License Updates

Add/Remove Endorsement(s) from Teaching License

The Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel allow a license holder to add an endorsement based on verification of the completion of an approved program for that endorsement or the inclusion of the new endorsement on a full, renewable out-of-state license. If neither of the above applies, an evaluation for the endorsement must be requested by the employing Virginia school division.

Added endorsements are available through the following options:

  • Completing the courses for an additional major in the new area with specific requirements met; or

  • Completing the requirements for a designated add-on endorsement (Driver Education, Gifted Education, Algebra I, etc.); or

  • A passing score on a Praxis II Specialty Area Test in an area for which Virginia requires a Praxis II test (except Special Education). If the individual holds a Provisional License, the Praxis II assessment for their original endorsement must be completed before additional endorsements can be added through testing. This route is not an option for areas that do not require a Praxis II assessment (Special Education, Latin, etc.) This route is not an option for the elementary education endorsement (PK-3 or PK-6).

Adding endorsement(s):

  • Submit notification to the Licensure Office requesting the addition of the endorsement(s) to valid teaching license.

  • Official transcript(s). Only an original transcript as provided from the issuing school will be accepted. Copies downloaded from the internet will not be accepted. E-script Transcripts are not considered "Official Transcripts" by VDOE or HCPS. Also include supporting documentation, i.e., course descriptions or syllabi.

  • Professional Teacher Assessment score report(s), i.e., Praxis II or RVE. Copies are acceptable.

  • Submit $50 check payable to Treasurer of Virginia.

  • If the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) determines that all of the required coursework is met, the teacher is issued a license with the new endorsement(s).

  • If a teacher is deficient in coursework (6 credit hours or less) for the additional endorsement, the teacher may be issued a provisional license with the new endorsement(s), providing they are under contract for endorsement area sought. 

  • If the request to add an endorsement requires more than 6 credit hours, a letter delineating the required coursework is issued by the Virginia DOE. This evaluation is valid for a period of three years in which the individual has an opportunity to complete the coursework.

Removal of endorsement(s):

  • Discuss with your Principal your desire to drop an endorsement before contacting the HCPS licensure office.

  • Please submit a written request addressed to the Virginia Department of Education, Division of Teacher Education and Licensure, to the HCPS licensure office and include in your written request that you desire dropping an endorsement with a statement that includes, “I am aware that there will be a fee to evaluate/add this endorsement back in the future and that I will have to meet the requirements at the time the endorsement is requested.”

Please forward your request(s) to Human Resources-Licensure at the HCPS School Board Office: 200 Berkley Street, Ashland, VA 23005.

Adding a Degree

  • Submit official transcripts (only an original/official transcript as provided from the issuing school will be accepted) reflecting conferral date of degree to the Human Resources Department, Licensure Office. Copies downloaded from the internet will not be accepted. E-script Transcripts are not considered "Official Transcripts" by VDOE or HCPS.

  • Attach a written request to add the degree.

  • Include a $25 check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

  • If you wish to change your license from a Collegiate Professional to a Postgraduate Professional license and add an endorsement, include a $75 check payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

  • To receive the additional compensation for earning a graduate level degree, the notification of receiving such degree must be forwarded to the Human Resources Department no later than December 1 in order to process the paperwork to assure that your salary adjustment will be effective for the current school year.

Please send all of the above information to Human Resources Licensure Specialist at the HCPS School Board Office: 200 Berkley Street, Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 365-4587.

Changing Your Name

You may change the name on your license at any time. In order to complete this request, you must submit in writing the appropriate name change (from ___ to ___) to the HCPS Human Resources Department Licensure Office. If the request is in conjunction with your license renewal, there will be no additional cost for this change. However, there will be a $25.00 charge to process any name change requests not associated with a license renewal or other action. Please attach a check or money order for $25.00, payable to Treasurer of Virginia, with your request.

Please send all of the above information to Human Resources Licensure Specialist at the HCPS School Board Office: 200 Berkley Street, Ashland, VA 23005.

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