Teacher certification in Georgia runs through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), with GACE assessments now administered by Evaluation Systems, Pearson. Certificates progress through tiers from Pre-Service to Professional and beyond, managed in the MyPSC portal. This guide covers the tiers, required assessments, current fees, and renewal.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current certification rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Exam ProgramGACE
- Content Exam$169
- Renewal5 Years
- Ethics Exam$30
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
The core certification requirements in Georgia:
- Complete the GACE assessments required for your field. The program includes Program Admission, Content, Georgia Educator Ethics, Educational Leadership, and Paraprofessional assessments, with field-to-assessment mapping set by GaPSC and GACE.
- Manage your application and certificate through the MyPSC portal (mypsc.gapsc.org).
- For the Professional Certificate: 3 years of experience in the last 5 plus a professional-level GACE content score under Rule 505-2-.05.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current certification rules with GaPSC before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The typical Georgia certification path:
- Identify the GACE assessments your field requires using the GaPSC and GACE field-to-assessment mapping.
- Register and test at gace.es.pearson.com. GACE has been administered by Evaluation Systems, Pearson since July 1, 2025, so avoid stale ETS registration links.
- Pass the Georgia Educator Ethics assessment along with your content assessments.
- Apply for and manage your certificate through the MyPSC portal (mypsc.gapsc.org).
Out-of-state educators: GaPSC certifies via interstate reciprocity under Rule 505-2-.21, though Georgia-specific assessments may still be required in some cases; confirm your situation against the rule.
- 3
Pass the teacher exam
GACE assessments are administered by Evaluation Systems, Pearson (since July 1, 2025, when the program moved from ETS). Depending on your field, you may take Program Admission, Content, Georgia Educator Ethics, Educational Leadership, or Paraprofessional assessments. Some assessments split into testlets that can be taken and paid for individually. Passing standards vary by assessment, and the Professional Certificate specifically requires a professional-level content score.
Always confirm your required assessments and passing standards with GaPSC and GACE, because mappings and test structures change.
License Types
Induction Certificate
For early-career educators and educators new to Georgia, on a 5-year pathway toward the Professional tier.
- Entry pathway for new teachers
- Managed via MyPSC
Professional Certificate
Standard or Performance-Based; requires 3 years of experience in the last 5 and a professional-level GACE content score.
- 5-year renewal cycles
- 3 of 5 years experience
Details
Experience
Georgia's tiers are built around classroom experience. Candidates in educator preparation programs hold a Pre-Service Certificate, then move to the Induction Certificate as early-career educators or educators new to Georgia, on a 5-year pathway. The Professional Certificate (Standard or Performance-Based) requires 3 years of experience in the last 5 along with a professional-level GACE content score. Advanced Professional and Lead Professional tiers reward veteran teachers; confirm their current criteria in GaPSC Rule 505-2 before planning an upgrade.
Details
Fees
Per the official GACE fee schedule: content assessments (all testlets) $169, middle grades content $84.50, School Counseling / School Librarian / School Psychology and Certificate Upgrade / Educational Leadership assessments $263, Georgia Ethics $30, Paraprofessional $49, and literacy assessments $90. Some testlets are payable individually (Elementary Education testlets are $34 each). A GaPSC certificate processing fee of $20 via MyPSC is reported but should be confirmed on gapsc.com. Always confirm current fees on the official Pearson fee schedule before registering.
Details
Renewal
Georgia Professional certificates renew on 5-year cycles through the MyPSC portal. Renewal requirements vary by certificate type, so review GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 for the specifics that apply to your certificate before your cycle ends.
Requirements can change; always confirm renewal rules with GaPSC before your deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Who administers Georgia teacher certification exams?
GACE assessments are administered by Evaluation Systems, Pearson, which took over from ETS on July 1, 2025. Register at gace.es.pearson.com. Resources citing gace.ets.org or the old ETS fees ($123 single / $193 combined) are out of date.
How much do GACE assessments cost?
Per the official fee schedule: content assessments (all testlets) $169, middle grades content $84.50, Georgia Ethics $30, Paraprofessional $49, literacy assessments $90, and assessments such as School Counseling, School Librarian, School Psychology, Certificate Upgrade, and Educational Leadership $263. Some testlets can be taken and paid individually.
What is required for a Georgia Professional Certificate?
The Professional Certificate (Standard or Performance-Based) requires 3 years of experience in the last 5 plus a professional-level GACE content score, under GaPSC Rule 505-2-.05. Applications and upgrades run through the MyPSC portal.
Does Georgia accept out-of-state teaching certificates?
GaPSC certifies out-of-state educators through interstate reciprocity under Rule 505-2-.21. Georgia-specific assessments may still be required in some cases, so review the rule and confirm your specific situation with GaPSC before applying.
