To qualify for the International Exchange Certificate, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Hold primary citizenship outside of the U.S.;
• Be employed by a Georgia local unit of administration (LUA) while participating in an authorized Exchange Visitor Program;
• Hold the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa;
• Hold the U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree or higher;
• Hold foreign educator credentials in a teaching field comparable to a certification field offered in Georgia;
• Have passed the GACE Educator Ethics Assessment (Test Code 360);
• Be proficient in English.

All Visa arrangements and employment details (salary, etc.) are the responsibility of the employing Georgia LUA and the International Exchange Educator. The GaPSC’s involvement is limited to ensuring that the educator satisfies the certification eligibility requirements for the field requested by the employing LUA. An International Exchange Certificate CANNOT be issued to an individual previously certified in Georgia with any title or type of certificate other than the International Exchange Certificate.

If you meet the requirements outlined above, a Georgia LUA may request issuance of the International Exchange certificate electronically by submitting the following documents to our office:

• Initial Certificate and License Application for Employed Educators – provided by the Georgia LUA
• Verification of Lawful Presence Documentation:
  • This affidavit must be completed and notarized. Please choose only one option on the affidavit;
  • You must attach a copy of an acceptable identification document to this form. Please see the instructions provided with the form for a list of acceptable documents.
• Foreign Credential Report from a GaPSC-approved agency detailing all coursework and degrees completed in a U.S. territory or foreign country;
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended in the U.S.:
  • These may not be uploaded through your MyPSC account. You may have your college or university transmit them directly in a secure electronic format.
• Photocopy of your J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
• International Exchange Verification form

Please see Application Forms & Procedures for more information about submitting application materials.

The employing LUA must establish a mentor system to provide International Exchange educators with information such as:

• Orientation to the school;
• Guidance, including appropriate resources, in the basic principles of curriculum, instruction, and classroom management;
• Ongoing induction support.

Exchange teachers may qualify for a second International Exchange certificate if they return to their native country for a minimum of one year after completing the first exchange teacher experience. An educator who does not meet the qualifications for a second International Exchange certificate, or who has already held two International Exchange certificates, must meet all requirements for an Induction, Professional, or Non-Renewable Professional certificate in order to continue teaching in Georgia beyond the expiration of the International Exchange certificate. Please see the International Educators page for information on how to apply.