Admissions FAQ

The College of Education at the University of North Georgia (UNG) is committed to developing the skills and knowledge of individuals whose career dream is to become a certified teacher or a health, physical education and recreation professional. If this is your dream, find out if you qualify for admission into one of our programs, by exploring this section of frequently asked questions.

What do I do to apply for admission to a College of Education program?

If you are an undergraduate seeking entry into a College of Education program please visit the admissions information page for Kinesiology, Elementary & Special Education or Middle Grades, Secondary & Science Education

I have submitted my application. What happens now?

You will be notified by email of your status for admission, within 10 business days after the submission deadline.

I am a transfer student. What do I do?

Transfer students who wish to apply for admission to any of the College of Education programs must first apply for admission to the University. Please note that admission to the university does not automatically guarantee admission to one of the teacher certification programs. Transfer students must also submit a letter of recommendation from an education professor at the previous institution.

What is the GACE Program Admission Assessment, and how to do I complete this requirement?

The state of Georgia requires candidates for educator certification to take the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) as part of the educator certification process and admission to a teacher certification program. You must provide proof of successful completion or exemption of GACE Program Admission, as part of your application to a teacher certification program.

What is the GACE Program Admission Assessment and why should I pay close attention to application deadlines when considering testing dates for GACE?

The GACE Program Admission Assessment is an academic skills assessment in reading, mathematics and writing. You must pass (or exempt) the GACE Program Admission Assessment as part of the requirements to enter a cohort. Please take it by the end of your freshman year. Students often have problems with receiving their passing scores in time for the Admissions application, which requires that you have passed all the parts of the GACE Program Admission Assessment and the Admissions office has your official scores.

How can I study and plan for the GACE Program Admission Assessment?

During the first semester of your freshman year, go to the GACE site and type in "preparation" in the search box. Then, find the “Assessment” link. You can view, print, or download FREE preparation materials for reading, writing, and mathematics. If you are doing very well on the sample items, then register for and take the GACE Program Admission Assessment.

How do I exempt GACE?
You will exempt GACE if you have one of the following test scores:

SAT minimum score 1000 combined Verbal/Critical Reading and Math for tests taken prior to July 1, 2019.

SAT minimum score 1080 combined Evidence Based Reading/Writing and Math for tests taken on or after July 1, 2019.

ACT minimum score of 43 combining English and Math.

(These scores are subject to change. Check with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for the latest GACE rules and requirements.)

What is the Pre-Service Certificate?

Effective July 1, 2015, all teacher certification program candidates in the state of Georgia will be required to have a pre-service certificate before entering a school for ANY type of field experience. This means currently enrolled students who finish after July 1, 2015 and students who do not already hold a valid teaching certificate will need a pre-service certificate. The Pre-Service Certificate application must be completed and attached to your application (see application packet). The College of Education will process this application for you through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC), in order to obtain permission for you to be placed in a school.

What other documents found in the application packet must be attached to the application, in order to gain a Pre-Service Certificate?
Two additional documents are required by the State of Georgia:

Verification of Lawful Presence – This document ensures that the applicant legally resides in the USA. This document must be notarized and accompanied by a copy of a photo ID (for example, a valid driver’s license).

Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment – You must provide evidence that you have completed this exam. You do not have to pass the exam to qualify.

Why do I need to provide proof that I have purchased a professional liability insurance policy?

Every student who enters a school setting must purchase insurance prior to admission. Such a policy may provide you with coverage if you are sued by a parent, student, or other, in relation to the performance of your duties on school grounds or off school grounds and while engaged in a field experiences. Coverage is subject to the exclusions noted in the policy.

How do I buy insurance?

For a small fee you can become a member of one of the organizations below and a required $1,000,000 Tort Liability insurance policy. You will need insurance for at least two years.
Georgia Association of Educators
Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators