First-Class/Full-Time Permit for Student Support

Initial Application

The initial permit is valid for one (1) year. To apply, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or hold eligible documentation (see Policy 5202)
• Have good character
• Be at least age 18
• Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (regionally accredited college or university)
• Have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Be enrolled in a school psychologist, speech language pathologist (SLP), school counselor, or social services/attendance director program
  • You must have completed a certain percentage of your program to qualify:
    • School psychologist: 70%
    • SLP: 25%
    • School Counselor: 30% or 21 graduate semester hours, whichever is greater, where the candidate has commenced pre-clinical/field experience coursework
    • Social Services/Attendance Director: 25%
• Be employed in a vacancy where no other certified persons have applied
• Be recommended by the employing County Superintendent

You must submit an official transcript. To send official transcripts to our office electronically, email them to cert.transcripts.wvde@k12.wv.us. Electronic transcripts must be sent from the college or university to the Office of Certification.

Renewal

The permit renewal is valid for one (1) year, but is renewable up to four (4) times for a total of five (5) years. To renew this permit, you must:

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 across all required coursework
• Have completed six (6) hours of coursework
  • The designated college or university official's signature is required to verify your enrollment in the state-approved program.
• Hold a valid or expired West Virginia First-Class/Full-Time Permit and maintain employment in your current position
• Have recommendation from the employing County Superintendent
• Present your unofficial transcripts or a grade printout reflecting completed coursework for renewal

If this is your first time applying for a license, permit, or certificate with us, follow the instructions for first-time applicants.

1. Download the application form.
2. Fill in the applicant information. Work with your employer and your college or university to get the necessary signatures.
3. Pay the application fee online before submitting your application.
4. Submit your application and all supporting documentation to the Office of Certification. Please 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

$35