Welcome !

The Office of Teacher Certification processes all necessary paperwork for candidates who are applying for initial certification or adding additional fields to existing certification in Georgia, as well as processes applications for candidates who are applying for out-of-state educator positions. The following questions and answers are designed to assist candidates who have completed, or are nearing completion of, their teacher, service, or leadership programs at the University of West Georgia.

Office of Teacher Certification Contact

Kathy A. Jones, Certification Official
kjones@westga.edu
678-839-6109

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for my first Georgia teaching certificate?

Near the end of each student teaching semester (fall and spring semesters) students are contacted by the Certification Official via their UWG email account with instructions on how to apply for their first Georgia teaching certificate.

Please select your field of study below for an instruction sheet for applying for your clear renewable certificate:

How long does the process take?

For first time certificates in Georgia, the process is usually between 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish. Applications cannot be processed until after graduation of the semester of program completion because all grades and degree statements (when applicable) must be posted on the official transcripts. Official transcripts are attached to the certification applications before forwarding to the Professional Standards Commission (PSC). Once the applications are processed at the PSC, certificates are mailed directly to you at the address you indicated on the application form.

How long is my certificate valid?

Clear, renewable Georgia teaching certificates are valid for five years.

How do I check on the status of my application?

You may contact Mrs. Kathy Jones, Certification Official, at (678) 839-6109 or by e-mail at kjones@westga.edu. If your application has already been forwarded to the PSC, you may check their website at http://www.gapsc.com/certification/lookup.asp for the status.

What requirements, other than my coursework as prescribed on my program sheet/plan of study, must be met in order to obtain my first clear renewable Georgia certificate?

  • Passing GACE Basic Skills Assessment scores (formerly Praxis I) or exemption
  • Passing GACE Content Assessment scores (formerly Praxis II).
    (Note: Applicants for Speech-Language Pathology and Educational Leadership still take the Praxis II exam)
  • Special Technology Requirement (see http://www.gapsc.com/ApprovedPrograms/EducationProgram.asp for PSC approved courses). Note: The AssessOnline test-out option and the GACE Computer Skill Competency Assessment are not acceptable for meeting this requirement within our initial certification programs at UWG.

I’ve just completed coursework for an add-on/endorsement. What do I do to get the new field added to my current certificate?

Please select your field of study below for an instruction sheet for applying to add a new field to your current Georgia certificate:

I just got my master’s. How do I apply for an upgrade?

To upgrade an existing Georgia certificate, an Approved Program Recommendation Form is not required (except for Speech-Language Pathology majors) if you are employed by a Georgia public school system. Please provide your school system's central office with the completed Application and an official transcript. Your central office will process the Application and forward it to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Please do not send it to the Office of Teacher Certification, as this will only delay receipt of your updated certificate.

To upgrade and add a new field to an existing Georgia certificate, please select your field of study below for an instruction sheet:

I already have a degree but want to become certified to teach. What do I do?

Please contact the Dean's Office, College of Education, at (678) 839-6570. Based on the teaching field you are interested in, you will be notified by the Dean's Office of the appropriate contact person who can provide you details regarding evaluation of transcripts and program admission requirements.

Where can I obtain a certification application packet?

You can download the Certification Application Package from the PSC website at http://www.gapsc.com/Certification/CertificationFormsandApplications.asp. If you do not have access to the internet, internet access is available at most local libraries and various locations around campus.

My certificate has expired. What do I need to do to renew my certificate?

You would need to contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission at http://www.gapsc.com/PSC/contactinfo.asp. Related information can be found at http://www.gapsc.com/application/howtorenew.asp.

I'm certified in another state. What do I need to do to become certified in Georgia?

You would need to contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission at http://www.gapsc.com/PSC/contactinfo.asp. Related information can be found at http://www.gapsc.com/application/reciprocityvet.asp.

Who can I contact for answers to my questions that were not addressed here?

You may contact Mrs. Kathy Jones, Certification Official, at (678) 839-6109 or by e-mail at kjones@westga.edu.