Certificate Type
Certificates are organized by type according to the school personnel
function. Certificate types include Teaching, Service, and Leadership; the type of
certificate dictates in what capacity the educator may serve.
Certificate Field
Georgia offers certification in a variety of fields with specific
subjects or grade levels assigned to each field. Teaching fields consist of Early
Childhood Education (P-5), Middle Childhood (4-8), Secondary Fields (6-12) and P-12 Fields
(Special Education, Art, Music, etc.) Service fields and Leadership fields allow the
educator to serve at all grade levels (P-12). In addition to full certification fields, endorsements to certificates are offered in teaching,
service, and leadership areas. Vocational
certificates are also available at the request of a Georgia employer in specific trade
and technical fields.
Certificate Category
All certificates are classified in one of three categories. The Clear Renewable Certificate indicates all
professional requirements for certification in the field have been met. Conditional Certificates are issued at the
request of a Georgia employer when one or more conditions have to be met in order to be
issued the Clear Renewable Certificate. Life Certificates were
discontinued in 1974; however, Georgia educators issued life certification before 1974 may
continue to use these certificates.
Certificate Level
The certificate level assigned to a Georgia certificate indicates the
highest degree level attained by the certificate holder that is recognized by the PSC for
certification. The single level is assigned to all certificate fields held by the
certificate holder. Level 4 recognizes a bachelor’s degree, level 5 recognizes a
master’s degree, etc.
Permits
Permits, unlike certificates, are issued to individuals who qualify to
serve as educators on the basis of their experience instead of formal education. Permits
are issued in teaching fields and the field of superintendent.
