First-Class/Full-Time Permit for Student Support
Summary of Requirements
A First-Class/Full-Time Permit is issued to individuals offered employment as a school counselor, speech-language pathologist, school psychologist, or attendance director by a West Virginia county public school system who do not hold a professional student support certificate. You can apply for this permit if:
- You are enrolled in an approved educator preparation program leading to licensure
- Please note, for school counseling and school psychology, a specific percentage of program completion is required.
- You have applied for a position where no certified candidate has applied
- The county Superintendent has determined you are the most qualified applicant for the position
Use Form 1S to apply for your initial permit and to renew your existing permit. This permit is valid for one (1) year. It can be renewed up to four (4) times, for a total of five (5) years.
When you have completed your approved educator preparation program you must pass all West Virginia Board of Education-required Praxis exams. Please note, attendance director does not require a content exam.
Full Requirements
The First-Class/Full-Time Permit for student may be issued to individuals offered employment as a school counselor, speech-language pathologist, school psychologist, or attendance director by a West Virginia county public school system who do not hold a professional student support certificate. An initial First-Class/Full-Time Permit may be issued to a candidate employed for a specific assignment who:
- Has completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree through an accredited college or university
- Is enrolled in coursework in an approved educator preparation program leading to licensure in the endorsement area
- Meets the general requirements, in accordance with Policy 5202, Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel and Advanced Salary Classifications
General Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or hold eligible documentation (see Policy 5202)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Receive an offer of employment for a position in the West Virginia county public schools where no certified candidate has applied
- Have recommendation from the county Superintendent
Initial Application
For your initial application, you must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Receive an offer of employment where no other certified candidate has applied for a posted position
- Be enrolled in an approved educator preparation program in the endorsement area that matches the posted position
- The signature of the designated institutional official is required to verify your enrollment.
- School Counseling requires 30% or 21 hours of program completion.
- School Psychologist requires 70% of program completion.
Renewal Application
To renew your permit, you must:
- Have continued employment in the same position for which the permit was issued
- Have completed six (6) hours of coursework in the approved educator preparation program leading to licensure
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA for each course
- Submit grade printout or unofficial transcripts for the renewal coursework
Application Submission
For instructions on how to apply for a license to work in West Virginia public schools, follow the steps detailed in the certification application process.
If this is your first time using our Certification Portal, you will need to register. Follow the instructions for first-time applicants.
Application Fee
$35