{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/22.1-316.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/22.1-316.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/22.1-316.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/22.1-316.html"}],"law_id":354818,"edition_id":2,"section_id":354818,"structure_id":50747,"section_number":"22.1-316","catch_line":"Agreement entered into and enacted into law; form of agreement","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 22-348; 1970, c. 193; 1980, c. 559; 1992, c. 132.","full_text":"The Interstate Agreement on Qualification of Educational Personnel is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all jurisdictions legally joined therein in the form substantially as follows:\n\n\t\tINTERSTATE AGREEMENT ON QUALIFICATION OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL\n\n\t\tArticle I.\n\n\t\tPurpose, Findings, and Policy.\n\nA\n\nThe states party to this agreement, desiring by common action to improve their respective school systems by utilizing the teacher or other professional educational person wherever educated, declare that it is the policy of each of them, on the basis of cooperation with one another, to take advantage of the preparation and experience of such persons wherever gained, thereby serving the best interests of society, of education and of the teaching profession. It is the purpose of this agreement to provide for the development and execution of such programs of cooperation as will facilitate the movement of teachers and other professional educational personnel among the states party to it and to authorize specific interstate educational personnel contracts to achieve that end.\n\nB\n\nThe party states find that included in the large movement of population among all sections of the nation are many qualified educational personnel who move for family and other personal reasons but who are hindered in using their professional skill and experience in their new locations. Variations from state to state in requirements for qualifying educational personnel discourage such personnel from taking the steps necessary to qualify in other states. As a consequence, a significant number of professionally prepared and experienced educators is lost to our school systems. Facilitating the employment of qualified educational personnel without reference to their states of origin can increase the available educational resources. Participation in this compact can increase the availability of educational manpower.\n\t\t\tArticle II.\n\n\t\t\tDefinitions.\n\n\t\t\tAs used in this agreement and contracts made pursuant to it, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:\n\n1\n\n“Educational personnel” means persons who must meet requirements pursuant to state law as a condition of employment in educational programs.\n\n2\n\n“Designated state official” means the educational official of a state selected by that state to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of his state, contracts pursuant to this agreement.\n\n3\n\n“Accept” or any variant thereof means to recognize and give effect to one or more determinations of another state relating to the qualifications of educational personnel in lieu of making or requiring a like determination that would otherwise be required by or pursuant to the laws of a receiving state.\n\n4\n\n“State” means a state, territory, or possession of the United States; the District of Columbia; or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.\n\n5\n\n“Originating state” means a state or subdivision thereof whose determination that certain educational personnel are qualified to be employed for specific duties in schools is acceptable in accordance with the terms of a contract made pursuant to Article III.\n\n6\n\n“Receiving state” means a state or subdivision thereof which accepts educational personnel in accordance with the terms of a contract made pursuant to Article III of this section.\n\t\t\t\tArticle III.\n\n\t\t\t\tInterstate Educational Personnel Contracts.\n\nA\n\nThe designated state official of a party state may make one or more contracts on behalf of his state with one or more other party states providing for the acceptance of educational personnel. Any such contract for the period of its duration shall be applicable to and binding on the states whose designated state officials enter into it and the subdivisions of those states with the same force and effect as if incorporated in this agreement. A designated state official may enter into a contract pursuant to this article only with states in which he finds that there are programs of education, licensure standards or other acceptable qualifications that assure preparation or qualification of educational personnel on a basis sufficiently comparable even though not identical to that prevailing in his own state.\n\nB\n\nAny such contract shall provide for:\n\n1\n\nIts duration.\n\n2\n\nThe criteria to be applied by an originating state in qualifying educational personnel for acceptance by a receiving state.\n\n3\n\nSuch waivers, substitutions, and conditional acceptances as shall aid the practical effectuation of the contract without sacrifice of basic educational standards.\n\n4\n\nAny other necessary matters.\n\nC\n\nNo contract made pursuant to this agreement shall be for a term longer than five years but any such contract may be renewed for like or lesser periods.\n\nD\n\nAny contract dealing with acceptance of educational personnel on the basis of their having completed an educational program shall specify the earliest date or dates on which originating state approval of the program or programs involved can have occurred. No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall require acceptance by a receiving state of any persons qualified because of successful completion of a program prior to January 1, 1954.\n\nE\n\nThe licensure or other acceptance of a person who has been accepted pursuant to the terms of a contract shall not be revoked or otherwise impaired because the contract has expired or been terminated. Any license or other qualifying document may be revoked or suspended on any ground which would be sufficient for revocation or suspension of a license or other qualifying document initially granted or approved in the receiving state.\n\nF\n\nA contract committee composed of the designated state officials of the contracting states or their representatives shall keep the contract under continuous review, study means of improving its administration, and report no less frequently than once a year to the heads of the appropriate education agencies of the contracting states.\n\t\t\tArticle IV.\n\n\t\t\tApproved and Accepted Programs.\n\nA\n\nNothing in this agreement shall be construed to repeal or otherwise modify any law or regulation of a party state relating to the approval of programs of educational preparation having effect solely on the qualification of educational personnel within that state.\n\nB\n\nTo the extent that contracts made pursuant to this agreement deal with the educational requirements for the proper qualification of educational personnel, acceptance of a program of educational preparation shall be in accordance with such procedures and requirements as may be provided in the applicable contract.\n\t\t\tArticle V.\n\n\t\t\tInterstate Cooperation.\n\n\t\t\tThe party states agree that:\n\n1\n\nThey will, so far as practicable, prefer the making of multilateral contracts pursuant to Article III of this agreement.\n\n2\n\nThey will facilitate and strengthen cooperation in interstate licensure and other elements of educational personnel qualification and for this purpose shall cooperate with agencies, organizations, and associations interested in licensure and other elements of educational personnel qualification.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI.\n\n\t\t\t\tAgreement Evaluation.\n\n\t\t\t\tThe designated state officials of any party states may meet from time to time as a group to evaluate progress under the agreement and to formulate recommendations for changes.\n\n\t\t\t\tArticle VII.\n\n\t\t\t\tOther Arrangements.\n\n\t\t\t\tNothing in this agreement shall be construed to prevent or inhibit other arrangements or practices of any party state or states to facilitate the interchange of educational personnel.\n\n\t\t\t\tArticle VIII.\n\n\t\t\t\tEffect and Withdrawal.\n\nA\n\nThis agreement shall become effective when enacted into law by two states. Thereafter it shall become effective as to any state upon its enactment of this agreement.\n\nB\n\nAny party state may withdraw from this agreement by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party states.\n\nC\n\nNo withdrawal shall relieve the withdrawing state of any obligation imposed upon it by a contract to which it is a party. The duration of contracts and the methods and conditions of withdrawal therefrom shall be those specified in their terms.\n\t\t\tArticle IX.\n\n\t\t\tConstruction and Severability.\n\n\t\t\tThis agreement shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this agreement shall be severable; and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States or if the application thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this agreement and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this agreement shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1321155,"text":"The Interstate Agreement on Qualification of Educational Personnel is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all jurisdictions legally joined therein in the form substantially as follows:\t\tINTERSTATE AGREEMENT ON QUALIFICATION OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL\t\tArticle I.\t\tPurpose, Findings, and Policy.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"A"},"1":{"id":1321156,"text":"The states party to this agreement, desiring by common action to improve their respective school systems by utilizing the teacher or other professional educational person wherever educated, declare that it is the policy of each of them, on the basis of cooperation with one another, to take advantage of the preparation and experience of such persons wherever gained, thereby serving the best interests of society, of education and of the teaching profession. It is the purpose of this agreement to provide for the development and execution of such programs of cooperation as will facilitate the movement of teachers and other professional educational personnel among the states party to it and to authorize specific interstate educational personnel contracts to achieve that end.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"B"},"2":{"id":1321157,"text":"The party states find that included in the large movement of population among all sections of the nation are many qualified educational personnel who move for family and other personal reasons but who are hindered in using their professional skill and experience in their new locations. Variations from state to state in requirements for qualifying educational personnel discourage such personnel from taking the steps necessary to qualify in other states. As a consequence, a significant number of professionally prepared and experienced educators is lost to our school systems. Facilitating the employment of qualified educational personnel without reference to their states of origin can increase the available educational resources. Participation in this compact can increase the availability of educational manpower.\n\t\t\tArticle II.\t\t\tDefinitions.\t\t\tAs used in this agreement and contracts made pursuant to it, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"3":{"id":1321158,"text":"“Educational personnel” means persons who must meet requirements pursuant to state law as a condition of employment in educational programs.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"4":{"id":1321159,"text":"“Designated state official” means the educational official of a state selected by that state to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of his state, contracts pursuant to this agreement.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"5":{"id":1321160,"text":"“Accept” or any variant thereof means to recognize and give effect to one or more determinations of another state relating to the qualifications of educational personnel in lieu of making or requiring a like determination that would otherwise be required by or pursuant to the laws of a receiving state.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"6":{"id":1321161,"text":"“State” means a state, territory, or possession of the United States; the District of Columbia; or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"7":{"id":1321162,"text":"“Originating state” means a state or subdivision thereof whose determination that certain educational personnel are qualified to be employed for specific duties in schools is acceptable in accordance with the terms of a contract made pursuant to Article III.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"8":{"id":1321163,"text":"“Receiving state” means a state or subdivision thereof which accepts educational personnel in accordance with the terms of a contract made pursuant to Article III of this section.\n\t\t\t\tArticle III.\t\t\t\tInterstate Educational Personnel Contracts.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"A"},"9":{"id":1321164,"text":"The designated state official of a party state may make one or more contracts on behalf of his state with one or more other party states providing for the acceptance of educational personnel. Any such contract for the period of its duration shall be applicable to and binding on the states whose designated state officials enter into it and the subdivisions of those states with the same force and effect as if incorporated in this agreement. A designated state official may enter into a contract pursuant to this article only with states in which he finds that there are programs of education, licensure standards or other acceptable qualifications that assure preparation or qualification of educational personnel on a basis sufficiently comparable even though not identical to that prevailing in his own state.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B"},"10":{"id":1321165,"text":"Any such contract shall provide for:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"11":{"id":1321166,"text":"Its duration.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"12":{"id":1321167,"text":"The criteria to be applied by an originating state in qualifying educational personnel for acceptance by a receiving state.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"13":{"id":1321168,"text":"Such waivers, substitutions, and conditional acceptances as shall aid the practical effectuation of the contract without sacrifice of basic educational standards.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"14":{"id":1321169,"text":"Any other necessary matters.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"C"},"15":{"id":1321170,"text":"No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall be for a term longer than five years but any such contract may be renewed for like or lesser periods.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"D"},"16":{"id":1321171,"text":"Any contract dealing with acceptance of educational personnel on the basis of their having completed an educational program shall specify the earliest date or dates on which originating state approval of the program or programs involved can have occurred. No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall require acceptance by a receiving state of any persons qualified because of successful completion of a program prior to January 1, 1954.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"17":{"id":1321172,"text":"The licensure or other acceptance of a person who has been accepted pursuant to the terms of a contract shall not be revoked or otherwise impaired because the contract has expired or been terminated. Any license or other qualifying document may be revoked or suspended on any ground which would be sufficient for revocation or suspension of a license or other qualifying document initially granted or approved in the receiving state.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"18":{"id":1321173,"text":"A contract committee composed of the designated state officials of the contracting states or their representatives shall keep the contract under continuous review, study means of improving its administration, and report no less frequently than once a year to the heads of the appropriate education agencies of the contracting states.\n\t\t\tArticle IV.\t\t\tApproved and Accepted Programs.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"A"},"19":{"id":1321174,"text":"Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to repeal or otherwise modify any law or regulation of a party state relating to the approval of programs of educational preparation having effect solely on the qualification of educational personnel within that state.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"B"},"20":{"id":1321175,"text":"To the extent that contracts made pursuant to this agreement deal with the educational requirements for the proper qualification of educational personnel, acceptance of a program of educational preparation shall be in accordance with such procedures and requirements as may be provided in the applicable contract.\n\t\t\tArticle V.\t\t\tInterstate Cooperation.\t\t\tThe party states agree that:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"21":{"id":1321176,"text":"They will, so far as practicable, prefer the making of multilateral contracts pursuant to Article III of this agreement.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"22":{"id":1321177,"text":"They will facilitate and strengthen cooperation in interstate licensure and other elements of educational personnel qualification and for this purpose shall cooperate with agencies, organizations, and associations interested in licensure and other elements of educational personnel qualification.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI.\t\t\t\tAgreement Evaluation.\t\t\t\tThe designated state officials of any party states may meet from time to time as a group to evaluate progress under the agreement and to formulate recommendations for changes.\t\t\t\tArticle VII.\t\t\t\tOther Arrangements.\t\t\t\tNothing in this agreement shall be construed to prevent or inhibit other arrangements or practices of any party state or states to facilitate the interchange of educational personnel.\t\t\t\tArticle VIII.\t\t\t\tEffect and Withdrawal.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"A"},"23":{"id":1321178,"text":"This agreement shall become effective when enacted into law by two states. Thereafter it shall become effective as to any state upon its enactment of this agreement.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B"},"24":{"id":1321179,"text":"Any party state may withdraw from this agreement by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party states.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"25":{"id":1321180,"text":"No withdrawal shall relieve the withdrawing state of any obligation imposed upon it by a contract to which it is a party. The duration of contracts and the methods and conditions of withdrawal therefrom shall be those specified in their terms.\n\t\t\tArticle IX.\t\t\tConstruction and Severability.\t\t\tThis agreement shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this agreement shall be severable; and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States or if the application thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this agreement and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this agreement shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":50747,"edition_id":2,"name":"Interstate Agreement on Qualification of Educational Personnel","identifier":"5","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":5,"parent_id":50741,"metadata":{"child_laws":3,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:32:50","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:09","permalink":{"id":1410165,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50747,"identifier":"5","token":"22.1\/15\/5","url":"\/22.1\/15\/5\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50741,"edition_id":2,"name":"Teachers, Officers and Employees","identifier":"15","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":18,"parent_id":50682,"metadata":{"child_laws":75,"child_structures":7},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:32:38","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:08","permalink":{"id":1409873,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50741,"identifier":"15","token":"22.1\/15","url":"\/22.1\/15\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50682,"edition_id":2,"name":"Education","identifier":"22.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":60,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":858,"child_structures":99},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:31:28","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:57","permalink":{"id":1407951,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50682,"identifier":"22.1","token":"22.1","url":"\/22.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":354818,"structure_id":50747,"section_number":"22.1-316","catch_line":"Agreement entered into and enacted into law; form of agreement","url":"\/22.1-316\/","token":"22.1\/15\/5\/22.1-316","metadata":false},{"id":354819,"structure_id":50747,"section_number":"22.1-317","catch_line":"Superintendent of Public Instruction to be \"designated state official.\"","url":"\/22.1-317\/","token":"22.1\/15\/5\/22.1-317","metadata":false},{"id":354822,"structure_id":50747,"section_number":"22.1-318","catch_line":"Filing and publication of contracts made pursuant to Agreement","url":"\/22.1-318\/","token":"22.1\/15\/5\/22.1-318","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":354819,"structure_id":50747,"section_number":"22.1-317","catch_line":"Superintendent of Public Instruction to be \"designated state official.\"","url":"\/22.1-317\/","token":"22.1\/15\/5\/22.1-317","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/22.1-316\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1970, chapter 193; in 1980, chapter 559; in 1992, chapter 132.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1410167,"object_type":"law","relational_id":354818,"identifier":"22.1-316","token":"22.1\/15\/5\/22.1-316","url":"\/22.1-316\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/22.1-316\/","token":"22.1\/15\/5\/22.1-316","dublin_core":{"Title":"Agreement entered into and enacted into law; form of agreement","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 22.1-316","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Interstate Agreement on Qualification of Educational Personnel<\/span> is hereby enacted into law<\/span> and entered into with all jurisdictions<\/span> legally joined therein in the form substantially as follows:

\t\tINTERSTATE AGREEMENT ON QUALIFICATION OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL<\/span>

\t\tArticle I.

\t\tPurpose, Findings<\/span>, and Policy.<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The states<\/span> party<\/span> to this agreement, desiring by common action to improve their respective school systems by utilizing the teacher or other professional educational person wherever educated, declare that it is the policy of each of them, on the basis of cooperation with one another, to take advantage of the preparation and experience of such persons wherever gained, thereby serving the best interests of society, of education and of the teaching profession. It is the purpose of this agreement to provide for the development and execution of such programs of cooperation as will facilitate the movement of teachers and other professional educational personnel<\/span> among the states<\/span> party<\/span> to it and to authorize specific interstate educational personnel<\/span> contracts<\/span> to achieve that end. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The party<\/span> states<\/span> find that included in the large movement of population among all sections of the nation are many qualified educational personnel<\/span> who move for family and other personal reasons but who are hindered in using their professional skill and experience in their new locations. Variations from state<\/span> to state<\/span> in requirements for qualifying educational personnel<\/span> discourage such personnel from taking the steps necessary to qualify in other states<\/span>. As a consequence, a significant number of professionally prepared and experienced educators is lost to our school systems. Facilitating the employment of qualified educational personnel<\/span> without reference to their states<\/span> of origin can increase the available educational resources. Participation in this compact can increase the availability of educational manpower.\n\t\t\tArticle II.

\t\t\tDefinitions.

\t\t\tAs used in this agreement and contracts<\/span> made pursuant to it, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> “Educational personnel<\/span>” means persons who must meet requirements pursuant to state<\/span> law<\/span> as a condition of employment in educational programs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> “Designated state official<\/span>” means the educational official of a state selected by that state to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of his state, contracts<\/span> pursuant to this agreement. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> “Accept<\/span>” or any variant thereof means to recognize and give effect to one or more determinations of another state relating to the qualifications of educational personnel<\/span> in lieu of making or requiring a like determination that would otherwise be required by or pursuant to the laws<\/span> of a receiving state<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> “State” means a state, territory, or possession<\/span> of the United States<\/span>; the District of Columbia; or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> “Originating state<\/span>” means a state or subdivision thereof whose determination that certain educational personnel<\/span> are qualified to be employed for specific duties in schools is acceptable in accordance with the terms of a contract<\/span> made pursuant to Article III. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> “Receiving state<\/span>” means a state or subdivision thereof which accepts<\/span> educational personnel<\/span> in accordance with the terms of a contract<\/span> made pursuant to Article III of this section.\n\t\t\t\tArticle III.

\t\t\t\tInterstate Educational Personnel<\/span> Contracts<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The designated state official<\/span> of a party<\/span> state may make one or more contracts<\/span> on behalf of his state with one or more other party<\/span> states<\/span> providing for the acceptance of educational personnel<\/span>. Any such contract<\/span> for the period of its duration shall be applicable to and binding on the states<\/span> whose designated state officials<\/span> enter into it and the subdivisions of those states<\/span> with the same force and effect as if incorporated in this agreement. A designated state official<\/span> may enter into a contract<\/span> pursuant to this article only with states<\/span> in which he finds that there are programs of education, licensure standards or other acceptable qualifications that assure preparation or qualification of educational personnel<\/span> on a basis sufficiently comparable even though not identical to that prevailing in his own state. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any such contract<\/span> shall provide for: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Its duration. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The criteria to be applied by an originating state<\/span> in qualifying educational personnel<\/span> for acceptance by a receiving state<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Such waivers<\/span>, substitutions, and conditional acceptances as shall aid the practical effectuation of the contract<\/span> without sacrifice of basic educational standards. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Any other necessary matters. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> No contract<\/span> made pursuant to this agreement shall be for a term longer than five years but any such contract<\/span> may be renewed for like or lesser periods. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Any contract<\/span> dealing with acceptance of educational personnel<\/span> on the basis of their having completed an educational program shall specify the earliest date or dates on which originating state<\/span> approval of the program or programs involved can have occurred. No contract<\/span> made pursuant to this agreement shall require acceptance by a receiving state<\/span> of any persons qualified because of successful completion of a program prior to January 1, 1954. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The licensure or other acceptance of a person who has been accepted pursuant to the terms of a contract<\/span> shall not be revoked or otherwise impaired because the contract<\/span> has expired or been terminated. Any license or other qualifying document may be revoked or suspended on any ground which would be sufficient for revocation<\/span> or suspension of a license or other qualifying document initially granted or approved in the receiving state<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> A contract<\/span> committee composed of the designated state officials<\/span> of the contracting states<\/span> or their representatives shall keep the contract<\/span> under continuous review, study means of improving its administration, and report no less frequently than once a year to the heads of the appropriate education agencies of the contracting states<\/span>.\n\t\t\tArticle IV.

\t\t\tApproved and Accepted Programs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to repeal or otherwise modify any law<\/span> or regulation of a party<\/span> state relating to the approval of programs of educational preparation having effect solely on the qualification of educational personnel<\/span> within that state. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> To the extent that contracts<\/span> made pursuant to this agreement deal with the educational requirements for the proper qualification of educational personnel<\/span>, acceptance of a program of educational preparation shall be in accordance with such procedures and requirements as may be provided in the applicable contract<\/span>.\n\t\t\tArticle V.

\t\t\tInterstate Cooperation.

\t\t\tThe party<\/span> states<\/span> agree that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> They will, so far as practicable, prefer the making of multilateral contracts<\/span> pursuant to Article III of this agreement. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> They will facilitate and strengthen cooperation in interstate licensure and other elements of educational personnel<\/span> qualification and for this purpose shall cooperate with agencies, organizations, and associations interested in licensure and other elements of educational personnel<\/span> qualification.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI.

\t\t\t\tAgreement Evaluation.

\t\t\t\tThe designated state officials<\/span> of any party<\/span> states<\/span> may meet from time to time as a group to evaluate progress under the agreement and to formulate recommendations for changes.

\t\t\t\tArticle VII.

\t\t\t\tOther Arrangements.

\t\t\t\tNothing in this agreement shall be construed to prevent or inhibit other arrangements or practices of any party<\/span> state or states<\/span> to facilitate the interchange of educational personnel<\/span>.

\t\t\t\tArticle VIII.

\t\t\t\tEffect and Withdrawal. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> This agreement shall become effective when enacted into law<\/span> by two states<\/span>. Thereafter it shall become effective as to any state upon its enactment of this agreement. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any party<\/span> state may withdraw from this agreement by enacting a statute<\/span> repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party<\/span> states<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> No withdrawal shall relieve the withdrawing state of any obligation imposed upon it by a contract<\/span> to which it is a party<\/span>. The duration of contracts<\/span> and the methods and conditions of withdrawal therefrom shall be those specified in their terms.\n\t\t\tArticle IX.

\t\t\tConstruction and Severability.

\t\t\tThis agreement shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this agreement shall be severable; and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States<\/span> or if the application thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this agreement and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this agreement shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAGREEMENT ENTERED INTO AND ENACTED INTO LAW; FORM OF AGREEMENT (\u00a7 22.1-316)\n\nThe Interstate Agreement on Qualification of Educational Personnel is hereby\nenacted into law and entered into with all jurisdictions legally joined therein\nin the form substantially as follows:\t\tINTERSTATE AGREEMENT ON QUALIFICATION OF\nEDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL\t\tArticle I.\t\tPurpose, Findings, and Policy.\n\nA. The states party to this agreement, desiring by common action to improve\ntheir respective school systems by utilizing the teacher or other professional\neducational person wherever educated, declare that it is the policy of each of\nthem, on the basis of cooperation with one another, to take advantage of the\npreparation and experience of such persons wherever gained, thereby serving the\nbest interests of society, of education and of the teaching profession. It is\nthe purpose of this agreement to provide for the development and execution of\nsuch programs of cooperation as will facilitate the movement of teachers and\nother professional educational personnel among the states party to it and to\nauthorize specific interstate educational personnel contracts to achieve that\nend.\n\nB. The party states find that included in the large movement of population among\nall sections of the nation are many qualified educational personnel who move for\nfamily and other personal reasons but who are hindered in using their\nprofessional skill and experience in their new locations. Variations from state\nto state in requirements for qualifying educational personnel discourage such\npersonnel from taking the steps necessary to qualify in other states. As a\nconsequence, a significant number of professionally prepared and experienced\neducators is lost to our school systems. Facilitating the employment of\nqualified educational personnel without reference to their states of origin can\nincrease the available educational resources. Participation in this compact can\nincrease the availability of educational manpower.\n\t\t\tArticle II.\t\t\tDefinitions.\t\t\tAs used in this agreement and contracts made\npursuant to it, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:\n\n 1. “Educational personnel” means persons who must meet\n requirements pursuant to state law as a condition of employment in educational\n programs.\n\n 2. “Designated state official” means the educational official of a\n state selected by that state to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of his\n state, contracts pursuant to this agreement.\n\n 3. “Accept” or any variant thereof means to recognize and give\n effect to one or more determinations of another state relating to the\n qualifications of educational personnel in lieu of making or requiring a like\n determination that would otherwise be required by or pursuant to the laws of a\n receiving state.\n\n 4. “State” means a state, territory, or possession of the United\n States; the District of Columbia; or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.\n\n 5. “Originating state” means a state or subdivision thereof whose\n determination that certain educational personnel are qualified to be employed\n for specific duties in schools is acceptable in accordance with the terms of a\n contract made pursuant to Article III.\n\n 6. “Receiving state” means a state or subdivision thereof which\n accepts educational personnel in accordance with the terms of a contract made\n pursuant to Article III of this section.\n \t\t\t\tArticle III.\t\t\t\tInterstate Educational Personnel Contracts.\n\nA. The designated state official of a party state may make one or more contracts\non behalf of his state with one or more other party states providing for the\nacceptance of educational personnel. Any such contract for the period of its\nduration shall be applicable to and binding on the states whose designated state\nofficials enter into it and the subdivisions of those states with the same force\nand effect as if incorporated in this agreement. A designated state official may\nenter into a contract pursuant to this article only with states in which he\nfinds that there are programs of education, licensure standards or other\nacceptable qualifications that assure preparation or qualification of\neducational personnel on a basis sufficiently comparable even though not\nidentical to that prevailing in his own state.\n\nB. Any such contract shall provide for:\n\n 1. Its duration.\n\n 2. The criteria to be applied by an originating state in qualifying\n educational personnel for acceptance by a receiving state.\n\n 3. Such waivers, substitutions, and conditional acceptances as shall aid the\n practical effectuation of the contract without sacrifice of basic educational\n standards.\n\n 4. Any other necessary matters.\n\nC. No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall be for a term longer than\nfive years but any such contract may be renewed for like or lesser periods.\n\nD. Any contract dealing with acceptance of educational personnel on the basis of\ntheir having completed an educational program shall specify the earliest date or\ndates on which originating state approval of the program or programs involved\ncan have occurred. No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall require\nacceptance by a receiving state of any persons qualified because of successful\ncompletion of a program prior to January 1, 1954.\n\nE. The licensure or other acceptance of a person who has been accepted pursuant\nto the terms of a contract shall not be revoked or otherwise impaired because\nthe contract has expired or been terminated. Any license or other qualifying\ndocument may be revoked or suspended on any ground which would be sufficient for\nrevocation or suspension of a license or other qualifying document initially\ngranted or approved in the receiving state.\n\nF. A contract committee composed of the designated state officials of the\ncontracting states or their representatives shall keep the contract under\ncontinuous review, study means of improving its administration, and report no\nless frequently than once a year to the heads of the appropriate education\nagencies of the contracting states.\n\t\t\tArticle IV.\t\t\tApproved and Accepted Programs.\n\nA. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to repeal or otherwise modify\nany law or regulation of a party state relating to the approval of programs of\neducational preparation having effect solely on the qualification of educational\npersonnel within that state.\n\nB. To the extent that contracts made pursuant to this agreement deal with the\neducational requirements for the proper qualification of educational personnel,\nacceptance of a program of educational preparation shall be in accordance with\nsuch procedures and requirements as may be provided in the applicable contract.\n\t\t\tArticle V.\t\t\tInterstate Cooperation.\t\t\tThe party states agree that:\n\n 1. They will, so far as practicable, prefer the making of multilateral\n contracts pursuant to Article III of this agreement.\n\n 2. They will facilitate and strengthen cooperation in interstate licensure and\n other elements of educational personnel qualification and for this purpose\n shall cooperate with agencies, organizations, and associations interested in\n licensure and other elements of educational personnel qualification.\n \t\t\t\tArticle VI.\t\t\t\tAgreement Evaluation.\t\t\t\tThe designated state officials of\n any party states may meet from time to time as a group to evaluate progress\n under the agreement and to formulate recommendations for changes.\t\t\t\tArticle\n VII.\t\t\t\tOther Arrangements.\t\t\t\tNothing in this agreement shall be construed to\n prevent or inhibit other arrangements or practices of any party state or\n states to facilitate the interchange of educational personnel.\t\t\t\tArticle\n VIII.\t\t\t\tEffect and Withdrawal.\n\nA. This agreement shall become effective when enacted into law by two states.\nThereafter it shall become effective as to any state upon its enactment of this\nagreement.\n\nB. Any party state may withdraw from this agreement by enacting a statute\nrepealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year\nafter the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the\nwithdrawal to the governors of all other party states.\n\nC. No withdrawal shall relieve the withdrawing state of any obligation imposed\nupon it by a contract to which it is a party. The duration of contracts and the\nmethods and conditions of withdrawal therefrom shall be those specified in their\nterms.\n\t\t\tArticle IX.\t\t\tConstruction and Severability.\t\t\tThis agreement shall be\nliberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of\nthis agreement shall be severable; and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or\nprovision of this agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of\nany state or of the United States or if the application thereof to any\ngovernment, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the\nremainder of this agreement and the applicability thereof to any government,\nagency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this agreement\nshall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein,\nthe agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as\nto all severable matters.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 22-348; 1970, c. 193; 1980, c. 559; 1992, c. 132.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}