Testing Requirements

Important Testing Notice:  You MUST upload your test score reports to the COE Canvas site once you receive them from the testing center.  When requesting test scores be sent to the University, testing sites only send electronic score summaries, not actual test reports.  VDOE does not accept electronic score summaries, they must have the hard copy print out of your test scores.

General Testing Requirements for Admission
Students must pass the VCLA test in order to be formally admitted to the initial teacher licensure programs at the University of Mary Washington. These scores should be submitted prior to the completion of Phase 2.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs – Testing Requirements
The student will be limited to 6 credit hours of UMW coursework if they have not submitted their qualifying scores.


Testing Requirements for Formal Admission into the College of Education:

VCLA cumulative score of at least 470 (reading and writing)

To learn about and to register for the VCLA, please visit: http://www.va.nesinc.com/Home.aspx

• Consists of Reading subtest (091) and Writing subtest (092)

• Cost: Both subtests cost ($80) + Registration ($50) = $130

Alternative Testing Arrangements can be made with appropriate documentation.


What Licensure Tests am I required to Take?

Licensure Test Requirements

**Important: All Undergraduate Licensure Programs, licensure testing must be completed by November 15th for spring interns and July 1st for fall interns – BEFORE the start of your internship.**


Test Fee Waivers

All students demonstrating financial need who need to take the VCLA and/or a Praxis test may apply for a test waiver.

ETS offers fee waivers for the Praxis; if applicable, students should apply for this option before requesting the waiver from UMW (https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/fee_waivers/https://www.ets.org/praxis/site/test-takers/register/fee-waivers.html

COE Testing Fee Waiver Application

Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed the first Friday or each month during the fall and spring semesters.


Praxis Subject Assessment

Praxis Subject Assessment tests must be passed prior to the internship for specific endorsement areas.

Link: Find your assessment for your endorsement area
Link: Sign Up for Praxis Subject Assessment

Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related needs: https://www.ets.org/praxis/register/disabilities/?WT.ac=praxishome_praxisregisterdisabilities_180911

Fee Waiver Criteria: https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/fee_waivers/

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)
The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) must be passed prior to the internship for all initial teacher licensure programs. The passing score required is 470 (a minimum score of 235 in each Reading and Writing section).
Link: Sign Up for the VCLA

Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Nursing Mothers: https://www.va.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=VACBT_RequestingAlternativeTestingArrangements.html

Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary
The Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary must be passed prior to the internship for individuals seeking licensure in Elementary Education P-6 or Special Education: General Curriculum. The passing score requirement is 159.
Link: Sign Up for the RVE

Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention Training
Individuals must complete training in child abuse recognition and intervention training prior to placement for field experiences.
Link: Complete the Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention Training

Virginia State and Local Civic Education Module
Link: Complete the Virginia State and Local Civic Education Module

Dyslexia Awareness Module
Link: Complete Dyslexia Awareness Module