Top 11 Virtual Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for virtual teachers in the job market as they help demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. They can add credibility to a teacher’s resume and provide employers with assurance that the candidate is capable of teaching online effectively. Certifications also show that the teacher has taken the time and effort to stay up-to-date on best practices and new technologies, making them an attractive candidate for any position. Additionally, certifications provide virtual teachers with access to exclusive job opportunities, such as those offered by professional organizations or universities. Finally, certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, which is becoming increasingly necessary in today’s competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Virtual Teachers and explain how they can help to further a virtual teacher's career.

What are Virtual Teacher Certifications?

Virtual teacher certification is a type of certification that allows educators to obtain teaching credentials through online courses, rather than traditional in-person methods. This type of certification can be beneficial for teachers who are unable to attend traditional brick and mortar learning institutions due to work or family commitments, or those who simply prefer the convenience of online education.

Virtual teacher certification programs provide teachers with the same level of training as they would receive in a classroom setting. Programs typically include instruction on curriculum development, classroom management, instructional strategies, and educational technology. Additionally, many virtual teacher certifications also require students to complete student teaching hours or other field experience requirements in order to qualify for their certification.

The benefit of virtual teacher certification is that it eliminates the need for teachers to take time away from their jobs or family obligations in order to obtain their credentials. Additionally, this type of certification may open up more opportunities for teachers who live in rural areas where access to traditional colleges and universities may be limited. Finally, virtual teacher certifications can give teachers greater flexibility when it comes to balancing professional and personal responsibilities while still ensuring they have the qualifications necessary for successful teaching careers.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for virtual teacher certification in your state or country before beginning the process. Many states or countries have specific requirements that must be met in order to obtain a virtual teaching certificate. Additionally, some states may require additional qualifications such as completing an approved training program or passing a competency exam.

Related: What does a Virtual Teacher do?

Top 11 Virtual Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Virtual Teachers today.

1. Virtual Teaching Certification from the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) Virtual Teaching Certification is a professional development program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills and competencies of educators who teach in virtual or blended learning environments. It is a comprehensive certification program that covers all aspects of teaching in an online environment, from course design and delivery to assessment and evaluation.

The certification process takes approximately 6 months to complete. It begins with an application process which includes submitting transcripts, work experience, and a letter of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete several courses that cover topics such as instructional design, technology integration, assessment strategies, and professional development. Upon successful completion of the courses, applicants must pass a final exam before receiving their certification.

The cost of the iNACOL Virtual Teaching Certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and the type of membership chosen (individual or group). The total cost can range from $500-$1,000 USD.

In addition to providing recognition for those who have achieved certification status, iNACOL also offers additional benefits such as access to resources related to online teaching best practices and discounts on conferences and workshops related to virtual instruction.

2. Virtual Teacher Certificate Program from the University of California, Irvine Extension

The Virtual Teacher Certificate Program from the University of California, Irvine Extension is designed to help educators gain the skills and knowledge needed to teach online. This program consists of four courses that are taken over a period of six months. The courses cover topics such as online course design, technology integration, teaching strategies for online learning, and assessment in an online environment.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate from UC Irvine Extension indicating their mastery of the material covered. To get started, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and be currently employed as a teacher or administrator in an educational setting.

Once accepted into the program, students will take one course each month for six months. Each course is offered completely online and can be completed at your own pace within two weeks. The cost of the program is $2,400 USD which includes all four courses as well as access to instructional materials and support services.

3. Virtual Education Professional Certificate from the American Council on Education (ACE)

The American Council on Education (ACE) Virtual Education Professional Certificate is a professional development program designed to help educators gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively design, deliver, and evaluate online learning experiences. The certificate is offered in two levels: Level 1 focuses on the basics of virtual education, while Level 2 covers more advanced topics such as instructional design, assessment, and technology integration.

The program consists of four courses that must be completed within six months of enrollment. Courses include an introduction to virtual education, an introduction to instructional design for online learning, an introduction to assessment for online learning, and a capstone project. Each course requires approximately 15 hours of work per week and includes readings, videos, activities, discussions, assignments and assessments.

To get the ACE Virtual Education Professional Certificate you must first apply for admission through the ACE website. Once accepted into the program you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of $50. After completing all four courses you will receive your certificate from ACE.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether or not you are eligible for discounted tuition rates through your employer or institution. The total cost for each level ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD depending on eligibility status.

4. Certified Online Instructor (COI) from the Quality Matters Program

The Certified Online Instructor (COI) from the Quality Matters Program is a professional development certification program designed to help instructors create high-quality online courses. The COI certification requires that instructors demonstrate mastery of the Quality Matters Rubric, which is a set of standards for creating effective and engaging online courses.

To become certified, instructors must complete an 8-week course and pass an assessment with a score of 80% or higher. The course covers topics such as designing effective assessments, developing engaging content, and using technology to enhance student learning. During the course, instructors will also receive feedback on their own online courses in order to improve them.

The cost of the COI certification is $795 USD. This includes access to the 8-week course, assessment materials, and one year of membership in Quality Matters. After completing the course and passing the assessment, instructors will receive a digital badge that can be used to demonstrate their mastery of the Quality Matters Rubric.

5. Virtual Instruction Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Virtual Instruction Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize educators who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively design, deliver, and evaluate virtual instruction.

To earn the Virtual Instruction Certification from NBPTS, an educator must first meet the requirements of the NBPTS Core Propositions and demonstrate their ability to create and maintain a safe learning environment that supports student success. They must also demonstrate their ability to use technology effectively in instruction, assess student learning in virtual environments, collaborate with colleagues and students virtually, design effective virtual instruction plans, and provide professional development related to virtual instruction.

The process of earning the Virtual Instruction Certification takes approximately two years. During this time period, applicants must complete three components: Content Knowledge Assessment (CKA), Assessment Center (AC), and Performance-Based Assessment (PBA). The CKA consists of a written exam that tests an applicant’s content knowledge in their subject area. The AC requires applicants to submit evidence of their teaching practice related to virtual instruction. Finally, the PBA requires applicants to submit evidence of their ability to design effective online learning experiences for students.

The cost for earning the Virtual Instruction Certification from NBPTS varies depending on the state in which you live. In general, it costs between $2,000-$3,000 USD for all three components.

6. Certified Online Educator (COE) from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

The Certified Online Educator (COE) from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a professional certification program for educators who are interested in developing and demonstrating their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to online teaching. The COE credential is designed to recognize educators who have demonstrated proficiency in the development, implementation, and evaluation of online learning experiences.

The COE program consists of two parts: an online self-assessment and a portfolio review. The self-assessment consists of questions about your experience with online teaching, technology tools, and instructional design. After completing the self-assessment, you will submit your portfolio for review by ISTE’s Certification Review Board.

The entire process takes approximately 8 weeks to complete. You must submit your application no later than 4 weeks prior to the next scheduled review date. Applications are reviewed twice a year – once in May and once in November.

To apply for the COE certification, you must be an ISTE member (which costs $99/year). In addition, there is a nonrefundable application fee of $175 USD that must be paid at the time of submission.

7. Virtual Teaching and Learning Certificate Program from Arizona State University

The Virtual Teaching and Learning Certificate Program from Arizona State University is an online program designed to help educators learn how to effectively teach in a virtual environment. The program consists of six courses that cover topics such as educational technology, remote teaching strategies, and assessment methods. Each course takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete and includes lectures, discussions, readings, activities, and assessments.

To get the certificate, students must successfully complete all six courses. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate from Arizona State University acknowledging their achievement.

The cost of the program varies depending on the student’s residency status and whether or not they are taking the courses for credit or audit purposes. For non-residents taking the courses for credit, tuition is $1,500 per course for a total cost of $9,000 for the entire program. For residents taking the courses for credit or audit purposes, tuition is $750 per course for a total cost of $4,500 for the entire program.

8. Online Teaching Certification from StraighterLine

Online Teaching Certification from StraighterLine is a program designed to help educators gain the skills and knowledge needed to teach online courses. The certification consists of three courses: Introduction to Online Teaching, Creating Engaging Online Learning Experiences, and Assessing Student Learning in an Online Environment. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete, for a total of 30 hours of instruction.

To get certified, you must first create an account on the StraighterLine website and register for the certification program. You will then be given access to the three courses which you can complete at your own pace. Upon completion of all three courses, you will receive a certificate verifying that you have completed the program.

The cost of the Online Teaching Certification from StraighterLine varies depending on whether or not you are already enrolled in one of their other programs. If you are already enrolled in another program, then the certification is free; however, if you are not currently enrolled in a StraighterLine program, then it costs $99.

9. Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI) from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission

The Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI) from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in distance education instruction. The CDEI credential is designed to ensure quality standards for online and distance learning instructors, as well as promote best practices in the field of distance education.

To become a Certified Distance Education Instructor, applicants must successfully complete an application process that includes submitting an official transcript demonstrating completion of a minimum of 10 semester hours of coursework related to teaching and learning in a distance education environment, along with three letters of recommendation from qualified professionals. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices associated with effective online instruction by passing an exam administered by the DEAC.

The process typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete, depending on the applicant’s availability and ability to meet all requirements. The cost for obtaining the CDEI credential is $500 USD, which covers all application fees, exam fees, and any other associated costs.

10. Advanced Online Teaching Certification from Walden University

Advanced Online Teaching Certification from Walden University is a professional development program designed to help educators become more effective online instructors. The program consists of four courses, each focusing on a different aspect of online teaching: Course Design and Delivery, Assessment and Evaluation, Technology Integration, and Professional Development. The program takes approximately 12 months to complete, depending on the student’s pace.

To get the Advanced Online Teaching Certification from Walden University, students must first complete an application process that includes submitting transcripts for review. After being accepted into the program, students must then complete all four courses within one year in order to receive their certification. Each course requires 15-20 hours of work per week, including reading course materials, participating in discussions with peers, completing assignments and taking exams.

The cost of the Advanced Online Teaching Certification from Walden University varies depending on the individual’s situation. For those who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program at Walden University, the cost is included in their tuition fees. For those who are not enrolled in a degree or certificate program at Walden University but wish to pursue this certification only, the cost is $2,500 USD for all four courses.

11. Virtual Educator Certification Program from Southern New Hampshire University

The Virtual Educator Certification Program from Southern New Hampshire University is designed to help educators develop the skills necessary to teach in a virtual environment. The program consists of four courses that are completed online and can be taken at your own pace.

The four courses are: Introduction to Virtual Education, Teaching Strategies for Online Learning, Technology for Online Learning, and Assessment and Evaluation in Virtual Education. Each course is 8 weeks long and provides students with an introduction to virtual education as well as strategies for teaching in an online setting.

To get the certification, students must complete all four courses with a passing grade. Upon completion, students will receive their certificate of completion from SNHU.

The cost of the program depends on whether you are taking it as part of a degree program or not. If you are taking it as part of a degree program, then the cost will be included in your tuition fees. If you are taking it as a stand-alone program, then the cost is $1,095 per course or $4,380 for all four courses.

Do You Really Need a Virtual Teacher Certificate?

Many people are beginning to realize the importance of virtual teaching and the potential benefits it can offer. As a result, some may be considering whether or not they need a virtual teacher certificate in order to teach online. The answer is yes, in most cases, you do need a virtual teacher certificate in order to teach online.

The main reason why having a virtual teacher certificate is important is because it shows that you have met certain qualifications and standards for teaching online. It also demonstrates that you have the necessary experience and knowledge required to effectively teach online. Without this certification, potential students may be less likely to trust your abilities as an instructor and may even choose another instructor over you who has the proper credentials.

In addition to providing assurance to potential students, having a virtual teacher certificate will also help you stand out from other instructors when applying for jobs or contracts with schools or organizations that offer online courses. Employers and organizations often take into account certifications when deciding which applicants they should hire or contract with. Therefore, having a virtual teacher certificate can give you an edge over someone who does not have one.

Finally, having a virtual teacher certificate will also provide you with more opportunities for professional growth and development as an online educator. With this certification, you’ll be able to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in online teaching and learning so that you can continue improving your skills as an educator. You’ll also be able to network with other certified instructors in order to exchange ideas and resources related to teaching courses virtually.

In conclusion, getting a virtual teacher certificate is essential if you want to become an effective online educator. Not only does it demonstrate your qualifications for teaching online but it will also help you get hired by employers or contracted by organizations offering courses virtually. Finally, it provides opportunities for professional growth so that you can stay current on the latest trends in education technology and improve your skills as an educator overall.

Related: Virtual Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Virtual Teacher Certifications

1. What is a virtual teacher certification?

Answer: A virtual teacher certification is an online course or program that prepares an individual to teach in a virtual environment, such as a distance learning platform or an online classroom. It typically covers topics such as curriculum design, assessment strategies, and technology integration.

2. How long does it take to complete a virtual teacher certification?

Answer: The length of the program depends on the type and complexity of the coursework involved, but most certification programs can be completed within one year.

3. Is a virtual teacher certification recognized by schools and employers?

Answer: Yes, many schools and employers recognize virtual teacher certifications as valid qualifications for teaching in a virtual environment.

4. Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a virtual teacher certification program?

Answer: Generally speaking, you will need to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in order to enroll in most programs. You may also need to have some prior teaching experience and/or pass certain exams before being accepted into the program.

5. Are there any costs associated with getting a virtual teacher certification?

Answer: Yes, most programs have associated tuition costs, although financial aid may be available for eligible students. Additionally, you may need to purchase textbooks or other materials related to your coursework.