Alternative Teaching Certificate

The Alternative Teaching Certificate (Form 25) is a one-year certificate issued to applicants who have been hired by a county to teach while completing the county’s alternative certification program. It can be renewed twice, for a total validity period of three (3) years. 

Before you Apply

To apply for an Alternative Teaching Certificate, the following requirements must be met:  

• Hired by a county to teach while completing a county’s alternative certification program
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a qualifying GPA from an accredited college or university (related degree or work experience required in certain situations)
• Passed Praxis exams may be required in certain situations
  • 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, 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, Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel and Advanced Salary Classifications)
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be physically, mentally, and emotionally qualified
• Hold a bachelor's degree with a qualifying GPA (related degree or work experience required for general endorsements)
• 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
• Received an offer of employment from a school district with an approved West Virginia Board of Education alternative certification program for the endorsement sought
• Have recommendation from the county Superintendent

General Education Endorsements Only

• Hold an academic major on an official transcript related to the endorsement area and/or educational or non-educational occupational qualifications related to the endorsement area
• 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. 

$35