Important: This certificate plan is effective for those starting in the fall 2026 through summer 2027. This certificate plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change certificates.

A current initial teaching license and the accompanying two years of experience with that license is necessary before beginning this program. If the initial teaching license is not from Virginia, a Virginia initial teaching license must be obtained during the program. After completion of the required program coursework (including internship), the passing of licensure tests, and a third year of experience, the graduate of this program would be eligible for adding the VA state licensure endorsement. Please refer to www.liberty.edu/advisingguide

¹

Passing score for SLLA required.

²

Background check clearance required

Notes

Students who want to apply certificate courses to a graduate degree program will have to abide by the GPA and grade requirements of that degree

Completion Requirements

• 21 total hours
• A maximum of 50% of a post-graduate and doctoral degree may be transferred if approved and allowable
• 3.0 GPA
• No grade lower than a B- may be applied to the certificate
• Certificate must be completed within 5 years
• Submit Certificate Completion Application at beginning of final semester

Program Offered in Online Format

Students entering the program must hold a standard renewable educator license as a teacher or school counselor, at least a master's degree from a regionally accredited university, and employment experience as a licensed educator. Upon admission, students acknowledge that the license earned through this certificate program is approved by the Virginia Department of Education and may be approved and/or reciprocated by other states per this State Approvals website: https://www.liberty.edu/statelicensure/.

¹

Background check clearance required

²

Passing score for SLLA required