Certification Home

NCLB Requirements – Highly Qualified Paraprofessionals Completion of at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education; or An Associate’s (or higher) degree; or Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate through formal state or local assessment
Applies to paraprofessionals	Notes for NCLB Requirements in GA
Hired after January 8, 2002 and employed in a Title I School-wide school working with instruction, regardless of funding source	GA requirements extend NCLB instructional paraprofessional requirements to translators.
Hired with Title I funds in a Targeted Assisted school who works with instruction	GA requirements extend NCLB instructional paraprofessional requirements to paraprofessional engaged only in parental involvement activities.
Paraprofessionals hired prior to January 8, 2002 in the above-defined schools had four years after the date of enactment of NCLB to meet the new federal requirements. (This extension period ended June 2006)	New paraprofessional certification rules have been enacted in GA; see the notes below.

Certification Requirements for Georgia Paraprofessionals
Initial Certification Requirements (Five-year certificate validity)	Employed as a paraprofessional in a Georgia school system Hold at least an Associate's Degree (in any subject); or have completed two years of college coursework (60 semester hours); or have passed a PSC-approved paraprofessional assessment. If eligibility is established through assessment, the applicant must also hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Pass a criminal record check Employing school system applies for certificate
Renewal Certification Requirements	Employed as a paraprofessional in a Georgia school system Earn 6 semesters hours or 10 quarter hours of college course work, or 10 Professional Learning Units (PLUs), or 10 credits of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Pass a criminal record check Employing school system applies for certificate

Testing information for Georgia Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals working in Georgia must meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through coursework or assessment: Knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing, reading , writing, and mathematics; or Knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate
GA Paraprofessional Assessment	Administered July 2002 – November 2002 Passing score: 75
ETS Paraprofessional Assessment	Accepted in Georgia until March 1, 2007 * Passing score: 456
* The GACE™ Paraprofessional Assessment will become available November 2006; however, the PSC will still accept passing scores on the ETS ParaPro Assessment until March 1, 2007. Click here for GACE™ Parapro Assessment Information.