How licensure works here
Virginia issues licenses through the Virginia Department of Education. You complete an approved program, pass the required tests, and earn an Initial (Provisional/Collegiate) license leading to renewable licensure. Virginia uses Praxis plus its own VCLA and RVE.
Which tests this state uses
Virginia’s tests:
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent test(s) for your endorsement area
- VCLAVirginia Communication and Literacy Assessment — reading and writing skills
- RVEReading for Virginia Educators — required for elementary, reading, and special-education candidates
- NoteSome requirements can be met via qualifying scores/coursework — confirm current options
What you need to get licensed
The typical path to an initial teaching license in Virginia:
- A bachelor’s degreeFrom an accredited college or university
- A state-approved teacher-preparation programCompleted at a college or through an approved alternative route
- Student teaching / clinical practiceSupervised classroom experience
- Pass the required examsSee the exams section above
- A background checkFingerprint-based criminal background check
- Apply to the stateSubmit your application and documents to the licensing agency
Other paths into teaching
Most states offer alternative routes for career-changers and those with a degree in another field. In Virginia, these typically let you start teaching while completing licensure requirements — through district or university alternative-certification programs, residencies, or emergency/provisional permits. Requirements (and the exams) are generally the same in the end. Confirm current options with the state.
Reciprocity & out-of-state licenses
Moving a license into or out of Virginia:
- Interstate agreementsMost states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which eases (but doesn’t guarantee) recognition of an out-of-state license
- You may still owe examsStates often require you to meet their own testing (or coursework) requirements, sometimes within a grace period
- Check both statesConfirm the specific steps with Virginias agency and your current state
Keeping your license current
Initial licenses are typically valid for a set number of years and renewed by completing continuing education / professional development (and sometimes advancing to a professional-level license). Confirm the renewal cycle and requirements with the state.
Tips for aspiring teachers
- Start with your prep programAn approved program will map the exact exams and steps for you
- Confirm the current testsStates revise required exams often — verify before you register
- Register for exams earlySeats and score-reporting timelines matter for your start date
- Budget for feesExams, fingerprinting, and application fees add up
- Keep your documentsTranscripts, scores, and verification forms speed up your application
Frequently asked questions
- What exams does Virginia require to teach?Virginia uses Praxis Subject Assessments plus the VCLA (communication/literacy) and the RVE (reading) for elementary and special-education candidates.
- Do I need a degree to teach in Virginia?Yes — at least a bachelor’s degree, plus an approved preparation program.
- Can I teach while I finish licensure?Often yes, through an alternative route or provisional permit — confirm with the state.
- Can I transfer my license from another state?Usually with steps — see the reciprocity section.
- Where do I confirm the exact requirements?Your state licensing agency and your preparation program (see below).
At a glance
- AgencyVirginia Department of Education
- ContentPraxis Subject Assessments
- Communication/literacyVCLA
- Reading (elementary/SPED)RVE
Official sources
Confirm current requirements with the official sources: