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/certportal/
  • Validity Period: 1 year
  • General Requirements: US Citizen or hold eligible documentation (see WVBE Policy 5202); good character; age 18; physically, mentally, and emotionally qualified.
  • Education Level: Enrolled in a WVBE approved teacher-in-residence program
  • Grade Point Average: Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in the area of specialization
  • Coursework/Training: Meets coursework/training requirements of teacher in residency agreement between the IHE and County.
  • Testing: Individuals must pass all WVBE required exams for basic skills and content proficiency. Applicants must pass WVBE required Principals of Learning and Teaching exam or educational teacher performance assessment as required by the IHE upon program completion to apply for a professional certificate.
  • Employment Required: Offer of employment as a teacher-in residence, based upon qualifying employment.
  • Official Recommendation: Superintendent in the county in which the applicant will serve as the Teacher-In Residence AND the Designated College Official
  • Primary Contact Info: Lori Wilson, llbuchan@k12.wv.us

Electronic Application Instructions:

Electronic Application Instructions:

Step 1: If this is your first time submitting an electronic application through the WVDE Certification Portal, you will need to register. As part of the registration process, you will be prompted to either use an existing webtop account if you have been employed in the West Virginia school system or register to create a webtop login.

Step 2: Once you have completed the registration process and have a webtop account, you may submit an electronic application.

Step 3: Depending on your employment status with a WV educational system, or if institutional verification is required, you may be able to proceed to payment at this time. If your application requires county/institutional approval, you will receive an email notification once it is completed so that you may proceed to pay for your application.

Step 4: When the application is ready for payment, you will receive an email notification with instructions for online payment. Applications will not be processed by the Office of Certification until the online payment has been processed. Applicants may follow and review the status of their application via the certification portal.

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.*)

You may also download and review our Background Check Guidance document.

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