Effective July 1, 2022, Virginia law requires that certain institutions located outside of Virginia obtain certification from the State Council of Higher Education to offer solely distance education courses to residents of the Commonwealth.
Specifically, § 23.1-219 (F) of the Code of Virginia states that “any degree-granting postsecondary school providing distance learning to residents of the Commonwealth from a location outside of the Commonwealth shall be certified to operate in the Commonwealth or shall be a participant in a reciprocity agreement to which the Commonwealth belongs.” For more information about the law’s requirements, visit https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title23.1/chapter2/article3/.
Institutions of higher education seeking to offer distance education to Virginia residents must complete the forms below and mail them to SCHEV to provide documentation that they meet the requirements outlined in 8VAC40-31-125.
Instructions for Completing the Institutional Certification Application
Institutional Certification Application Form
This certification process and fee are subject to change.