Initial Licensure for Qualifying Veterans

The Initial Licensure for Military Personnel (Form 20M) provides a pathway for qualifying veterans to apply for their Professional Teaching Certificate. In order to qualify, the following is required.  

To receive an Initial Professional Teaching Certificate through the Qualifying Veterans pathway, applicants must: 

• Have approved eligibility through Form MR  

• Be employed in a properly posted teaching position in West Virginia public schools  

• Meet all required assessments or approved testing exemptions for the endorsement area  

• Provide official documentation verifying military service, education, job posting, and endorsements  

• Hold an approved Form MR application
• Pass all West Virginia Board of Education required exams for the requested certificate and endorsement area 

• Have a county recommendation from the employing superintendent confirming placement in the appropriate endorsement area 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a qualifying GPA from an accredited college or university 
  • Please note: Degree must be aligned with the assigned teaching position 

For instructions on how to apply for a license to work in West Virginia public schools, follow the steps detailed on the certification application process page. 

If this is your first time using our Certification Portal, you will need to register. Follow the instructions for first-time applicants.