Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 505 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMISSION
Chapter 505-2 - CERTIFICATION
Rule 505-2-.29 - Evaluation Of Credit Earned Outside Of The U.S

(1) Foreign Credential Reports. Applicants for certification who have attended colleges or universities outside the United States must provide the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) with a detailed course-by-course credential report of college-level credit completed. These "foreign credential reports" must be independent reviews prepared by GaPSC-recognized agencies, and include English translation of such information as course titles, grade, semester hours earned, U.S. equivalency of degree earned, course-by-course evaluations, etc. In addition, if the equivalent of a GaPSC-approved educator preparation program was completed, this must also be documented in the report. These agencies are private enterprises who charge a fee for their services. Regardless of the agency selected, should the report not be sufficiently detailed for our purpose further information will be requested. The GaPSC reserves the right to review and accept or reject any information contained in a report.

(2) Memoranda of Understanding. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) shall be accepted as the foreign credential evaluation for foreign evaluators as long as all eligibility requirements for the International Exchange Certificate specified in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.11 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE CERTIFICATE have been met. Such MOU must be recommended by the State Superintendent of the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Executive Secretary of the GaPSC and furthermore, such MOU must be approved by both the State Board and the GaPSC.

(3) U.S. Territories, Possessions, or Commonwealths. Applicants who have completed course work at colleges or universities located in U.S. territories, possessions or commonwealths must submit "foreign credential reports." However, if the territories, possessions or commonwealths have signed the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, certification by Interstate Reciprocity may be applicable See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.21 CERTIFICATION BY INTERSTATE RECIPROCITY.

(4) Exceptions. If the courses/degrees earned outside of the U.S. are unrelated to the educator certification transaction being requested and subsequent degree(s) have been received from GaPSC-accepted accredited U.S. colleges or universities, submission of the "foreign credential report" is optional. However, applicants are encouraged to provide the report as it may affect later certification application decisions.

(5) Expense. Any expense incurred for obtaining a credential report from a credentialing agency is the responsibility of the applicant.

(6) Submission. The completed "foreign credential report" must be submitted to the GaPSC as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PROCEDURES.

(7) Acceptable Credential Review Agencies. There is no single regulatory agency that approves U.S. foreign credential review agencies. The GaPSC will only accept reports from agencies identified on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. You may click on the link to access contact information. As fees and procedures vary from agency to agency, it is suggested that you contact the organizations of your choice for additional information on the specific services and charges.