West Virginia Administration/Principal Certification
West Virginia offers three administrative endorsements for qualified candidates:
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Supervisor of Instruction
Education Requirements
All administrative credentials apply to the Pre-Kindergarten to Adulthood certification level, because administrators must be prepared to lead all education groups. The Wisconsin Department of Education (DOE) requires administrative candidates to complete an administrator preparation program from an accredited college or university.
A list of teacher preparation programs can be found here. Programs should offer master’s degrees in educational leadership and other administrative areas, giving candidates a good foundation of the principles of school management.
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in West Virginia.
Candidates must complete their administrative preparation programs with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for certification.
Experience Requirements
During their administration preparation programs, candidates gain valuable experience at the management level. Much like student teaching, students in administrative programs are given opportunities for first-hand experience as school administrators in training. Additionally, many of these programs require candidates to gain previous experience as teachers to ensure they have sufficient knowledge of school structure.
Candidates who currently hold a valid administrative license in another state may also be considered if they have three years of managerial or teacher experience, and have completed the Evaluation Leadership Institute program.
Examinations
In order to considered for administrative certification in West Virginia, candidates must receive a score of at least 141 on the PRAXIS Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision exam.
Additionally, all license seekers must pass the PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Test in reading, mathematics, and writing.
All exams cover educational and leadership knowledge, ensuring potential administrators have the skills and abilities necessary to manage their schools.
Document and Application Requirements
If you meet all educational, examination, and experience requirements, you’re eligible to apply for administrative certification in West Virginia.
The first step in the application process is printing and completing Form 19.
Form 19 asks applicants to list all pertinent contact and background information, including educational institutions, degrees, and endorsement areas.
First-time applicants must also request a fingerprint card from the DOE, and complete and turn it in with their application packets and Form 7. More information about fingerprint can be found in the Criminal History Background Check section below.
Applicants must send a $25 processing fee with each application, in addition to $45 for fingerprinting and background examination purposes. Completed applications and fees may be mailed to the DOE at:
West Virginia Department of EducationOffice of Professional Preparation
Building 6, Room 252
1900 Kanawha Boulevard,
East Charleston, WV 25305
Criminal History Background Check
School administration applicants must submit to a background check and fingerprinting to ensure they are fit to serve as leaders. Fingerprint cards may be requested here. Applicants must complete and submit Form 7 to release their background information to the DOE.
Applicants must include Form 7 and additional fees with their completed application packets.
Contact Information
More information about the administrative certification process may be found on the DOE website or by calling the certification office at 1-800-982-2378.
