License Testing Requirements

By Program for Initial (M.A.T.) and Advanced (M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D.)

Critical Update:

Virginia licensure tests required. Out-of-state tests not accepted: REQUIRED Scores for Virginia licensure


          VCLA registration and study guide    www.va.nesinc.com       

          Praxis II registration and study guide      www.ets.org/praxis

Elementary (M.A.T.)

  • Licensure tests by Gate 3 [passing scores PRIOR to Gate 3]
  • Praxis II 0014 Elementary Content Knowledge = 143
    • *Note: The latest paper-based Praxis II testing date for spring 2012 student teachers is the 7/23/2011 test administration. The latest paper-based Praxis II testing date for fall 2012 student teachers is the 1/14/2012 test administration.
    • OR Praxis II 5014 Elementary Content Knowledge (electronic) = 143
  • VCLA (Writing = 235; Reading = 235; Composite = 470)
  • Praxis II RVE (Elem/Sped) = 157 (7/2011 and after)
    • or VRA001=235  (prior to 7/2011)
    • EDUC 554 required BEFORE taking the RVE. RVE now available out-of-state (Instructions).

Secondary (M.A.T.)

  • Licensure tests - [passing scores PRIOR to Gate 3]
    • Praxis II Content Knowledge (test codes and scores for each endorsement)
      • *Note: The latest Praxis II testing date for spring 2012 student teachers is the 7/23/2011 test administration. The latest paper-based Praxis II testing date for fall 2012 student teachers is the 1/14/2012 test administration.
    • VCLA (Writing=235; Reading=235; Composite=470)

Special Education (M.A.T.)

  • Licensure tests - [passing scores PRIOR to Gate 3]
    • Praxis II 5543: Special Education:  Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications 
      (required as of 9/15/2012 Gate 3 deadline) - no minimum score 
    • VCLA (Writing = 235; Reading = 235; Composite = 470)
    • Praxis II RVE (Elem/Sped) = 157 (7/2011 and after)
      • or VRA001 = 235 (prior to 7/2011)
      • Educ 554 required BEFORE taking the RVE. RVE now available out-of-state (Instructions).

Administration/Supervision (M.Ed./Ed.S./Ed.D.)

  • Licensure test by Gate 3 [passing score PRIOR to internship]
    • VIRGINIA CANDIDATES for preK-12 principal or assistant principal must pass the SLLA with a minimum score of 163. The only Virginia candidates exempt from the SLLA are those seeking a license strictly for district office service.
    • OUT-OF-STATE-CANDIDATES are to pass their own state’s designated licensure exam. If their state does not have a licensure exam, they must meet the Virginia passing scores on the SLLA.

School Counseling (M.Ed./Ed.S./Ed.D.)

  • Licensure test by Gate 3 [passing scores PRIOR to Gate 3]
    • Praxis II: No Praxis II test required for school counselors

Program Specialist (M.Ed./Ed.S./Ed.D.)

  • Licensure test by Gate 3 [passing scores PRIOR to Gate 3]
    • Math Specialist: Praxis II 0069 Middle School Mathematics = 163 or
      • Praxis II 0061 Math: Content Knowledge = 147
      • *Note: The latest Praxis II testing date for spring 2012 interns is the 7/23/2011 test administration.
      • The latest paper-based Praxis II testing date for fall 2012 interns is the 1/14/2012 test administration. 
    • Reading Specialist:
      • Virginia licensure ONLY 
      • Praxis II RVE (Reading Specialist Assessment) = 162 (7/2011 and after)
        or VRA002 = 245 (prior to 7/2011)
      • Educ 554 required BEFORE taking the RVE. RVE now available out-of-state (Instructions).
      • No test required for Early Childhood or Gifted Specialist (add-ons)

NOTE: Additional Endorsements (new option in VDOE Regulations, effective 9-21-2007)

An individual who holds a teaching license may add an additional endorsement to the license by passing a rigorous academic subject test prescribed by the Board of Education. This testing option does not apply to individuals who are seeking an early/primary preK-3 or elementary education preK-6 endorsement or who hold a technical professional license, vocational evaluator license, pupil personnel services license, school manager license or division superintendent license.