Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you completed a traditional program that led to certification, click here to apply for your certificate.

If you are looking for a bachelor's degree program in teaching, click here for approved programs.

Do you hold a bachelor's degree or higher but are looking for a career change?  You can go to school to become a certified teacher while you are teaching by doing the following:
     ~ Complete the GACE Ethics Exam (Test Code 360).  This is a series of online modules.  Completion is transmitted electronically to the GaPSC. 
     ~ Obtain a passing score on the appropriate GACE content assessment according to what you plan to teach.  These scores are also transmitted electronically to the GaPSC. 
     ~ Enroll in an educational preparation program (MAT or GaTAPP).

GaTAPP (Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy) is a certification only program.  The program takes 2 to 3 years to complete.  At the completion of the program, you will be eligible for professional certification and salary at the bachelor's level.  This program is ideal for those wanting to add certification only, or already hold a master's degree or above in a field outside of education.  Please visit the Middle GaTAPP website for more information. 

MAT (Masters in the Art of Teaching) is an education preparation program that leads to teacher certification in addition to a master's degree.  Programs typically take 2 years to complete.  At the completion of the program, you will be eligible for professional certification and salary at the master's level.  This program is ideal for those wanting to add certification through an advanced degree.  You can check Approved Programs Leading to Certification here.   
First, find an approved program by logging in to MyPSC and use the Upgrade Advisor Tool.  You will be able to identify degree(s) of interest and save your results to your certification file as a record of GaPSC’s verification of eligibility. GaPSC will honor all upgrade advisor approvals up to one year.
1. Request for an electronic copy of your official transcripts from your university be sent to the GaPSC (mail@gapsc.com). (Make sure the degree is posted to your transcript.)
2. Log in to your MyPSC account 
3. Click on Personal Affirmation Questions and answer the questions.  (If for any reason you feel the answer is "Yes", please consult HR before submitting.)
4. Click on Applications/Documentation/Status.
5. Follow the application instructions and answer all questions selecting the appropriate boxes for certificate upgrade based on your current certificate.
6. Make sure to click Submit when finished.
7. HCSD will verify employment with GaPSC which will waive the $20 fee.  
8. You will receive an email notification from the GaPSC once your certificate has been upgraded.  Contact Human Resources when the new certificate has been awarded.  Please note that the salary increase will be effective from the date of the certificate upgrade as determined by the PSC.
Log in to your MyPSC account to view your certificate.

Certificate renewal is initiated and completed by the district. If you are no longer employed with the district, you can find out more information on the GaPSC website on certificate renewal.


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