Traditional Routes - Obtaining a Georgia certificate
by completing a state-approved educator preparation program at a college
or university.
This process could include earning a college degree along with the state certificate,
or you might complete the requirements to gain certification after you have already
finished your degree. In addition, educators who move to Georgia with an out-of-state
certificate must meet Georgia's certification requirements through reciprocity procedures.
For the most part, the traditional initial educator preparation programs are completed prior to employment
in a public school and lead directly to Georgia's Clear Renewable Certificate. Click here for more information.
Alternative Routes or Non-traditional Routes
This route is typically for “career switchers” who already hold a bachelors degree or higher. The alternative routes to certification are particularly important in high needs, shortage fields such as math, science, foreign language, and special education. Initial eligibility requirements lead to a Non-Renewable Non-Professional certificate or one of the GaTAPP path certificates. The remaining requirements are completed while the individual is employed as an educator in a Georgia public school. Upon completion of the requirements within an alternative preparation program, the Clear Renewable certificate is issued.
Click here for more information.
International Exchange
Teacher Route - Obtaining a Georgia certificate based on your teacher certification
in another country.
International exchange certificates may be awarded to teachers certified in their
native country who are not U.S. citizens but who wish to come to Georgia and teach
for up to three years. Click here for more information.
Permit Route - Obtaining a Georgia permit to teach in
special restricted circumstances.
Permits allow performing artists, retired teachers and native foreign language speakers
to teach in Georgia classrooms. In addition, business and professional-leaders can qualify for a permit to serve in Superintendent Positions as a result of their rich expertise. Click here for more information.
Each route is designed to combine high standards with flexibility to bring quality teachers into the classroom. While each route has a unique set of eligibility requirements and different ways to achieve certification, the standards and requirements for the Clear Renewable certificate are the same regardless of the route chosen.