Certificate Renewal

Certificate renewal requirements are determined by the type of certificate and, in some cases, the year in which the certificate expires. Please expand the sections below to see renewal information and requirements.
Click to see the content Current or expired Standard or Performance-Based Professional Renewal Requirements (formerly Clear Renewable Certificate)

When does it expire? Renewal Requirements Renewal Application Procedures
2018 or later and 2010 or earlier
(not employed in a Georgia LUA at the time of renewal) 		Complete one of the following renewal requirements within the validity of your current certificate, or within the 5 preceding years of the date of the renewal application for expired certification:
  • 6 semester hours from an accredited college/university with a grade of “B” or better.
  • 10 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) through a GA school system or RESA approved to offer preparation programs.
  • 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from an accredited college/university or a provider authorized by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
  • One hundred (100) hours BFTS-approved trainings.
  • Re-take and pass the GACE content assessment for your field(s). Only fields for which the educator passes the appropriate assessment will be renewed.
  • Educators employed in a Georgia LUA after 7/1/17 and for at least one year during the certificate validity period may have the previous employing LUA verify completion of professional learning for renewal using the Professional Learning Verification Form.
  • One year of successful out-of-state educator experience while holding a professional out-of-state certificate. The Experience Verification Form and copy of the Professional out-of-state certificate must be submitted.
  • Valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification.
  • For some service fields, valid state or national licensure as outlined in the specific rule for that field.
Submit the following:
  • MyPSC Application requesting renewal. The application process begins in the Applications/Documentation/Status link of the applicant’s MyPSC account.
  • Documentation reflecting completion of renewal requirements.
  • Verification of Lawful Presence documentation, unless previously submitted or not a U.S. citizen. This may be uploaded via your MyPSC account.
  • $20 processing fee payable via the Payments link of the applicant’s MyPSC account.
All documentation above must be uploaded via the applicant’s MyPSC account with the following exceptions:
  • Official college/university transcripts must be emailed directly to the GaPSC at mail@gapsc.com from the institution or through a secure parchment service.
  • GACE scores are received directly from the testing provider and need not be uploaded.
2018 or later
(employed in a Georgia private school, agency, or other education organization) 		Complete one of the following renewal requirements:
  • Any one of the renewal requirement options outlined above.
  • Evidence of completing an individualized Professional Learning Plan or Professional Learning Goals during the validity period of the certificate, as evidenced on an Employer Assurance Form.
  • Faculty of Georgia colleges/universities may complete the options above or may submit professional development verified in an official letter from the dean of the college/university.
Submit the following:
  • MyPSC Application requesting renewal. The application process begins in the Applications/Documentation/Status link of the applicant’s MyPSC account.
  • Documentation reflecting completion of renewal requirements.
  • Verification of Lawful Presence documentation, unless previously submitted or not a U.S. citizen.
  • Employer Assurance Form or $20 processing fee payable via the Payments link of the applicant’s MyPSC account (Employer Assurance Form required for private school educators).
All documentation above must be uploaded via the applicant’s MyPSC account with the following exceptions:
  • Official college/university transcripts must be emailed directly to the GaPSC at mail@gapsc.com from the institution or through a secure parchment service.
  • GACE scores are received directly from the testing provider and need not be uploaded.
2018 or later
(employed in a Georgia public LUA)
  • Complete an individualized Professional Learning Plan or Professional Learning Goal coordinated with supervisor and employing LUA.
  • Complete any outstanding Special Georgia Requirements that were outlined when the initial certificate was issued.
  • Complete MyPSC Personal Affirmation Questions (PAQs) in the Personal Affirmations link of the educator’s MyPSC account.
  • The certificate renewal must be requested electronically by the Georgia employing system. Please contact your system’s Human Resources department for more information.
Between 2011 and 2017
(inclusive)
  • Renewal credits were suspended during this time. Renewal course work is not required to renew.
  • Complete any outstanding Special Georgia Requirements that were outlined when the initial certificate was issued.
  • MyPSC Application requesting renewal. The application process begins in the Applications/Documentation/Status link of the applicant’s MyPSC account.
  • Documentation reflecting completion of Special Georgia Requirements, if applicable.
  • Verification of Lawful Presence documentation, unless previously submitted or not a U.S. citizen.
  • $20 processing fee payable via the Payments link of the applicant’s MyPSC account.


Click to see the content Paraprofessional License Renewal Requirements

When does it expire? Renewal Requirements Renewal Application Procedures
Between 2011 and 2017
(inclusive)
  • Employment by a Georgia LUA.
  • Renewal credits were suspended during this time. Renewal course work is not required to renew.
  • Complete MyPSC Personal Affirmation Questions (PAQs) in the Personal Affirmations link of the educator’s MyPSC account.
  • The certificate renewal must be requested electronically by the Georgia employing system and include the following:
    • Official transcripts or high school diploma if not previously submitted to the GaPSC.
    • Verification of Lawful Presence documentation, unless previously submitted or not a U.S. citizen.
    Please contact your system’s Human Resources department for more information regarding the submission of renewal requests.
2010 or earlier and 2018 or later
  • Employment by a Georgia LUA.
  • Complete an individualized Professional Learning Plan or Professional Learning Goals coordinated with supervisor and employing LUA.


Click to see the content Educational Interpreter License Renewal Requirements

When does it expire? Renewal Requirements Renewal Application Procedures
Any year
(not employed in a Georgia LUA at the time of renewal)
  • Hold a valid RID Certification or submit official documentation verifying the EIPA assessment has been completed during the validity period established on the license or within 5 years of an application to reinstate.
  • Bachelor’s degree, if applicable.
And:

Complete one of the following renewal requirements within the validity of your current certificate, or within the 5 preceding years of the date of the renewal application for expired certification:
  • 6 semester hours from an accredited college/university with a grade of “B” or better.
  • 10 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) through a GA school system or RESA approved to offer preparation programs.
  • 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from an accredited college/university or a provider authorized by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
  • Educators employed in a Georgia LUA after 7/1/17 and for at least one year during the certificate validity period may have the previous employing LUA verify completion of professional learning for renewal using the Professional Learning Verification Form.
Submit the following:
  • MyPSC Application requesting renewal. The application process begins in the Applications/Documentation/Status link of the applicant’s MyPSC account.
  • RID or EIPA verification.
  • Documentation reflecting completion of renewal requirements.
  • Official bachelor’s degree transcript, if applicable.
  • Verification of Lawful Presence documentation, unless previously submitted or not a U.S. citizen.
  • $20 processing fee payable via the Payments link of the applicant’s MyPSC account.
All documentation above must be uploaded via the applicant’s MyPSC account with the following exceptions:
  • Official college/university transcripts must be emailed directly to the GaPSC at mail@gapsc.com from the institution or through a secure parchment service.
Any year
(employed in a Georgia LUA at the time of renewal)
  • Hold a valid RID Certification or submit official documentation verifying the EIPA assessment has been completed during the validity period established on the license or within 5 years of an application to reinstate.
  • Bachelor’s degree, if applicable.
  • Complete an individualized Professional Learning Plan or Professional Learning Goals coordinated with supervisor and employing LUA.
  • Complete MyPSC Personal Affirmation Questions (PAQs) in the Personal Affirmations link of the educator’s MyPSC account.
  • The certificate renewal must be requested electronically by the Georgia employing system and include the following:
    • Official bachelor’s degree transcript, if applicable.
    • RID or EIPA verification.
    • Verification of Lawful Presence documentation, unless previously submitted or not a U.S. citizen.
    Please contact your system’s Human Resources department for more information regarding the submission of renewal requests.


Click to see the content Non-Instructional Aide, Support Personnel, and Adjunct License Renewal Requirements

When does it expire? Renewal Requirements Renewal Application Procedures
Any year
  • Employment by a Georgia LUA.
  • Complete renewal requirements as specified by the employing Georgia LUA.
  • Complete MyPSC Personal Affirmation Questions (PAQs) in the Personal Affirmations link of the educator’s MyPSC account.
  • The certificate renewal must be requested electronically by the Georgia employing system and include the following: Please contact your system’s Human Resources department for more information regarding the submission of renewal requests.

General Renewal Requirement Information

Certificate Renewal Requirements are determined by the type of certificate and, in some cases, the year in which the certificate expires. These certificates and licenses are valid for a five (5)-year period, or in the case of an Adjunct license 1 year, during which time the requirements outlined in the appropriate dropdown below, must be met.
Renewable Certificates Renewable Licenses
Standard Professional Adjunct
Performance-Based Professional Educational Interpreter
Advanced Professional Non-Instructional Aide
Lead Professional Support Personnel
  Paraprofessional
Please review the following information regarding certification renewal.
  • Renewal requests may be submitted beginning December 1 of the preceding year of certification expiration. Ex. Certificates that expire 6/30/2025 can be renewed 12/1/2024.
  • There are no penalties for expired certifications.
  • Certificates/Licenses cannot be backdated earlier than the current fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
  • Renewal Requirements must have been met within 5 years of the application date for renewal.
  • An educator who has received any combination of 2 Unsatisfactory, Ineffective, or Needs Development annual performance evaluations in the previous 5-year certificate validity period may not receive a renewable certificate until the performance deficiencies have been satisfactorily remediated. Please see the Performance Evaluation page for more information.

Currently Employed Public/Charter School Educators

If you are employed in a Public School/Charter School, you must speak to your employer regarding your renewal requirements, and your employer must apply for your renewal. Public School/Charter School Employees cannot apply for renewal on their own. This applies to the following certificates:
  • Standard Professional
  • Performance-Based Professional
  • Advanced Professional
  • Lead Professional
The following Licenses can only be renewed if employed and must be renewed by the employer:
  • Paraprofessional License
  • Adjunct
  • Non-Instructional Aide
  • Support Personnel License

Currently Employed Private School/Educational Agency Educators

If you hold a renewable professional certificate and complete professional learning at a Private School or Educational Agency, please have your employer complete an Employer Assurance Form verifying your Professional Learning Status. Private School/Childcare Paraprofessional Information is found on number 10 below.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you must complete ONE of the following Standard Renewal Requirements:
  1. Complete 6 semester hours of college credit at an accredited institution
    • Accredited institutions can be found at: www.chea.org
    • Final course grades must be “B” or higher
    • Coursework does not need to be in your certification area or in education
    • Developmental studies courses and coursework that is audited and/or exempted without credit shall not be accepted
    • Official Transcripts must be sent directly from the college/university to GaPSC, electronically at mail@gapsc.com
  2. 10 approved CEUs
    • Only CEUs accredited by IACET or the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) are accepted
    • CEUs from accredited colleges or universities will also be accepted
    • Coursework does not need to be in your certification area or in education
    • Please submit a CEU transcript or the completion certificates for the CEUs
  3. 10 PLUs approved by a Georgia LUA or a GaPSC-approved program provider
    • For example, if a GA RESA or GA school system approves PLUs, you can complete those for renewal
    • Third party vendors are not accepted unless a Georgia LUA accepts the credit and awards PLUs for completion of the course(s)
    • The GaPSC does not approve PLUs
    • Coursework does not need to be in your certification area or in education
    • Please submit a PLU transcript from the provider
  4. One hundred (100) hours BFTS-approved trainings
    • Please submit a Training Transcript; you can obtain it from your PDS account
  5. Re-take and pass the GACE content assessment in your field(s) of certification
    • Please note each corresponding GACE content assessment must be passed for each certification field
    • Please indicate on your application, in the notes section, that you are renewing by GACE scores
  6. Have 1 year of successful out-of-state experience
    • If you have 1 year of successful out of state experience earned within 5 years, you can renew using that experience
    • If you are using out-of state experience instead of renewal credit, you must submit:
      1. Copy of valid out-of-state certificate
      2. A GaPSC Experience Verification Form completed by the Central Office HR designee
  7. Hold valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification
    • Please submit a copy with your MyPSC application
  8. College Professors in Georgia
    • College faculty have the option to demonstrate PLP/PLG with an Employer Assurance form or official letterhead detailing continuous professional learning,
      OR
    • Complete standard renewal credits as described above
    • The teaching of college-level courses shall not be applied toward certificate renewal
    • Please submit an Employer Assurance form indicating PLP/PLG or a official letterhead detailing PLP
  9. Service Fields - For some service fields, you can renew using a valid state or national license. Please submit a copy of the license as a part of your renewal application.
    • School Psychology
      1. Submission of a valid National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board.
        OR
      2. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Psychologist license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
    • School Counseling
      1. Submission of a valid National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors.
        OR
      2. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Professional Counselor’s license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
    • School Social Work
      1. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Master Social Worker’s or Clinical Social Worker’s license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
    • Speech and Language Pathology
      1. Submission of a valid ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech and Language Pathology.
        OR
      2. Submission of a valid State of Georgia license in Speech and Language Pathology issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
    • Audiology
      1. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Audiology license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
        OR
      2. Submission of a valid Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology from the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).
  10. Paraprofessionals at Private Schools/Childcare Centers
    • Renewal request must be submitted by your employer
    • Must complete a Professional Learning Plan/Goals with employer
    • Complete MyPSC Personal Affirmation Questions (PAQs)

Public/Private School Employment within the last 5 years

If you have been employed in a Public school, Charter school, Private school, or Educational Agency within the last 5 years, held a valid renewable professional license, and you completed professional learning while employed, your employer can verify this on a Professional Learning Verification Form.
  • Public School – The PLV form must be submitted electronically through their institution’s CERT portal
  • Private School/Educational Agency – Please have your employer fill out the PLV form and submit it with your MyPSC application (details in “How to Apply” section below)

Educators Not Currently Employed in a P-12 Setting

If you have not been employed within the last 5 years or if your certificate expired more than five years ago, you must complete the Standard Renewal Requirements. Standard Renewal Requirements must have been completed within 5 years of the application date.

Standard Renewal Requirements

  1. Complete 6 semester hours of college credit at an accredited institution
    • Accredited institutions can be found at: www.chea.org
    • Final course grades must be “B” or higher
    • Coursework does not need to be in your certification area or in education
    • Developmental studies courses and coursework that is audited and/or exempted without credit shall not be accepted
    • Official Transcripts must be sent directly from the college/university to GaPSC, electronically at mail@gapsc.com
  2. 10 approved CEUs
    • Only CEUs accredited by IACET or the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) are accepted
    • CEUs from accredited colleges or universities will also be accepted
    • Coursework does not need to be in your certification area or in education
    • Please submit a CEU transcript or the completion certificates for the CEUs
  3. 10 PLUs approved by a Georgia LUA or a GaPSC-approved program provider
    • For example, if a GA RESA or GA school system approves PLUs, you can complete those for renewal
    • Third party vendors are not accepted unless a Georgia LUA accepts the credit and awards PLUs for completion of the course(s)
    • The GaPSC does not approve PLUs
    • Coursework does not need to be in your certification area or in education
    • Please submit a PLU transcript from the provider
  4. One hundred (100) hours BFTS-approved trainings
    • Please submit a Training Transcript; you can obtain it from your PDS account
  5. Re-take and pass the GACE content assessment in your field(s) of certification
    • Please note each corresponding GACE content assessment must be passed for each certification field
    • Please indicate on your application, in the notes section, that you are renewing by GACE scores
  6. Have 1 year of successful out-of-state experience
    • If you have 1 year of successful out of state experience earned within 5 years, you can renew using that experience
    • If you are using out-of state experience instead of renewal credit, you must submit:
      1. Copy of valid out-of-state certificate
      2. A GaPSC Experience Verification Form completed by the Central Office HR designee
  7. Hold valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification
    • Please submit a copy with your MyPSC application
  8. College Professors in Georgia
    • College faculty have the option to demonstrate PLP/PLG with an Employer Assurance form or official letterhead detailing continuous professional learning,
      OR
    • Complete standard renewal credits as described above
    • The teaching of college-level courses shall not be applied toward certificate renewal
    • Please submit an Employer Assurance form indicating PLP/PLG or a official letterhead detailing PLP
  9. Service Fields - For some service fields, you can renew using a valid state or national license. Please submit a copy of the license as a part of your renewal application.
    • School Psychology
      1. Submission of a valid National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board.
        OR
      2. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Psychologist license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
    • School Counseling
      1. Submission of a valid National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors.
        OR
      2. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Professional Counselor’s license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
    • School Social Work
      1. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Master Social Worker’s or Clinical Social Worker’s license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
    • Speech and Language Pathology
      1. Submission of a valid ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech and Language Pathology.
        OR
      2. Submission of a valid State of Georgia license in Speech and Language Pathology issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
    • Audiology
      1. Submission of a valid State of Georgia Audiology license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43.
        OR
      2. Submission of a valid Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology from the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).

Certificates that Expired: 2011 – 2017

If your certificate expired between 2011 and 2017, you do not need to complete Standard Renewal Requirements as renewal requirements were waived during this time period. Please submit a MyPSC application and $20 Processing fee or Employer Assurance Form. Verification of Lawful Presence may be required. Once renewed, you will have to complete renewal requirements for future certification.

Educational Interpreters

The license may be renewed by meeting one of the following qualifications.
  • If employed with a local unit of administration (LUA) at the time of renewal:
    • Hold valid RID certification;
      OR
    • Hold a bachelor’s degree and have earned a score of 3.5 or higher on the EIPA within 5 years of renewal;
      AND
    • Satisfy renewal requirements as outlined in the professional learning plan/goals (PLP/PLGs) by the employing local unit of administration (LUA).
  • If you are not employed at the time of renewal:
    • Hold valid RID certification;
      OR
    • Hold a bachelor’s degree and have earned a score of 3.5 or higher on the EIPA within 5 years of renewal;
      AND
    • Complete any combination of six (6) semester hours of college course work with a grade of “B” or better; ten (10) Georgia Professional Learning Units (PLUs); ten (10) Continuing Education Units (CEUs); or one hundred (100) clock hours of Bright from the Start (BFTS)-approved training. If you were employed with a local unit of administration (LUA) on or after July 1, 2017 and you made adequate progress towards your professional learning plan/goals (PLP/PLGs), you may submit the Professional Learning Verification form in lieu of an official transcript.
Note: If a score of 4.0 or higher is achieved on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA), as documented on an official score report, the interpreter will not be required to pass the assessment for license renewal purposes.

Non-Renewable Certificate to Meet Renewal Requirements

If you have been issued Professional, Paraprofessional, or Educational Interpreter certification and do not meet certain renewal requirements, a Georgia employer may request a 1-year Non-Renewable certificate on your behalf so that you may be placed on a professional learning plan. A $20 processing fee is required.

Once the professional learning plan and all other outstanding special requirements are complete, your employer will then request the reissuance of your full certification. Please speak to your employer regarding the option. It is at the discretion of the employer to request this certificate.

Retired Educators

If you have retired and wish to qualify for a Retired Educator Certificate in lieu of renewal of your Professional certification, please see the Retired Educator Certificate FAQs for more information.

If you hold a retired educator certificate and wish to convert back to Standard Professional, please see renewal options listed in the “Educators Not Currently Employed in a P-12 Setting” or “Non-renewable Certificate to Meet Renewal Requirements” sections.

Induction Certification and Permits

Induction certificates are non-renewable. To convert an Induction certificate, you must meet the requirements outlined in your Induction Issuance letter. If you have not met the requirements to convert a five-year Induction, you can apply to extend the five-year Induction for an additional five years. Please visit the “Correspondence/Notification” section of your MyPSC account to view your issuance letter.

Permits are non-renewable. To extend a permit for an additional five years, you must meet the requirements outlined in your Permit Issuance letter and have your employer request the extension. Please visit the “Correspondence/Notification” section of your MyPSC account to view your issuance letter.

Public/Charter School Educators

If you are employed in a Public School or Charter School, your employer must request your certificate/license renewal. Please reach out to your employer regarding any questions about your renewal.

Private School/Educational Agencies Educators

Please submit the following through the “Application/Documentation/Status” tab of your MyPSC account:
  • MyPSC application
  • Documentation Supporting Renewal
    • Employer Assurance form with Professional Learning Verified OR Standard Renewal Requirements documentation
  • Employer Assurance Form

Non-Employed P-12 Educators

Please submit the following through the “Application/Documentation/Status” tab of your MyPSC account:
  • MyPSC application
  • Standard Renewal Requirements documentation
  • $20 Processing Fee