Teacher Certification

Q. I am completing an advanced degree in my field of certification.  How do I apply for an upgrade?
A. If you are completing an advanced degree and NOT adding a new field, you merely need to download a Certification Update Application from the Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), and send them a transcript after your degree is posted. If you are employed, have your district complete the Employer Assurance Form to waive the fee the GaPSC charges.

Q. How do I add an endorsement to a valid teaching certificate?

With courses taken for Professional Learning Unit (PLU) credits:

1. Complete the entire Georgia Professional Standards Commission Certification Update Application, available on the GaPSC website under popular links – download forms. This form is also available in your MyPSC account to be completed electronically.
2. Attach your final Professional Learning Unit (PLU) transcript which you will receive from the University of North Georgia to the application.
3. If you have not already done so, complete the Verification of Lawful Presence forms. These forms are on the GaPSC website along with the Certification Application. Attach the forms to your application packet. Note: this form must be notarized. Be sure to attach a copy of the secure and verifiable document mentioned in the instructions for the VLP form.
4. Submit the packet to your district office or directly to the GaPSC at the address at the top of the first page of the application. Applicants submitting documents directly to the GaPSC may do so through their MyPSC account. You must also submit a copy of the PLU transcript to the GaPSC from your MyPSC account.
5. If employed, you should contact your district office while completing this process. The district office will also be able to submit a form to waive the $20.00 fee the GaPSC charges.

 With courses taken for college credits:

1. Complete the entire Georgia Professional Standards Commission Certification Update Application, available on the GaPSC website under popular links – download forms. This form is also available in your MyPSC account to be completed electronically.
2. Complete the online request form on the UNG website to have an official transcript sent to you (for attaching with your application) or directly to the GaPSC.
3. If you have not already done so, complete the Verification of Lawful Presence forms. These forms are on the GaPSC website along with the Certification Application. These forms may be attached to your application packet or sent directly to the GaPSC. Note: this form must be notarized.
4. Submit the packet to your district office or directly to the GaPSC at the address at the top of the first page of the application. Applicants submitting documents directly to the GaPSC may do so online at MyPSC (mypsc.gapsc.org). Note: you may not submit an official college transcript from your MyPSC account.
5. If employed, you should contact your district office while completing this process. The district office will also be able to submit a form to waive the $20.00 fee the GaPSC charges.

Q: I have completed a teacher preparation program and did not apply for teacher certification before July 1, 2014. How do I apply for teacher certification in Georgia?

Please contact Ms. Chris Parker, Certification Official for Department of Teacher Education. She can be reached at 706-864-1852. Office visits by appointment only.