Please note: This information was last updated in 2023. Check with your state for the most recent information.

West Virginia

Contact Information

Address:
West Virginia Department of Education
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV 25305

Phone: 304-558-2681; Certification contact: 304-558-7010

West Virginia Department of Education: http://wvde.state.wv.us/teachwv/certification.html

Certification Requirements

Teacher Licensure Needed: Yes

Master's Degree Needed: No

Praxis II Library Media Content Test Needed: Yes, passing score of 138.

Other Testing Needed: Yes, the Praxis I and Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching Description: The Library Media license is an endorsement to the teaching license.

Evaluation Process for Licensure:

Criteria for eligible individuals:

An Initial Professional Teaching Certificate may be issued to a person who has completed:

• The general requirements for teacher licensure
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree (or a master's degree if required) through a regionally accredited institution of higher education
• Completed all state required praxis exams

Conditions for issuance (individuals must have completed and show evidence of the following):

• Must have completed an institution of higher education's state approved program which includes the recommendation of the designated official at school

OR

• Must meet all requirements for out-of-state-applicants

OR

• Meet all guidelines for alternative routes to certification

The Initial Professional Teaching Certificate shall be valid for no more than three years.

Reciprocity: Under West Virginia Code §18A-3-1 and as defined in WV Policy 5202 §126-136-16, out of state applicants seeking initial licensure in the state of West Virginia, based on reciprocity, are required to meet EACH of the following:

• hold a valid teaching certificate or a certificate of eligibility issued by another state,
• have graduated from a state-approved educator preparation program* at a regionally accredited institution of higher education;

AND

• have successfully completed a student teaching experience or equivalent in the state in which the approved program was completed.