_There are several routes you may take to
obtain a Georgia teaching certificate in the field of Biology.
If you hold a Georgia level 4 or higher
professional or Five (5)-Year Induction teaching certificate:
You may add the field of Biology to your
existing certificate by passing the GACE assessment in Biology.
If you have never been professionally
certified in GA but hold a professional teaching certificate in another state
in Biology or a comparable field:
You may apply for initial Georgia
certification through interstate reciprocity. If you have not passed an
acceptable content assessment in this field, you may be required to pass the
appropriate GACE assessment. Please submit your application materials in order to
determine which additional requirements, if any, you will be required to
fulfill to obtain Georgia certification in this field.
If you do not hold a professional teaching
certificate in any state:
You must complete a state-approved educator
preparation program, including a student teaching internship, in Biology and
pass the GACE assessment in Biology. You may choose to complete a
program in Georgia or another state. For a list of Georgia approved programs in
this field, please click here.
You may be able to qualify for a Provisional certificate
before you have completed an approved program. This certificate is considered
non-professional and is only valid for 3 years. Because this certificate can
only be issued at the request of an employing Georgia school or school system,
you must be hired to teach in this field in order to qualify for a Provisional
certificate. In addition, you must meet the following requirements:
· Hold a
bachelor’s degree or higher from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.
· Pass the
appropriate GACE content assessment at the Induction level or higher.
· Pass the
Georgia Educator Ethics (360) Assessment.
Once you are hired, your school may request
the Provisional certificate on your behalf. You will have to fulfill other
requirements to convert your certificate. These requirements will be outlined
when your certificate is issued.
To read the GaPSC Certification Rule
pertaining to Biology certification, please click here.