Permanent Paraprofessional Certificate
Summary of Requirements
Use Form 40 to apply for a permanent Paraprofessional Certificate. This certificate allows paraprofessionals to work in a classroom under the supervision of a professional educator.
Full Requirements
This Paraprofessional Certificate (Form 40) allows you to teach and supervise students in a support capacity under the supervision of a professional educator.
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 employed in the West Virginia public school system.
- Have recommendation from the county superintendent.
- Have passed the State Aide Competency test.
Education Level
Applicants must meet one of the following education requirements.
- Completed 36 semester hours of coursework from an accredited university and/or complete coursework through WV Learns
- Two (2) years of educational work experience supervised by a licensed professional may replace classroom management and/or special education credit hours. Confirm with your employer or review Policy 5202
- If you hold an Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS), Child Development Associate (CDA), or permanent Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) certificate, this may substitute for some credit hours. Confirm with your employer or review Policy 5202.
- Hold a valid or expired West Virginia professional teaching certificate (expired no more than five (5) years)
- Hold an equivalent and valid or expired out-of-state professional teaching certificate (expired no more than five (5) years)
To send official transcripts to our office, please have your program email them to cert.transcripts.wvde@k12.wv.us. Transcripts must be received from the college or university, not the applicant.
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.
Application Fee
$50