Virginia requires specific assessments for associated endorsement areas. If required assessments have not been met upon initial licensure, a three year non-renewable license will be issued by the Virginia Department of Education. PWCS allows new teachers one year to complete assessment requirements while holding a valid non-renewable license. Upon completion of the VCLA, VRA or Praxis Assessments, have your scores sent to you and then forward a copy of your passing scores (front sheet w/Name, SSN) to the Certification Office or fax to 703.791.8848. (Assessment score sheets should not be sent directly to VDOE)

Virginia does not require assessments for the Technical Professional License(auto mechanics, cosmetology, ROTC...etc) or the Pupil Personnel Services License (Guidance Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker or Visiting Teacher)

Virginia Assessments and Praxis I & II Test Requirements (VDOE Assessment Requirements Handout)

ETS/Praxis Website (Register Online) - www.ets.org/pra

Virginia Communications and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Registration and Test Information

Effective January 1, 2006 the Virginia Communications and Literacy Test (VCLA) replaced the Praxis I assessment. For more information on this assessment change, please read the VCLA Q & A found below. Please note that the Certification Office has previously given out information indicating that Praxis I scores would not be accepted by VDOE after December 31, 2006 however according to VDOE guidelines the Praxis I will be accepted thru the validity date of a license holding a Praxis I deficiency.

VCLA Question and Answer (Revised 1/18/06)

Virginia Reading Assessment(VRA) Effective Jan 1, 2005 - All candidates applying for licensure as elementary (Prek-3 or Prek-6) teachers, special education teachers or reading specialists will be required to meet the Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) requirement. These candidates will be placed on a Provisional or SpEd Conditional (3 year) License until this requirement has been met. (The Board of Education has exempted early childhood, speech-language pathologists and severe disabilities from this requirement.)

Summary of Exemption Criteria:

Assessment tests are required for full Virginia Teacher Licensure unless exemption on the basis that you have completed a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in an accredited public or nonpublic school (kindergarten-grade 12) in a state other than Virginia and hold a valid out-of-state license (full credential with no deficiencies). To be exempt you must have the Report on Experience Form completed and provide a copy of your valid fully certified out-of-state license in your initial License Application Packet. A Complete Licensure Packet is mailed to the Office of Certification once you have obtained and completed all forms and documents necessary to obtain Virginia Licensure.

Assessment Training Class Information/Assessment Resource Materials

Organizational Development Team, Sarah Wolfe 703.791.7369

Professional Library 703.791.7334