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Educator Prep Resources

We offer several resources for teacher candidates at all degree levels, as well as current teachers who are looking to renew or upgrade their teaching certification. The following resources will help you organize your information, apply for your credentials, and answer any questions you may have.

The Mary Frances Early College of Education and educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Assessments, Portfolio, MyPSC

GACE Content Assessment Registration for Students

This information is for students enrolled in teacher preparation, educational leadership, instructional technology, school psychology, and school counseling programs.

The GA Assessment for the Certification of Educators (GACE) is Georgia’s state-approved educator certification assessment program. The purpose of the assessment is to assure that the knowledge and skills acquired by prospective Georgia educators are aligned with state and national standards for educator preparation and with state standards for the P-12 student curriculum—the Common Core Performance Standards (CCGPS).

Can I take the GACE whenever I want?

  • Yes – If you are enrolled in a certification only program or a Master’s degree with a initial certification program is embedded. For example, M.A.T. students do not need eligibility granted by UGA.
  • No – for candidates taking a GACE content assessment for initial certification. Candidates must be designated eligible by their program provider (UGA) to take the content GACE. UGA provides eligibility to candidates the semester before student teaching.

Requesting Eligibility

If you have not claimed your program in your MyPSC account, you will need to do this step before requesting a GACE Content test. For step-by-step instructions, visit MyPSC account.

Log in to your MyPSC account and select Assessments at the top of the MyPSC homepage. Follow the steps below to request or confirm eligibility to test:

  1. Under the Assessment Page, scroll to the “Active eligibility to test requests” section to look for any test that has already been granted eligibility for the GACE Content Assessment. If you see the correct GACE Content Assessment listed with the status as “Eligibility transferred,” then you go to ETS directly to register for the test. See step 10 below.
If eligibility has not been granted then follow the steps below:
  1. Click on the ‘Assessments’ link at the top of the MyPSC homepage.
  2. Scroll down to find the reason why you want to take a GACE assessment. - If you are enrolled in a Georgia-approved program in an undergraduate teaching field, or in educational leadership, media, school psychology, or counseling, select Reason #2. - M.A.T. and Non-Degree Certification Only candidates will select Reason #3. When selecting this reason, you must add the program you are enrolled in or seeking admission into as a score recipient.
  3. If you are enrolled in or have completed an approved program, you will see the list of programs and providers where you have claimed enrollment and your status for your eligibility to test for the program(s). If you do not see any programs and providers listed, it means you have not claimed your enrollment. See Claiming Your Enrollment Record below.
  4. Select the assessment for which you are requesting eligibility to test from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click the ADD button.
  6. Confirm your choices by typing “yes” in the space provided and then click FINISH. (You can click QUIT to cancel your selection.)
  7. Your profile and eligibility will be transmitted to ETS.
  8. At the bottom of the Assessments page is a list of your active and pending eligibility requests and their status.
  9. Create an ETS GACE testing account. You will register to test through your ETS GACE testing account. The tests you are approved for and eligible to take will be listed there.
  10. Email us if you have any general GACE questions or issues with requesting your assessment in your MyPSC account or if you are unsure about which option you should select for your testing reason.
  11. Contact ETS for any technical issues regarding registration and payment.

The name you use when creating your accounts

The first and last name shown in your MyPSC account must be your legal name, and must exactly match the first and last name on the ID documents you will present on the day of the test. See Identification Requirements.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the first and last names on your admission ticket match the ID documents you will present on the day of the test. Note: Hyphens, accents, suffixes, middle initials, and spaces in your name will not appear on the admission ticket.

If your ID documents do not match the name you use when you register, you may be prohibited from testing, your test fees may be forfeited, and/or your test scores may be canceled.

Fees, payment, and refund policies

Please visit ETS for more information about the testing fees.

How do I change or cancel a test registration?

Requests to change your test center, test date, or reporting time can be made through your ETS GACE testing account.

Where can I find test preparation materials?

There are free test prep materials available on the GACE website—test center tour video, Study Companions, and the GACE Strategies for Success video are available for download. Interactive practice tests will begin being available for purchase in the ETS store this Fall. Visit the GACE website for more information.

When will my scores be available?

Scores are generally available four weeks from the beginning of the testing window in which you tested.

MyPSC Account

Written instructions below. There is also a PDF with instructions + screenshots.

How to establish a MyPSC account

Go to the MyPSC website.

  1. Follow the screens to create your account. Be sure to enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your legal ID (Driver’s license or passport; NOT your UGA ID card) and complete all required fields.
  2. Your MyPSC account will assign you a Georgia certification ID number (GA CERT ID). A GA CERT ID is used for identification throughout the test registration and certification process.
  3. Print your MyPSC account information, so that it will be handy when you register to test on the ETS GACE website.

Correcting or updating your MyPSC account

It is extremely important to keep the information in your MyPSC account up-to-date because the information you enter is uploaded into the ETS GACE registration system. Occasionally, ETS and GaPSC staff may need to contact you in the event there is a last-minute change in a test administration’s reporting address or reporting time. Keeping the information current in your MyPSC account—especially your phone number and email address—is your responsibility. By doing so, you enable ETS and GaPSC staff to contact you if the need arises.

You can update your mailing address, phone number, and email address by logging in to your MyPSC account.

If your name has changed, the name change must be reflected in your MyPSC account. Name changes must be made in conjunction with your primary ID documents. The name in your MyPSC account must match the identification document(s) you will present at the test center.

If you need to change your name, go to the GaPSC website, print out and complete the three-page application in your new name and either mail or fax it to the PSC as directed on the application.

How to claim your program in your MyPSC account

To claim your program, go to the MyPSC website.

  1. Click “Program” in the heading in the MyPSC banner at the top of the page on the far right.
  2. Choose “University of Georgia” in the list of providers that pop up and enter your 81X#. Only enter the first nine digits of your 81X#.
  3. Your program information will show up on the screen and if everything is correct, click CONFIRM.
  4. If the details of your program are not correct, please email us.
  5. A message will pop up asking if you are sure you are enrolled in this program, click YES if the program information is correct.
  6. If you get the following error message, please email us: -*“We did not find a match that you are enrolled at this provider. Please contact the program provider or check back later.”**

Please note that until you are fully accepted into your program, you will not be able to claim your program.

Educator Ethics Assessments

How to Register for Ethics 360 Assessment for Teachers or the Ethics 380 Assessment for Leaders

  1. Log into your MyPSC account on the GaPSC website.
  2. Go to the Assessment section of your MyPSC account.
  3. Select option 7, “I am taking the Georgia Educator Ethics or the Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership assessment for program entry (candidates enrolled in out-of-state programs need to select reason 4).”
  4. Select the Ethics Assessment that applies to you:
  • If you are in a Teacher Education Program, you will select Georgia Educator Ethics (360) from dropdown and click add.
  • If you are in the Educational Leadership Program, you will select Georgia Educator Ethics (380) from dropdown and click add.
  1. Scroll down to the Eligibility Section of the Assessment page.
  2. You will see the eligibility granted for the Georgia Educator Ethics (360 or 380). If you don’t see the eligibility, please email edprep@uga.edu

Using the email address associated with your MyPSC account, GaPSC will immediately send you acknowledgement email confirming your request to take the ethics assessment, with additional directions.

Within three hours you should receive an email from ETS (gace_inquiries@ets.org) confirming your registration with a link to the ETS ethics assessment registration system.

If you don’t receive the email registration, you can go the ethics assessment system at https://gat.ethics.ets.org/login.html

Using the registration link provided in the email to you from ETS (gace_inquiries@ets.org), you will establish a login for the ethics assessment registration system. This login is different from your MyPSC login or your login for other GACE assessments.

Your test fee will be collected at the time of registration.

Certification

Looking to renew your teacher certification? Have you never been certified to teach, and need to know where to start? Or, are you studying for a non-teaching degree such as school psychology, school library media, and speech-language pathology and are looking for service certification? We can help you sort out what you need to do.

For specific course requirements for an approved program, contact the appropriate department within the Mary Frances Early College of Education. The department will determine requirements for entry into the program, the course work required to meet the approved teacher education program, and the procedures for obtaining a professional recommendation.

Note: If you are studying school counseling, school psychology, school library media, and speech/language pathology at the graduate level, you may apply for a service certification.

Certification Checklists

Graduation and Certification

Waiver of Certification Form for Educator Preparation Candidates

This form is for students who wish to change their program of study to a non-certification route.

Download the Form (PDF)

Change of Placement Policy

Students across the College are placed in field experience or clinical settings as part of their programs of study. At times, circumstances might arise which necessitate a change of placement. These occurrences are rare but may be initiated by the student or the placement context. If applicable, individuals should be given the opportunity to address concerns and develop an improvement plan prior to cancellation of a placement.

Change of Placement Request - NDAH Policy Violations

If a candidate/intern ever questions their immediate physical safety, they should call 911 and contact Stacey Neuharth‐Pritchett, associate dean (706‐542‐3813). If a candidate or intern believes that their environment or person is compromised based on one of the protected categories in the UGA Non‐Discrimination and Anti‐Harassment Policy, during any field or clinical placement, the candidate/intern must 1) remove themselves from the placement, 2) report the incident to the Equal Opportunity Office (706‐542‐7912), and 3) contact associate dean Neuharth‐Pritchett. Changes in placement are made quickly in the event of NDAH policy violations.

Change of Placement Request - Other

The Mary Frances Early College of Education works to maintain and strengthen relations with local schools and other clinical placement sites so it can support mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships. Therefore, changes in confirmed placements are not made for issues such as distance from home, minor conflicts with co‐workers, or personal preference. Should substantive problems with placements arise, the student should first contact the program coordinator and every effort should be made to resolve the difficulty including but not limited to mediation, implementation of a documented performance plan, etc.

If the program coordinator or UGA supervisor perceives a change in placement is necessary, the program coordinator should assist the student in completing this Placement Change Request Form (PDF) and email it to Sara Kajder, Director of Clinical Practice.

The Office of Clinical Practice and, where appropriate the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Programs, Stacey Neuharth-Pritchett, will investigate and inform the candidate/intern of a decision in writing within seven business days. The Director and/or Senior Associate Dean will confer with the department head, program coordinator, the UGA supervisor, and possibly school or other placement officials prior to making a decision. The candidate/intern has the right to appeal the decision directly to the dean. This appeal should be written in the form of a professional letter attached to an email to Dean Denise Spangler. Dean Spangler will inform the candidate/intern of a decision in writing within seven business days.

Changes in placement sometimes necessitate an adjustment in the clinical practice/internship end date. If a change in placement is made for any reason, the program coordinator or UGA supervisor will determine the clinical practice end date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a MyID?
If you do not have a UGA MyID, or if you are new to the campus, information on acquiring a MyID as well as resources available to you, visit the UGA New Student Technology Guide (PDF).
What is Pre-Service Certification?
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) requires all candidates in initial educator preparation programs to obtain a Pre-Service Certificate. A Pre-Service certificate assists the state and its teacher education programs to (1) assure the safety of school children; (2) provide opportunities for Pre-Service candidates to practice/demonstrate knowledge and skills; (3) standardize the criminal history background check process across Georgia; and (4) assist Pre-Service candidates in understanding the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators and provide them with the information to hold them accountable under the Code.
Who needs a Pre-Service Certificate?
All teacher education candidates who have been officially accepted into their initial preparation programs are required to have a Pre-Service certificate. Those who hold a Paraprofessional Certificate or a Certificate of Eligibility will need to obtain the Pre-Service Certificate. A few exceptions to this policy are listed in the next question.
Who should not apply for a Preservice Certificate?
  • Those individuals who are taking pre-requisite courses prior to entering a teacher education program (e.g. “Area F” courses) need not apply for the Pre-Service Certificate;
  • Master’s degree or certification-only candidates who have already obtained an Induction Certificate (Pathway 4) issued by GaPSC;
  • Those who hold any type of professional certification or permit in the state of Georgia would not need a Pre-Service Certificate.
  • Candidates who are enrolled in the Georgia TAPP program as these candidates have an induction certificate.
When will my Pre-Service Certification orientation be held?
Your program will schedule this with Office of Academic Programs (OAP).
Does the Pre-Service Certificate cost anything?
No, the application for the Pre-Service Certificate is free.
Who turns in the information for the Pre-Service Certificate to the GaPSC?
The Mary Frances Early College of Education’s Office of Academic Programs submits the paperwork for the Pre-Service certificate for the candidate. There are no exceptions to this.
Can I engage in any field experience before I have my Pre-Service Certificate?
No, a teacher candidate who is in their professional courses cannot be in any course or field experience if the candidate does not have the Pre-Service Certificate.
What are the required elements for a Preservice Certificate?
  • A completed application that will be provided by the Certification Official during an orientation with the Office of Academic Programs
  • Copies of identification materials (unexpired driver’s license, passport, or permanent resident card)
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP). This must be notarized by OAP staff during the orientation. For your VLP, you will need an unexpired driver’s license, passport, or permanent resident card. OAP staff will make a copy of your identification.

Your pre-service application can only be obtained from the Certification Official who will have the most up-to-date copy issued by GaPSC. And it must be submitted to GaPSC by the Certification Official.

Who can notarize my Pre-Service application (VLP form)?
The OAP staff can notarize your Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP) form which is part of your Pre-Service application.
Who conducts the criminal background check?
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission conducts the background check.
Why do I need to sign up for a MyPSC Account and when do I sign up for that account?
You will sign up for the MyPSC account which allows you to complete all state-required assessments. This account will stay with you throughout your teaching career. You will be prompted by an email from the Office of Academic Programs to create your account.
How will I know what items are missing for my Pre-Service Certificate?
OAP will notify you by phone or email. Make sure you check your UGA email regularly. The college only sends emails to official UGA email addresses. We cannot send emails to other email addresses (e.g., Gmail) as student information is considered confidential and official information sent to other email addresses violates FERPA restrictions.
How will I know my GaPSC Pre-Service Certificate has been issued?
You will receive an email from GaPSC (NoReply@gapsc.com). You can also check your MyPSC account. Please add NoReply@gapsc.com to your safe sender list so the email(s) will go to your Inbox instead of your junk/spam folder.

On your MyPSC account:

  • Applications -This page will show you the status of your application under Case History.
  • Documents - This page will show you what documents have been submitted by the Certification Official and you.
  • Correspondence - If GaPSC needs additional information from you, you will find a Hold Letter on this page.
  • Credentials – This is where you can view and print your certificate once it has been issued.
How will my advisor and program know that my Pre-Service Certificate has been issued?
A Pre-Service status report is sent out to advisors and program faculty twice a week via email.

If a student is not listed in the file, please have them contact our office.

Do I need a Pre-Service Certificate if I am a transfer student?
Yes. If you received a Pre-Service Certificate from your former school, you need to contact that school’s college of education and have them withdraw your Pre-Service Certificate from GaPSC. Then, contact the Mary Frances Early College of Education Certification Official.
What are the required content examinations for my program of study?
This is based on your certification field (area of emphasis). OAP Staff will visit your program to talk more in-depth about these assessments. Your program coordinator will also inform you of the appropriate content examinations to take.
What if I want to change my major or withdraw from UGA?
You will need to complete the Change of Major/Withdrawal form.
I now have my Pre-Service Certificate, what is next?
Welcome! There will be several required assessments that you will complete during your program for certification and program completion. You will find information on our Educator Preparation Resources webpage.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions or any issues?
Should you have any questions or issues, contact the OAP staff. We are located in the G4 suite in Aderhold Hall on the ground floor.
When will my Pre-Service Certification session be held?
An ed-prep team member from the Office of Academic Programs (Kate, Krista, Shayla) will contact you to schedule your pre-service session. If you have any questions or concerns, please email edprep@uga.edu.
What are the required elements for a Pre-Service Certificate?

  • A completed application that will be provided by the Certification Official during a pre-service session with the Office of Academic Programs

  • Copies of identification materials (unexpired driver’s license, passport, or permanent resident card)

  • GaPSC Criminal Background Check

  • Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP). This must be notarized by OAP staff during the pre-service session. For your VLP, you will need an unexpired driver’s license, passport, or permanent resident card.

What if I want to change my major or withdraw from UGA?
Email edprep@uga.edu and your advisor so that we can update your records in the GaPSC system and University of Georgia systems.

Contact Us

When contacting us please include your full legal name and your UGA 81X number.