How to Become a Teacher in Virginia

Virginia certification requirements, step by step

Each requirement below is stated as Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) publishes it, with the governing source cited.

1. 1

   Earn a bachelor's degree

   Complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Virginia requires a baccalaureate degree for standard teaching licenses unless a specific license type exempts the requirement.

   Source: doe.virginia.gov

2. 2

   Complete a VDOE-approved educator preparation program

   Finish a state-approved educator preparation program including student teaching or an approved clinical experience equivalent. The institution recommends you for licensure upon completion.

   Source: doe.virginia.gov

3. 3

   Pass required Praxis assessments

   Pass the Praxis subject assessments and any other assessments required for your endorsement area. As of July 1, 2024, the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) is no longer required; Praxis and endorsement-specific requirements apply.

   Source: doe.virginia.gov

4. 4

   Complete statutory training requirements

   Satisfy Virginia statutory trainings including dyslexia awareness, CPR/AED, emergency first aid, and child abuse and neglect recognition training as required for your license type.

   Source: doe.virginia.gov

5. 5

   Apply through VALO

   Submit your licensure application through the Virginia Licensure Online (VALO) system with official transcripts, assessment scores, and institutional recommendation.

   Source: valo.virginia.gov

Virginia's licensure landscape shifted in 2024 when the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) requirement ended on July 1, 2024, leaving Praxis subject assessments and endorsement-specific requirements as the primary testing gate for most candidates. Applicants who prepared under the old VCLA regime should confirm current assessment tables in VDOE's Licensure Assessment Requirements document rather than relying on outdated program checklists.

Beyond examinations, Virginia embeds statutory trainings directly into licensure eligibility. Dyslexia awareness, CPR/AED, emergency first aid, and child abuse recognition requirements reflect state code mandates that traditional university programs typically integrate but reciprocity candidates must verify independently. Missing a training certificate can delay VALO application approval even when Praxis scores and degrees are complete.

Renewal architecture offers flexibility with accountability. Educators on ten-year renewable licenses accumulate 270 professional development points over the validity period, while a five-year option requires 180 points. That dual-track system rewards educators who prefer longer license cycles but still ties renewal to documented professional growth rather than simple fee payment.

Reciprocity in Virginia is credential-specific rather than blanket. VDOE recognizes valid out-of-state licenses, graduates of approved out-of-state preparation programs, and National Board Certified Teachers through distinct pathways, each with its own assessment and experience documentation. Career changers should not assume a generic 'reciprocity agreement' waives Virginia's endorsement-level Praxis requirements without a VALO specialist review.

Required exams and fees

Virginia uses ETS Praxis subject and professional assessments (VCLA eliminated July 1, 2024). Fees and cut scores appear only when published by the cited source (as of August 2026).

Moving a license to Virginia

Virginia offers reciprocity for holders of valid out-of-state licenses, completers of VDOE-approved out-of-state educator preparation programs, and National Board Certified Teachers, subject to assessment and training requirements. VDOE reviews credentials individually; reciprocity is not automatic.

Official Virginia reciprocity guidance