West Virginia Principal Certification Requirements
West Virginia principal certification, along with Superintendent and Supervisor of Instruction endorsements, runs through a single Professional Administrative Certificate. Candidates need a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA, three years of management or teaching experience, and the WVBE-required passing score on the Praxis 5412 Educational Leadership exam. The West Virginia Department of Education reviews every application.
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Use the links below to jump to West Virginia’s administrative endorsements, education and experience requirements, exam details, and application steps.
- Administrative endorsements West Virginia offers
- Education requirements
- Experience requirements and out-of-state candidates
- Praxis exam requirements
- How to apply for administrative certification
- Criminal history background check
West Virginia principal certification and its two companion endorsements, Superintendent and Supervisor of Instruction, all fall under the same Professional Administrative Certificate, and each one routes through the same core requirements: a master’s degree, a passing Praxis score, and hands-on management experience. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) oversees every application, from first-time candidates finishing a preparation program to administrators transferring a license from another state. Here’s what each endorsement requires, what the exams cover, and how to submit your application.
Administrative Endorsements West Virginia Offers
West Virginia issues one Professional Administrative Certificate with three endorsement areas:
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Supervisor of Instruction
Each endorsement applies to the Pre-Kindergarten to Adulthood certification level, because administrators must be prepared to lead all education groups regardless of which grade band their district assigns them.
Education Requirements
The West Virginia Department of Education (DOE) requires administrative candidates to complete an administrator preparation program from an accredited college or university, built around a master’s degree in educational leadership or another administrative area. Candidates must finish their preparation program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for certification.
A list of teacher preparation programs can be found here. Programs should offer master’s degrees in educational leadership and other administrative areas, giving candidates a good foundation in the principles of school management.
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in West Virginia.
Experience Requirements
During their administration preparation programs, candidates gain valuable experience at the management level. Much like student teaching, students in administrative programs are given opportunities for first-hand experience as school administrators in training. Additionally, many of these programs require candidates to have previous experience as teachers, to make sure they understand how a school actually runs.
Candidates who currently hold a valid administrative license from another state can also qualify, though the exact path depends on where they completed their leadership preparation program. Out-of-state applicants typically apply through Form 19A (out-of-state institution) or a reciprocity-based form, and both routes require three years of managerial or teaching experience along with completion of the Evaluation Leadership Institute program. Confirm which form applies to your situation with WVDE before starting your application, since documentation requirements differ between the two.
Examinations
To be considered for administrative certification in West Virginia, candidates must earn the West Virginia Board of Education’s required passing score on the Praxis Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision exam (Praxis 5412), administered by the Educational Testing Service. Check WVBE Policy 5202 for the current cut score before you schedule the exam, since it isn’t always published on the general application page.
The exam covers educational and leadership knowledge, confirming that candidates have the skills and judgment needed to manage a school or district.
Document and Application Requirements
If you meet all educational, examination, and experience requirements, you’re eligible to apply for administrative certification in West Virginia.
Applications go through the WVDE Certification Portal rather than a mailed paper form. Within the portal, complete Form 19, which asks for your contact and background information, including educational institutions, degrees, and endorsement areas.
First-time applicants must also submit background information using Form 7 as part of the background check consent process. More information about fingerprinting is in the Criminal History Background Check section below.
Application processing fees are $35 for in-state administrative applications, with certain out-of-state administrative applications running $100. Fingerprinting and the background check are handled separately through IdentoGO and are not paid with the certification application itself. Confirm current fee amounts in the portal before you submit, since state fees can change. Physical documents that can’t be submitted electronically may be mailed to:
West Virginia Department of EducationOffice of Certification, Building 6, Suite 550
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305-0330
Criminal History Background Check
School administration applicants must submit to a background check and fingerprinting to confirm they’re fit to serve as school leaders. WVDE now directs applicants to IdentoGO for fingerprinting, with a published fee around $47.25 that varies by location and is paid directly to IdentoGO, not to WVDE. Applicants must also complete and submit Form 7 to release their background information to the DOE.
Include Form 7 with your completed application packet in the Certification Portal.
Contact Information
More information about the administrative certification process is available on the DOE website. For application questions, email the Office of Certification at [email protected] or call Certification Services at 304-558-7010.
Frequently Asked Questions
What administrative endorsements does West Virginia offer?
West Virginia’s Professional Administrative Certificate covers three endorsements: Principal, Superintendent, and Supervisor of Instruction. All three apply at the Pre-Kindergarten to Adulthood certification level, and all three route through the same core education, experience, and exam requirements.
What GPA and degree do I need for a Professional Administrative Certificate in West Virginia?
You need a master’s degree from an accredited institution, earned through an approved administrator preparation program, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Most programs focus on educational leadership or a related administrative area.
Can I transfer an out-of-state administrator license to West Virginia?
Yes, though the exact form depends on your situation. Candidates typically apply through Form 19A or a reciprocity-based form, and both routes require three years of managerial or teaching experience plus completion of the Evaluation Leadership Institute program through WVDE.
What score do I need on the Praxis exam for West Virginia administrative certification?
You need to earn the West Virginia Board of Education’s required passing score on the Praxis Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision exam (Praxis 5412). Check WVBE Policy 5202 for the current cut score before scheduling, since it isn’t always posted on the general application page.
How much does it cost to apply for administrative certification in West Virginia?
Application processing fees are $35 for in-state administrative applications and up to $100 for certain out-of-state applications. Fingerprinting through IdentoGO runs around $47.25, paid separately and directly to IdentoGO. Confirm current fee amounts in the Certification Portal before submitting, since state fees can change.
- One certificate covers three endorsements — Principal, Superintendent, and Supervisor of Instruction all fall under the same Professional Administrative Certificate.
- A master’s degree and 3.0 GPA are required — candidates complete an accredited administrator preparation program before applying.
- Praxis 5412 sets the exam bar — candidates must earn the WVBE-required passing score on the Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision exam, confirmed through Policy 5202.
- Out-of-state administrators have a path in — three years of management or teaching experience plus the Evaluation Leadership Institute program can qualify an existing license holder, through Form 19A or a reciprocity-based form.
- Applications go through the WVDE Certification Portal — Form 19, Form 7 for background consent, IdentoGO fingerprinting, and processing fees are all part of the packet.
Find accredited educational leadership programs in West Virginia, including application requirements and licensing timelines for your administrative certification.
