West Virginia Teacher Reciprocity Agreements
West Virginia teacher reciprocity works through two paths: Form 20R for educators with a valid out-of-state professional certificate, and Form 20A for candidates who completed an approved out-of-state teacher-prep program. Both require official transcripts and compliance with Policy 5202. The West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Certification reviews every application individually.
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West Virginia doesn’t grant automatic reciprocity based on a home state’s membership in an interstate compact. Instead, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) reviews each out-of-state applicant’s transcripts and credentials against its licensure standards. It determines what, if anything, still needs to be completed. The good news for most applicants: West Virginia participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement with many other states, which speeds up the review rather than requiring a candidate to start over.
Two Paths to West Virginia Teacher Reciprocity
Out-of-state applicants fall into one of two tracks with the WVDE, and the paperwork differs depending on which track they follow.
Form 20R is for teachers who already hold a valid, renewable professional teaching certificate from another state. This is the standard reciprocity route: the applicant submits a copy of that out-of-state license along with Form 20R, and the WVDE evaluates it against West Virginia’s Professional Teaching Certificate requirements.
Form 20A is for candidates who completed a state-approved teacher preparation program out of state but may not yet hold an active license, or whose license doesn’t meet the renewable-professional-certificate standard. This route requires proof that the state’s licensing agency approved the program, as well as a recommendation from the preparing institution.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Regardless of which form applies, every out-of-state applicant needs official transcripts sent directly from their college or university to the WVDE’s certification office. Transcripts submitted by the applicant instead of the institution won’t be accepted.
Applications are also evaluated against Policy 5202, West Virginia’s Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel and Advanced Salary Classifications. Policy 5202 sets the benchmarks for coursework, testing, and student teaching that every applicant is measured against, regardless of home state.
Out-of-state applicants aren’t automatically exempt from West Virginia’s licensure assessments. Depending on the endorsement area, the WVDE may still require the applicable West Virginia Board of Education licensure assessments, which may include Praxis examinations, before issuing a certificate. Educators with five years of out-of-state teaching experience are exempt from West Virginia’s Beginning Educator Internship, but not from the required exams.
For the full application process, current forms, and Certification Office contact information, visit the West Virginia Department of Education’s out-of-state teachers page.
States With NASDTEC Reciprocity Agreements
West Virginia participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement with the states listed below, which expedites review rather than requiring a candidate to start over. Participation in the agreement changes periodically, so treat this list as a general reference and confirm your specific state’s current status with the WVDE. An agreement doesn’t automatically grant a license. It means the WVDE will evaluate the application under the terms of an interstate agreement rather than as a new-to-the-profession application.
If Your State Isn’t Listed
Applicants from states not on the list above can still apply for a West Virginia teaching certificate. The WVDE reviews the application in the same way, using Form 20R or Form 20A, depending on the credential type, and applies the Policy 5202 standards. The absence of a formal NASDTEC agreement mainly means the applicant should expect a closer review of coursework and testing history rather than an outright denial. If you don’t yet hold an out-of-state teaching credential at all, our guide to West Virginia teacher certification covers the full traditional and alternative pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does West Virginia have full reciprocity with other states?
No. West Virginia evaluates every out-of-state application individually against its own Policy 5202 standards. Participation in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement with many other states speeds up that review, but it doesn’t guarantee an automatic license or waive West Virginia’s testing requirements.
Do out-of-state teachers still need to take Praxis exams in West Virginia?
Often, yes. The WVDE may require the applicable West Virginia Board of Education licensure assessments, including Praxis examinations, for the applicant’s endorsement area, even if they have already passed exams in their previous state. Five years of out-of-state experience waive the Beginning Educator Internship, not the testing requirement.
What’s the difference between Form 20R and Form 20A?
Form 20R is for applicants who hold a valid, renewable professional teaching certificate from another state. Form 20A is for applicants who have completed an approved out-of-state teacher preparation program but don’t yet hold the renewable professional-level certificate. Once either path results in a West Virginia certificate, it follows the same renewal schedule as any other license issued in the state.
Where do I send my transcripts for a West Virginia reciprocity application?
Official transcripts must be sent directly from the college or university to the WVDE certification office, following WVDE’s submission instructions. Transcripts sent by the applicant rather than the institution aren’t accepted.
- No automatic reciprocity — West Virginia reviews every out-of-state application against Policy 5202, even from NASDTEC member states.
- Two application paths — Form 20R for a valid out-of-state license, Form 20A for a completed out-of-state prep program without that credential.
- Transcripts come from the institution — official transcripts must be sent directly by the college or university, not submitted by the applicant.
- Testing isn’t automatically waived — out-of-state applicants may still need to pass the applicable West Virginia Board of Education licensure assessments, which may include Praxis exams, for their endorsement area.
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