Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 505 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMISSION
Chapter 505-2 - CERTIFICATION
Rule 505-2-.01 - Georgia Educator Certification

(1) Summary: State certification terminology and requirements vary widely between states and are often confusing to many applicants. Some states use the term "licensure" while others use "certification." The same title, such as "provisional," may be used in a number of states, but with different definitions and requirements. Many applicants assume that "reciprocity" means an automatic "even trade" for an out-of-state certificate, but that is rarely the case. Georgia reciprocity applies to initial certification. Once an educator holds certification in Georgia, the educator must meet Georgia requirements to add a field, upgrade the level and maintain certification. The certification system used in the State of Georgia is the responsibility of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and published on the GaPSC web site at https://www.gapsc.com/Commission/Rules/home.aspx.

(2) Definitions.

(3) GaPSC Members. The eighteen (18) members of the GaPSC are responsible for establishing and administering rules and standards for the preparation, certification and discipline of Georgia school personnel. Members are appointed by the governor and include nine (9) classroom teachers, two (2) administrators, two (2) higher education faculty, two (2) local Board of Education members and three (3) business and community leaders.

(4) Legal Authority. Georgia law, O.C.G.A. 2-2-200, stipulates that "The Professional Standards Commission shall provide, by regulation, for certifying and classifying all certificated professional personnel employed in the public schools of this state. No such personnel shall be employed in the public schools of this state unless they hold certificates issued by the commission certifying their qualifications and classification in accordance with such regulations."

(5) Charter System or Charter School Educators. Georgia charter system or charter school educators may, or may not, be required to hold state certification depending on the policy outlined in the specific charter. Charter system or charter school educators who meet the criteria outlined in Section (4)(b) above are, however, required to hold a Clearance Certificate. See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.42 CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE.

(6) Strategic Waiver System. Strategic Waiver systems may, or may not, be required to hold state certification depending on the policy outlined in the contract. Educators employed by these systems who meet the criteria outlined in Section (4)(b) above are, however, required to hold a Clearance Certificate. See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.42 CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE.

(7) Private School Educators. Georgia private school educators may, or may not, be required to hold state certification depending on the local school policy.

(8) Substitute Teachers. Substitute teachers in Georgia are not required to hold state certification. See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.20 SUBSTITUTE TEACHING.

(9) NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Georgia is an active member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). As such, Georgia has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement (commonly referred to as reciprocity) with all 49 other states, the District of Columbia and other NASDTEC jurisdictions. Information on how the Interstate Agreement may apply is found in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.21 CERTIFICATION BY INTERSTATE RECIPROCITY. Georgia also participates in the NASDTEC National Clearinghouse and reports state disciplinary actions imposed against certificate holders to this national database. Additional information on the Interstate Agreement and the Clearinghouse may be found on the web at www.nasdtec.org.

(10) Background Check Requirement. A state criminal background check is required for a Pre-Service certificate and verified by the GaPSC as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.03. Although state and federal criminal background checks are not part of the certification process in Georgia other than as required for a Pre-Service certificate, FBI background checks (fingerprint) are required for professional employment in Georgia public, private, waiver, strategic waiver system, charter system or charter schools. Georgia criminal background checks are also required every five (5) years for certificate renewal and affirmed by the employing school or school system.

(11) Educator Responsibility. It is the responsibility of the individual educator to meet all requirements and to obtain and maintain a valid Georgia educator certificate or license. If rules change that impact an educator's certification, it is the responsibility of the educator to apply to the commission by submission of a new application requesting evaluation under the new rule. Certification issued based on a rule revision shall not be issued prior to the effective date of the revised rule.

(12) Tiered Certification. Georgia participates in a tiered teacher certification system. Tiered teacher certification is envisioned as a means of improving student learning by recognizing the unique developmental needs of teachers at every career stage and by encouraging and supporting continuous teacher growth. It is designed to provide support to new teachers and those preparing to become teachers, and to establish a fair and equitable environment for growth for practicing teachers. Tiered certification also creates career advancement opportunities for teachers aspiring to assume leadership responsibilities and contribute to school improvement efforts while remaining in the classroom.

(13) Routes to Certification. An explanation of the various routes to Georgia certification may be found on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com.