Licensure

Applying for Your Initial License

1. Click on link to open and complete an application for Virginia license.
    
   Application for initial license
   
   If you are applying for a PROVISIONAL LICENSE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION ONLY, use this form instead. 
   If you are applying for a TECHNICAL PROFESSIONAL LICENSE, use this form. 
    
   PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FORMS MUST BE IN THE SAME FORMAT AS PROVIDED IN THIS PACKET. THE FIRST PAGE OF THE APPLICATION CANNOT BE SPLIT INTO TWO PAGES AND THE SIGNATURE AND DATE MUST APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH OF THE PAGES. DOWNLOAD PRIOR TO COMPLETING OR PRINTING.
    
2. Application Form: Please respond to all questions. Sign and date both pages of the application. An authentic signature is required so you must bring or send the original form rather than a photocopy. 
    
3. Official Transcripts: You must submit transcripts from EACH college and university attended. If you received a degree from the institution, conferral information must be printed on the transcript. You may have electronic transcripts sent directly to Jenn Fox (jfox@ocss-va.org) via Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse. Colleges and universities not participating in the Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse networks will need to mail their official transcripts to the student. The transcripts should remain in sealed envelopes when submitted as part of your application packet. If you have attended colleges or universities outside of the United States, a foreign transcript evaluation will be required through an approved agency (check the VDOE Initial license application, Step 6 for more information.) 
    
4. College Verification Form: If you completed a teacher preparation program, you will use this form. You complete part 1 and then send or bring the form to the college or university where you completed your preparation program. An official there must complete and sign the remainder of the form. The form can be sent and returned by fax or email. If you did not complete a teacher preparation program, you do not need to include this form with your packet. If you hold an active, full, and renewable license without deficiencies from another state and are only seeking those endorsements, this form is NOT required for you. 
    
5. Report on Experience: If you have at least three years of K-12 experience at an accredited school, you will document this through the “Report on Experience” form. It must be completed by an official at your previous school or school district. This form can be sent and returned to you by fax or email. This is not the same form as the one needed to establish your salary step for our school division. This is a VDOE form. 
    
6. Professional Teacher’s Assessment Scores: You should include a copy of any test score reports from licensure tests REQUIRED IN VIRGINIA that you have taken. You should not include test results that are not required in Virginia. For more information on the tests required, review the information from the VDOE found here. 
   
   Individuals who hold an active out-of-state license (full credential without deficiencies) in a state other than Virginia may be exempted from the professional teacher’s assessment requirements. 
    
7. Copy of Out-of-State License: If you hold a current and valid license from outside of Virginia, you should include a copy of that in your licensure packet. 
    
8. Certificates of completion of all statutory requirements: Below is a listing of all statutory requirements for initial licensure in VA. Certificates confirming completion of these requirements must be included with your application packet. 
   
   Child Abuse Training Certification
   
   First Aid, AED, and Hands-On CPR Certification
   
   Dyslexia Training
   
   Behavior Intervention & Support Training
   
   School Counselors- Mental Health Training Certificate (if applicable)
   
   VA History or State and Local Government Module (if applicable) Required for anyone with an endorsement in Early-Middle Education K-8, NK-8, K-7, K-8,1-7, and 4-7, Economics, Government, History and Social Sciences, Middle Education 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, and 6-7, Middle Education 6-8 History & Social Science, History or Social Studies without History.
    
9. Verification of Industry Certification: This applies ONLY TO THOSE SEEKING INITIAL ENDORSEMENT IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION. See the following link for more information. 
    
10. Nonrefundable Application Fee:  Checks should be made out to the Treasurer of Virginia. There is a $100 fee for initial in-state licensure and $150 for  out-of-state licensure. 
     
11. Gather all of the completed forms and other items listed and do a final check to be sure required components are complete and in order. Completed application packets should be sent via Interoffice Mail to our Human Resources Office or dropped off at the School Board Office during business hours.

Renewal requests and questions about how to renew your license should be directed to Jenn Fox at jfox@ocss-va.org.

For more information on renewing a Virginia Teaching License visit the Virginia Department of Education website or check out the resources links provided.