Professional Teaching Alternative Certification Program (Option 4)

A Professional Teaching Certificate (non-IHE) is a three-year certificate issued to applicants who have successfully completed the Option 4: WVDE Alternative Certification 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 the Option 4: WVDE 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:

• 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 West Virginia Board of Education required 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 institution, 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 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. 

User Guides

• Applicant User Guide - Form 20WV
• County User Guide - Form 20WV

$35