Required Tests

Praxis

To become a fully licensed teacher in Virginia you must take and pass teaching competency tests.  The competency tests used in Virginia have been developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and are known as Praxis I (reading, writing, and mathematics) and Praxis II for the content area you will teach.

All scores should be sent to :
College of Graduate and Professional Studies
121 University Blvd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22406

Virginia Praxis test requirements can be found on the ETS website.

VCLA and VRA

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Applicants requesting initial teaching licenure in Virginia are required to take this test. This test measures the communication and literacy skills of teacher candidates.

Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) PreK-6 teachers and special education teachers are required to take the Virginia Reading Assessment. Reading specialists (literacy specialist prgram) must take a special version of the VRA. Please visit the VRA Web site for more information.

Students must give copies of their official VCLA and VRA score reports to their advisors.

School Leaders Licensure Assessment

School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) This test is required for any individual who is seeking an endorcement authorizing them to serve as prinicpals and assistant principals.

Additional Licensure Requirements

Child Abuse and Neglect The 2002 Virginia General Assembly amended the Code of Virginia to require that individuals seeking initial licensure and license renewal on and after July 1, 2004, must complete study in child abuse recognition and intervention in accordance with curriculum guidelines approved by the Board of Education.  All instructional personnel required to hold a license for their positions are required to complete this requirement. This state requirement is completed in EDCI 500.

Virginia Licensure Vist the Virginia Licensure web site for specific information about licensure.