Core application evidence
Requirement
Both routes need official transcripts sent by the college or university. Form 20R adds a copy of the out-of-state certificate and either the employing county superintendent's recommendation or Form 4B.
Which application this evidence supports
West Virginia's Form 20R reciprocity route is for a teacher with a valid, transferrable and renewable out-of-state professional teaching certificate and a qualifying GPA. Out-of-state preparation without that certificate uses Form 20A instead.
What can change this answer
Form 20R needs a valid, transferrable and renewable out-of-state professional teaching certificate and an overall GPA of at least 2.5 for a bachelor's degree or 3.0 for a master's degree. A person who completed out-of-state preparation without that certificate uses Form 20A, which must meet Policy 5202, including West Virginia's licensure assessments, and needs the preparing institution's recommendation.
Conditions to resolve before sending records
- •Form 20R requires a valid, transferrable and renewable out-of-state professional teaching certificate
- •Form 20R requires an overall GPA of at least 2.5 for a bachelor's degree or 3.0 for a master's degree
- •Out-of-state preparation without a valid certificate uses the separate Form 20A route
- •Form 20A applicants need an accredited state-approved program, the preparing institution's recommendation and West Virginia's required licensure assessments
- •Transcripts must come from the college or university, not the applicant
- •An applicant not previously licensed through WVDE needs a new state and federal background check; an earlier check cannot be reused
- •The Form 20R certificate is valid for three years
Send identity documents and background records only where the state agency instructs. TeachPassport does not receive them.
Official sources
Check again by 2026-11-23