The candidate shall have:

1. Earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in agricultural education; or

2. Earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and completed 39 semester hours of coursework in agriculture, including at least 3 semester hours in each of the areas in subdivisions 2 a through 2 f of this subsection, as well as a minimum of 9 semester hours in one concentration area listed in subdivisions 2a through 2f:

a. Plant science;

b. Animal science;

c. Agricultural mechanics and applied technology with a lab component;

d. Agricultural economics and management;

e. Forestry and wildlife management;

f. Horticulture; and

g. Supervised occupational experience, 3 semester hours, or one year of successful, full-time or the equivalent (a minimum of 2,000 cumulative hours) relevant occupational experience within the past five years.

If an individual is seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential as defined in 8VAC20-23-10 in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the Virginia Board of Education may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

Or, Technical Professional License. An endorsement in specialized areas may be granted to individuals who have:

1. Been recommended by an employing Virginia educational agency;

2. Completed two years of successful, full-time or the equivalent of occupational experience within the past five years in the teaching specialty sought;

3. Completed professional studies requirements (human development and learning: 3 semester hours; curriculum and instruction in career and technical education: 3 semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: 3 semester hours); and

4. Completed an agricultural education certificate or associate degree program in the teaching specialty area sought.

If an individual is seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential as defined in 8VAC20-23-10 in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the Virginia Board of Education may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.