Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)

Virginia Teacher License Renewal

Complete guide to professional development point requirements for Virginia teaching license renewal through VALO.

180-270
Points Required
10 Years
License Term
VALO
Online Portal
Governing Body: Virginia Dept. of Education (VDOE)
Portal: VALO (Virginia Licensure Online)

Point Requirements Overview

Virginia uses a point-based system for license renewal. The number of points required depends on your license type. Since July 1, 2018, all new licenses are issued as 10-year renewable licenses.

5-Year License Renewal

180 points

Receives 10-year license upon renewal

10-Year License Renewal

270 points

Based on individualized PD plan

2018 License Changes

Effective July 1, 2018, in response to General Assembly legislation (HB 1125 and SB 349), the Board of Education now issues ten-year renewable licenses. Five-year renewable licenses are no longer issued. Teachers with existing 5-year licenses will receive a 10-year license upon renewal.

Mandatory: Students with Disabilities Training

Every Virginia teacher seeking license renewal must complete training in the instruction of students with disabilities, including:

  • Differentiating instruction based on student needs
  • Understanding the general education teacher's role on IEP teams
  • Implementing effective collaborative instruction models (co-teaching)
  • Understanding goals and benefits of inclusive education

Ways to Earn Professional Development Points

Graduate Credit Courses

Courses from regionally accredited universities. 1 three-semester-hour course = 90 points.

Professional Development Activities

Workshops, conferences, in-service training, and other approved PD activities.

Mentoring & Coaching

Serving as a mentor or instructional coach for other educators.

National Board Certification

Initial certification or renewal through National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Professional Learning Communities

Structured collaborative learning with colleagues focused on improving instruction.

Presenting at Conferences

Presenting professional development sessions to other educators.

Individualized Professional Development Plan

Virginia requires all educators seeking license renewal to develop an individualized professional development plan. Your plan should include:

  • Ongoing, sustained, and high-quality professional development
  • Activities aligned with your professional goals
  • Documentation of completed activities and points earned
  • Required training on instruction of students with disabilities

License Renewal Process

1

Complete Required Points

Earn 180 points (5-year) or 270 points (10-year) through approved activities.

2

Complete Disability Instruction Training

Fulfill the mandatory training requirement for instruction of students with disabilities.

3

Wait for Renewal Window

Renewals can be submitted after January 1 of the year your license expires.

4

Submit Application Through VALO

Log into Virginia Licensure Online (VALO) and submit your renewal application.

5

Pay $50 Renewal Fee

Submit the required $50 fee to complete your renewal.

Virginia PD Quick Summary

5-Year Renewal 180 points
10-Year Renewal 270 points
New Licenses 10-year term
3-Credit Course = 90 points
Renewal Fee $50
Portal VALO
Start Tracking Free

Point Calculation Examples

3-credit graduate course 90 points
1-day workshop (6 hours) ~6 points
Multi-day conference Varies

Point values vary by activity. Check with your school division or VDOE for specific point allocations.

Virginia License Renewal FAQs

How many professional development points do Virginia teachers need?

It depends on your license type. Teachers with a 5-year renewable license need 180 points for renewal (and will receive a 10-year license). Those with a 10-year renewable license need 270 points. All points must be based on an individualized professional development plan.

What is VALO and how do I use it?

VALO (Virginia Licensure Online) is the state's online portal for managing educator licenses. You can submit renewal applications, check your license status, and manage your credentials. Access VALO at p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/valo with your educator login.

When can I submit my license renewal application?

Virginia license renewals can be submitted any time after January 1 of the year your license expires. Don't submit before January 1 of the expiration year. The renewal fee is $50, payable through VALO.

What training is mandatory for Virginia license renewal?

All Virginia teachers must complete training on instruction of students with disabilities, covering: differentiating instruction, the general education teacher's role on IEP teams, collaborative instruction models like co-teaching, and the goals and benefits of inclusive education.

Does Classroom Walkthroughs track Virginia PD points?

Yes! When you select Virginia as your state, our system automatically configures your point requirement (180 or 270), tracks your progress toward renewal, and helps ensure you've completed mandatory training. You'll receive alerts as your renewal window approaches.

PD Requirements for Other States

Not in Virginia? Find requirements for your state.

Track Your Virginia PD Points Automatically

Stop manually counting points. Classroom Walkthroughs tracks your progress, calculates point totals, and ensures you're ready for license renewal through VALO.