Teacher Candidate Testing Requirements

All teacher candidates in our four initial licensure programs – Elementary PK-6, ESL PK-12, Secondary 6-12, and Special Education K-12 – must obtain passing scores on the professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education. At William & Mary, all required licensure tests are also graduation requirements; therefore, the appropriate tests must be completed regardless of a teacher candidate’s decision to apply for a teaching license.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to schedule all exams through the appropriate testing sites. Additional details about the assessment requirements for Virginia licensure can be found on the VDOE website and on the Praxis Licensure Requirements in Virginia.

Required Tests	Programs	Suggested Timeframe
Praxis Subject Assessments	Elementary PK-6 ESL PK-12 Secondary 6-12	Prior to starting W&M program or during the summer or fall semester
VCLA	Elementary PK-6 ESL PK-12 Secondary 6-12 Special Education K-12	Prior to starting W&M program or during the summer or fall semester
Teaching Reading (test 5205)	Elementary PK-6 Special Education K-12	During winter break (after fall courses)

Details for required tests:

Praxis Subject Assessments
Praxis Subject Assessments are tests that measure general and subject-specific content knowledge that you need for beginning teaching. Registration for all Praxis Subject Assessments that are recognized in Virginia can be accessed through the Virginia ETS website. A Study Companion and additional resources to aid in preparing for this test can be found on this website, as well as test codes and passing scores for each endorsement area.
Virginia Communication And Literacy Assessment (VCLA)
The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) is a test of communication, reading, and writing skills. Current passing scores for the VCLA are 235 for the reading subtest, 235 for the writing subtest, or a composite score of 470 for the assessment. Refer to the VCLA website for the most current information about the test content, taking the VCLA online, test dates, costs, registration, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Teaching Reading
The Teaching Reading assessment is a test of teacher candidates’ knowledge of reading instruction. Registering for and taking the RVE (test 5205) is done through the Virginia ETS website. A Study Companion and additional resources to aid in preparing for this test can be found on this website, as well as current passing scores.

Additional Requirements for Virginia Teacher Licensure

Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition & Intervention Training

All individuals seeking initial licensure in Virginia must complete Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition & Intervention Training. W&M teacher candidates who take and pass EDUC 310 or EDUC F11 meet this requirement. If a teacher candidate is exempted from EDUC 310 or EDUC F11 for any reason, he or she must contact the Office of Teacher Education in order to arrange a training module in these competencies.

Dyslexia Awareness Training

Teacher candidates seeking licensure in Virginia must complete a Dyslexia Awareness Training on the indicators of dyslexia and the evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia. Teacher candidates who take and pass ELEM 312/CRIN E22 (Elementary) or EDUC 312/CRIN S50 (Secondary) or CRIN X51 (ESL and Special Education) meet this requirement. If a teacher candidate is exempted from the course in their program for any reason, he or she must contact the Office of Teacher Education in order to arrange a training module in these competencies.

Understanding the Regulations Governing the Use of Restraint and Seclusion

Individuals seeking an initial license must complete training in behavior intervention and support in accordance with curriculum guidelines approved by the Board of Education. Teacher candidates who take and pass CRIN E10/ELEM 410 (Elementary), CRIN S09/EDUC 311 (Secondary), CRIN 525 (ESL) or CRIN X56 (Special Education) meet this requirement. If a teacher candidate is exempted from these courses in their program for any reason, he or she must contact the Office of Teacher Education in order to arrange a training module in these competencies.

Cultural Competency Training

Teacher candidates applying for licensure aftter July 1st, 2023 are required to complete Cultural Competency training in accordance with licensure requirements approved by the Board of Education. For most students, this module will be completed as a class assignment during their program. If this module has not been assigned, teacher candidates may work through the 40 minute free module on their own. Evidence of module completion will be submitted to the VDOE for initial licensure in Virginia.

Emergency First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification or Training

Teacher candidates seeking initial licensure in Virginia must provide evidence of completion of certification in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). Certification must be based on the current national emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, such as programs developed by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and the American Safety and Health Institute. CPR training must include “hands-on” training. Evidence of certification must be presented when applying to the VDOE for licensure.