Summary of Application Requirements
Review WVBE Policy 5202 and Certifications for complete requirements
Initial Application
- Application Fee: $35
- Payment link: https://wveis.k12.wv.us/certpayment/
- Validity Period: 5 years
- General Requirements: US Citizen or hold eligible documentation (see WVBE Policy 5202); good character; age 18; physically, mentally, and emotionally qualified
- Educational Level: A minimum of a high school diploma, a state-approved high school equivalency, or a degree, if applicable, through an accredited college or university.
- Non-Educational Work Experience: EMS endorsement requires holding four years of recent volunteer or paid work experience, which may include emergency room or emergency medical care, beyond the training period in the occupation to be taught. Fire Service endorsement requires holding four years of volunteer or paid work experience in the field of fire service.
- Coursework/Training: EMS endorsement requires successfully completing the EMT field-based experience and completing a WVDE approved instructor course. Fire Service endorsement requires completing an approved instructor training program and successfully completing the field-based experience in fire instructor training and providing verification of completion of required training in firefighting and hazardous materials.
- Credential: EMS endorsement requires holding a current West Virginia EMT, West Virginia Paramedic Certification, or National Registry EMT or Paramedic license AND holding a valid CPR instructor certification. Fire Service endorsement requires holding a current CPR certification and a First Aid or Advanced EMS certification.
- Testing: EMS and Fire Service endorsements require test scores reflecting a minimum of 85% on a WVDE approved examination(s)
- Employment Required: Yes
- Official Recommendation: Receive the recommendation of the employing Superintendent, ESC, Multi-County Vocational Center Director, ODTP Director or WVDE Adult Education Director.
- Primary Contact Info: Lori Wilson, llbuchan@k12.wv.us
Renewal
- Application Fee: $35
- Payment link: https://wveis.k12.wv.us/certpayment/
- Validity Period: 5 years
- Educational Work Experience: EMS endorsement requires 30 hours of teaching activity in EMS or related courses subsequent to the issuance of the license being renewed. Fire Service endorsement requires completing 30 hours of teaching activity in an approved fire service or related course subsequent to the issuance of the license being renewed.
- Coursework/Training: EMS and Fire Service endorsements require attending at least three approved instructor seminars subsequent to the issuance of the license being renewed.
- Credential: EMS endorsement requires holding a valid West Virginia EMT, West Virginia Paramedic Certification, or National Registry EMT or Paramedic license AND holding a valid CPR instructor certification.
- Employment Required: Yes
- Official Recommendation: Receive the recommendation of the employing Superintendent, ESC, Multi-County Vocational Center Director, ODTP Director or WVDE Adult Education Director.
- Primary Contact Info: Lori Wilson, llbuchan@k12.wv.us
Paper Application Instructions:
Paper Application Instructions:
Paper Application Instructions (only for those not available electronically):
Step 1: Download Application Form from the Application Forms Website.
Step 2: Print the paper application(s) and complete all required applicant information fields. Correspond with necessary entities (ex. school district, institutions of higher education, etc.) to acquire all required information and signatures for completion of the application.
Step 3: Payment for paper applications should be completed online prior to submitting an application to Office of Certification. Pay for paper applications at https://wveis.k12.wv.us/certpayment/. If employment within the West Virginia educational system is required for the license/certificate you seek, please verify with your employer that the application has been completed correctly before submitting an online payment.
Step 4: Submit the paper application for processing with all required supportive documentation (ex. official transcripts, etc.) to the Office of Certification. Pease mail to the following address:
West Virginia Department of Education
Office of Certification Services
Building 6, Suite 550
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25305-0330
Note: If you are employed within a West Virginia educational system, the application must be uploaded by the employer’s human resources office.
Step 5: If you are a first-time applicant for licensure (have never held a license/certificate issued by the WVDE), you will receive an email with a service code to make your background check appointment once the application is received by our office. You will need to follow these directions for first-time applicants. (*Note: This requirement does not apply to Forms 23 and 24B.*)