Secondary School Teacher / West Virginia
2026 data West Virginia board official source

West Virginia Secondary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Instructs students in grades 7-12. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the West Virginia data shows for Secondary School Teachers

To practice as a secondary school teacher in West Virginia, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under West Virginia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification".

Upfront cost is $96, with renewal running $68 on a 5-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For secondary school teachers, the reciprocity picture is: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in West Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$96
Renewal Fee
$68
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Secondary School Teacher All West Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with West Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Secondary School Teacher in West Virginia? ▼
In West Virginia, the license path calls for, a passing score on State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent), and a $96 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Secondary School Teacher in West Virginia? ▼
To become a licensed secondary school teacher in West Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the West Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Secondary School Teacher license to West Virginia from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for secondary school teachers: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the West Virginia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does West Virginia require a background check for Secondary School Teacher licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for secondary school teacher licensing in West Virginia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Secondary School Teacher in West Virginia? ▼
West Virginia ties continued secondary school teacher licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $68 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.