Professional Teaching WVBE-Approved Program (non-IHE)

A Professional Teaching Certificate (non-IHE) is a three-year certificate issued to applicants who have successfully completed an Option 3: State-Approved Coursework alternative program and meet teaching certification requirements as contained in Policy 5202, Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel and Advanced Salary Classifications.

Before You Apply

To apply for a Professional Teaching Certificate (non-IHE), the following requirements must be met:

• Successful completion of an Option 3: State-Approved Coursework alternative certification program
• Passed all required Praxis exams 
  • The Praxis Bridge/Alternate Pass Option is not available to completers of alternative certification programs that do not provide both content and pedagogy.
• Meet teaching certification requirements as contained in Policy 5202. 

General Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or hold eligible documentation (see Policy 5202)
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be physically, mentally, and emotionally qualified
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a qualifying GPA from an accredited college or university
• Have completed a state-approved alternative program or pathway
• Pass all required West Virginia Board of Education exams for the requested certificate and endorsement area
  • The Praxis Bridge/Alternate Pass Option is not available to completers of alternative certification programs that do not provide both content and pedagogy.

To send official transcripts to our office, please have your college or university email them to cert.transcripts.wvde@k12.wv.us. Transcripts must be received from the college or university, not the applicant.

Education Level

• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a qualifying GPA from an accredited college or university
• Have passed West Virginia Board of Education-required Praxis exams
  • The Praxis Bridge/Alternate Pass Option is not available to completers of alternative certification programs that do not provide both content and pedagogy

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.