Teacher Licensure

Virginia Test Requirements

Requirements for Virginia Licensure

Please check out this site for the most accurate information regarding Virginia licensure.

Virginia Praxis Requirements

Information is available at Virginia Praxis Requirements.

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)

The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) must be passed prior to internship application submission for all initial teacher licensure programs. For registration information and test dates, go to http://www.va.nesinc.com/. A total test score of at least 470 is passing for the VCLA.

Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA)

The Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) must be passed prior to internship application submission for Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education. VRA is also a requirement for those seeking a Reading Specialist Add-on Endorsement. For registration information and test dates, go to http://www.va.nesinc.com/. A test score of 235 is passing for the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education programs and 245 is passing for Reading Specialists.

General Information

Praxis Requirements for Initial Teacher Licensure Programs at Mason

Passing scores for Praxis I (reading, writing, and mathematics) and Praxis II (subject assessments) tests are required for licensure in Virginia and for completion of Mason’s state-approved program. Passing composite Praxis I (reading, writing and mathematics) scores of 532 are required for application to Mason’s state-approved licensure programs and are part of the multiple criteria used to make admissions decisions. Passing Praxis II scores are required to be recommended for licensure. Candidates must pass Praxis II prior to their final internship.

SAT as a Substitute Test for Praxis I

On March 24, 2004, the Board of Education approved the use of the SAT® as a substitute test for Praxis I (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) required for initial licensure. The board approved the following scores:

  • SAT taken Prior to April 1, 1995 – a score of 1000 with at least 450 on the verbal and 510 on the mathematics tests;
  • SAT taken After April 1, 1995 – a score of 1100 with at least 530 on the verbal and 530 on the mathematics tests as a substitute for Praxis I.

The most expedient route is to request an official transcript from your high school listing SAT or ACT scores (the school may attach the scores to an embossed transcript).

PLEASE MAIL THE UNOPENED SCORES TO:

George Mason University
4400 University Drive, MS 4D1
Fairfax , VA 22030

You may also request an official score report from the College Board by calling 609-771-7600 (scores archived back to 1940’s) or online at Collegeboard.com. SAT scores should NOT be reported directly to GMU. They should sent to your home address. Please mail the unopened scores to the aforementioned address (MS 4D1).

Please note that the SAT® was approved as a substitute test only for Praxis I; individuals also must meet the Praxis II (subject area assessment) for initial licensure.

ACT as a Substitute Test for Praxis I

  • ACT taken October 28, 1989 to April 1, 1995 – a composite score of 21, with the ACT mathematics score no less than 21, and an ACT English Plus Reading score no less than 37. (Due to VDOE regulations, ACT taken before October 28, 1989 will not be accepted.)
  • ACT taken After April 1, 1995 – a composite score of 24, with the ACT mathematics score no less than 22, and an ACT English Plus Reading score no less than 46.

Please order an official ACT score report and have it sent to your home address by ordering online. Please mail the unopened scores to the aforementioned address (MS 4D1). You may also provide an official high school or college transcript listing ACT scores.

Please note that the ACT was approved as a substitute test only for Praxis I; individuals also must meet the Praxis II (subject area assessment) for initial licensure.

Test Registration

Information regarding registration, test administration, fees, the policy for testing individuals with disabling conditions, etc., is available by email request online at www.ets.org/praxis.

  • Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test
  • Praxis I: PPST (paper-based)

Paper-based PPST

You can register online and find more information about test names, test codes, fees, passing scores, and composite scores at www.ets.org/praxis.

Praxis I: Computerized PPST

To register for the Computerized PPST call Prometric at 1-800-853-6773. The nearest testing location is 2810 Old Lee Highway, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 2203, 703-204-9060. This Praxis I: Computerized PSST document includes test names, test codes, fees, passing scores, and composite scores.

Praxis II: Subject Assessment

This Praxis II: Subject Assessment document includes endorsement area, test name, test code, effective date, and passing score for each endorsement area. This test is paper-based and registration information can be found at www.ets.org/praxis.

Test Preparation

CEHD Office of Education Services

Praxis I® Preparation Workshops are sponsored by the CEHD Office of Education Support (OES) at least 3 times a year.

LearningPlus Tutorial

To help teacher candidates prepare for the Praxis I tests, ETS has developed LearningPlus, a computer-delivered fully interactive instructional package. It is available for student use in the Learning Services Office in Student Union Building I, room 350. A $20 fee provides up to 100 hours of self-paced instruction. For more information, call 703.993.2999.