Pre-Service Certification
The Pre-Service certificate is intended for educator candidates completing field experiences or student teaching in Georgia schools. It must be requested on behalf of the candidate by the college, university, or other institution providing the educator preparation program.
This certificate is for individuals who will be participating in field experiences or student teaching in Georgia schools on or after July 1, 2015.
Requirements
- Be admitted to an educator preparation program that leads to Induction certification in a teaching field;
- Have a successful criminal record check (conducted by the GaPSC);
- Complete the GACE Educator Ethics Assessment. Please note: completion of this assessment is not required for candidates who enrolled in educator preparation programs prior to July 1, 2014.
- Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Purchase liability insurance – the PAGE organization is one option, here’s the link: www.pageinc.org
Instructions and Forms
- Pre Service and Program Admission Checklist (PDF)–revised 5-27-22 (Please note: GACE Program Admission Assessment is no longer required for admission as of July 1, 2022)
- Candidate Personal Affirmation Question Instructions (PDF)
- Pre-Service Certification Instructions (PDF)
- Verification Lawful Presence (VLP) form (PDF)
Validity
The Pre-Service certificate is valid for as many as 5 years, and may be extended at the request of the educator preparation provider. It is invalidated upon program completion, or if the candidate withdraws, transfers, or is removed from the program. A former candidate who re-enrolls in an educator preparation program may be issued a new 5-year Pre-Service certificate at the request of the provider. A current background check is required in this case.
Notes
- The Pre-Service certificate is not a professional educator certificate. It allows the holder to participate in supervised field experience, clinical practice, student teaching, or residency work in Georgia schools;
- Holding a Pre-Service certificate does not automatically lead to Induction educator certification. Requirements for the Induction certificate may be found here;
- Holding a Pre-Service certificate is not a pre-requisite to qualify for any other Georgia certificate.
Last updated: 8/25/2022
