionals
- Virginia Troops to Teachers
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
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.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Virginia Department of Education directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Virginia?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Virginia teachers start around $40,000 and average $66,036 per year statewide.
Virginia Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Virginia — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Virginia Department of Education. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Virginia Department of Education before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Virginia
- How do I become a teacher in Virginia?
- Virginia certification is administered by Virginia Department of Education. The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores), Praxis Subject Assessments, Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA), Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE)), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months traditional; Career Switcher Program can be completed in about 1 year.
- What exams are required to teach in Virginia?
- Virginia requires the following exams: Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) (Basic reading, writing, and mathematics); Praxis Subject Assessments (Content 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). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Virginia teaching license valid?
- The initial Provisional License is valid for 3 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Collegiate Professional License which is valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Virginia with a license from another state?
- 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.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Virginia?
- Career Switcher Program: Intensive alternative route for career changers with 5+ years of work experience; Teach For America (active in Richmond, Norfolk, and rural Virginia); Technical Professional License for industry professionals; Virginia Troops to Teachers