Alternative Teaching Certification in West Virginia
West Virginia offers alternative teaching certification through three state-approved general education programs for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Candidates need a 2.5 GPA, must satisfy the West Virginia Board of Education’s testing requirements (which may include the Praxis Core and applicable Praxis subject assessments), and complete required coursework while teaching under an Alternative Teaching Certificate. The certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed twice, for a total of three years.
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Sometimes people don’t realize their true calling until later in life. For candidates who want to change direction mid-career and become teachers, West Virginia offers three state-approved alternative teacher certification programs that let career changers start teaching in a classroom while finishing their coursework.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in West Virginia.
Alternative certification exists to fill critical needs and shortages in West Virginia public schools, letting a district hire a qualified candidate quickly instead of waiting for a fully traditional-route teacher. Alternative certification programs on this site are limited to the middle school and high school level. Career changers weighing the switch may also want to check current West Virginia teaching salaries and benefits before applying.
Alternative Certification Requirements
Education Requirements
To be eligible to enroll in an alternative teacher certification program, a candidate must first hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, in addition to an overall 2.5 GPA.
West Virginia currently offers three general education alternative certification programs, which may be found here.
Approved programs typically require candidates to complete around 18 semester hours in general teaching areas, though exact coursework requirements can vary by approved program. These commonly include:
- Student Assessment
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum
- Learning
- Special Education
- Diversity
Examinations
Applicants must satisfy the West Virginia Board of Education’s testing requirements, which may include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (which replaced the older PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Test) and applicable Praxis subject-area assessments, depending on current policy and eligibility for exemptions.
More information on Praxis exams and study materials is available on the Educational Testing Service’s website.
The Alternative Teaching Certificate
Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and receive a job offer from a participating school district are issued an Alternative Teaching Certificate. This certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed twice, for a total validity period of three years, while the candidate completes program coursework and testing requirements. The certificate program is governed by West Virginia Board of Education Policy 5901 (Regulations for Alternative Certification Programs for the Education of Teachers) and Policy 5202 (Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel), along with W. Va. Code §§18A-3-1a through 18A-3-1i. Once program requirements are complete, teachers will also want to know the steps for renewing their West Virginia teaching certificate.
Experience
Many approved programs structure supervised classroom experience in phases, giving candidates multiple opportunities to experience life as a teacher before earning full certification. Exact structure can vary by approved program.
During the first phase of their programs, candidates receive on-the-job supervision by assigned mentors, who help them navigate entry-level challenges for teachers. This phase includes orientation to the policies and curriculum of an employing school district.
The second phase of their programs involves critiques and more on-the-job supervision, ensuring improvement. At the end of phase two, the school will write the alternative program teacher a written report determining how much progress has been made.
The third phase includes additional supervision for another 20 weeks, making sure that an alternative program teacher is meeting all standards and comprehending all instruction.
Document and Application Requirements
To receive an alternative teaching certification, applicants must complete Form 25.
The application form requires candidates to fill out all required information, including degrees, employment, previous licenses held, and contact information. Candidates must also report their school district employers and the endorsement levels for which they are seeking certification.
Applicants should have their school superintendents verify that they are qualified for the teaching position and recommend the applicants for certification.
Applicants submit their completed forms through WVDE’s certification application process, along with a $35 application fee. Applicants must also complete the required fingerprint-based background check and pay any applicable fingerprinting fees. Check WVDE’s current certification application instructions for up-to-date submission and mailing details before sending any physical documents.
Criminal History Background Check
All applicants for teaching positions in West Virginia must submit to a background check by completing Form 7 and including it in their application packet.
Form 7 verifies that you release any information found during your background check to the Department of Education.
In addition to completing Form 7, first-time applicants must request and turn in fingerprinting cards from the DOE. Applicants can request fingerprint cards and complete them at their local police stations or county boards of education.
Contact Information
For more information on the alternative teaching certification process, see the WVDE alternative certification programs page. Educator Development and Support Services can also be contacted over the phone at 1-833-627-2833.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alternative teaching certification in West Virginia?
It’s a pathway that lets candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field start teaching in a West Virginia public school while completing certification coursework. It’s designed to fill critical need and shortage areas quickly, rather than requiring a full traditional education degree before entering the classroom.
Who is eligible for West Virginia’s Alternative Teaching Certificate?
Candidates need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a 2.5 GPA or higher, and a job offer from a school district with a state-approved alternative certification program in an area of critical need.
How long is the West Virginia Alternative Teaching Certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed twice, for a total of three years, while the candidate finishes program coursework, testing, and supervised experience requirements.
What exams do I need to pass for alternative certification in WV?
Candidates must satisfy the West Virginia Board of Education’s testing requirements, which may include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and a Praxis subject-area exam matched to their endorsement area, depending on current policy and eligibility for exemptions.
How much does it cost to apply?
Applicants submit a $35 application fee to the West Virginia Department of Education, along with any applicable fingerprinting fees for the required background check.
- Three approved programs — West Virginia currently runs three general education alternative certification programs for career changers.
- 2.5 GPA and a bachelor’s degree — the baseline eligibility requirement before applying to any program.
- One-year certificate, renewable twice — the Alternative Teaching Certificate covers up to three years while requirements are completed.
- Testing requirements apply — most candidates need the Praxis Core plus a subject exam, though requirements and exemptions depend on current policy.
- Background check and fees required — Form 7, a fingerprint-based background check, and a $35 application fee accompany every application.
Connect with schools offering alternative and traditional teaching certification programs in West Virginia to compare requirements, timelines, and application steps.
