Georgia Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
250 (on 100-300 scale)
Minimum passing score
Test Duration
2.5 hours
Total testing time
Test Sections
3 Sections
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Test Fee
$38 (State-subsidized)
Standard assessment cost
School Districts
181
Districts in state
Governing Body
Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) - Requires State Paraprofessional Certificate
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from GaPSC-accepted accredited institution
- 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) with 2.0 GPA minimum
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based GBI and FBI checks through GaPSC; Personal Affirmation Questions (PAQs); GaPSC Paraprofessional Certificate (5-year validity); Must be sponsored by hiring district
Salary Range
Typical annual salary
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Georgia
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Georgia requires that all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in Title I-funded programs meet rigorous standards of qualification.
ESSA Compliance and State Standards
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) establishes federal requirements that paraprofessionals working in Title I programs must meet one of three qualification pathways: hold a degree, complete college coursework, or pass a formal assessment.
Georgia's Centralized Certification System
Georgia runs one of the most centralized paraprofessional certification systems in the country. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) is the sole licensing body for all educators, and every instructional paraprofessional must hold a state-issued Paraprofessional Certificate. This means your credential is recognized across all 180+ school districts, from Atlanta Public Schools to the smallest rural system in South Georgia. The GaPSC model standardizes qualifications statewide and elevates paraprofessionals as certified members of the education workforce.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Georgia
To obtain the mandatory Paraprofessional Certificate from the GaPSC, you need a high school diploma or equivalent AND must meet one of these three academic requirements:
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher (bachelor's, master's) from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.
- Submit an official, sealed transcript to your hiring school district for verification with GaPSC
- Institution must be accredited by a recognized regional body (e.g., SACSCOC for Southern schools)
- This is the fastest pathway if you already hold a degree
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least two years (60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours) of coursework from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.
- Official transcript is the only acceptable proof and will be reviewed by the hiring district
- Courses must be college-level (100/1000-level or above); remedial or developmental courses do not count
- A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for this pathway
Option 3: Assessment
Achieve a passing score on the state-mandated GACE Paraprofessional Assessment.
- GACE Paraprofessional Assessment: passing score of 250 (scale of 100-300)
- This is the only assessment accepted by GaPSC; no local district alternatives exist
- Test fee is just $38, one of the lowest in the country (state-subsidized)
Additional Mandatory Requirements for GaPSC Certification
- GaPSC Fingerprint and Background Check: After receiving a conditional job offer, you must be fingerprinted at a GaPSC-approved agency. Results are sent to both the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the FBI.
- Personal Affirmation Questions (PAQs): As part of your application, you must answer questions about your legal and ethical history.
- District Sponsorship: You cannot apply for the certificate on your own. A Georgia public school district or charter school must sponsor your application after offering you a position.
Who Needs a Paraprofessional Certificate in Georgia?
The GaPSC Paraprofessional Certificate is required for any individual employed as an instructional paraprofessional in a Georgia public school, regardless of whether the school receives Title I funding. Georgia applies this high standard across the board.
Must Hold a GaPSC Certificate
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals: The general title for aides providing academic support in reading, writing, and math
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides supporting academic and functional goals in a student's IEP (the largest category in Georgia)
- • ESOL Paraprofessionals: Assistants providing language and academic support to English learners
- • Pre-K Paraprofessionals: Aides working in Georgia's nationally recognized state-funded Pre-K program
May Not Need a Certificate
- • Substitute Paraprofessionals: May be exempt depending on assignment length and district policy
- • Bus Aides, Cafeteria Monitors, Playground Aides: Staff with exclusively supervisory, non-instructional duties
- • Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional (physical/health needs only). If any instructional support is involved, certification is required
Georgia GACE Paraprofessional Assessment Details
The GACE Paraprofessional Assessment is a customized test for Georgia, and the passing score of 250 is a firm, statewide standard set by the GaPSC. The test covers 90 multiple-choice questions across three sections, completed in 2.5 hours.
GACE Paraprofessional Assessment In-Depth Breakdown
The GACE is designed to measure the skills and knowledge you need to support the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) in the classroom. Here is what each section covers:
Reading (30 Questions, ~33% of the test)
Skills Tested: Your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze various texts. You will identify main ideas, locate supporting details, understand vocabulary in context, and draw logical inferences.
Georgia Classroom Connection: A paraprofessional in a Gwinnett County Public Schools classroom might use these skills to help a small group of students read and understand a text about the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, guiding them to identify key figures and events.
Writing (30 Questions, ~33% of the test)
Skills Tested: Knowledge of standard written English conventions, including grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling. You will also apply this knowledge to assist students with the writing process.
Georgia Classroom Connection: An aide in a Savannah-Chatham County Public School System high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread an essay, correcting grammatical errors and suggesting ways to improve clarity and organization.
Mathematics (30 Questions, ~33% of the test)
Skills Tested: A broad range of mathematical concepts, including number sense, operations with fractions and decimals, basic algebra, geometry, measurement, and data interpretation from charts and graphs.
Georgia Classroom Connection: A paraprofessional in a Cobb County School District elementary school might help students with a hands-on math lesson involving calculating the perimeter of the playground or using manipulatives to understand fractions.
After the Test: The Georgia Certification Process
Passing the GACE is the first major step. The next stage is the formal application for your GaPSC Paraprofessional Certificate, which must be sponsored by a hiring school district.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your GaPSC Certificate
- Step 1: Pass the GACE (or confirm your credits/degree). Your official GACE scores are automatically reported to your GaPSC account. If you are using the college pathway, have your official transcripts ready.
- Step 2: Secure a job offer. You must be hired or have a formal offer of employment from a Georgia public school district or charter school before you can be certified.
- Step 3: Your employer initiates the certification application. The HR department of your hiring district will start the application on your behalf through the GaPSC portal. They are your official "sponsor."
- Step 4: Complete your portion of the application. Log into your MyPSC account to fill out personal information, answer the Personal Affirmation Questions (PAQs), and pay your portion of the certification fee.
- Step 5: Complete the fingerprinting/background check. Your district will provide instructions on where to get fingerprinted at a GaPSC-approved site.
- Step 6: GaPSC review and certificate issuance. The GaPSC reviews your complete file, including scores or transcripts and background check results. Once approved, your five-year Standard Professional Paraprofessional Certificate will be issued and visible in your MyPSC account.
If You Need to Retake the GACE
- Step 1: Check the retake policy. ETS has specific waiting periods between test attempts. Review the GACE website for the current policy.
- Step 2: Review your score report. Your GACE results break down performance by section, so you can see exactly where you need to focus.
- Step 3: Build a targeted study plan. Use the free GACE study materials from ETS, including interactive practice tests and study companions.
- Step 4: Re-register through your ETS GACE account once the waiting period has passed. The fee is the same $38.
Preparing for the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment
How long you need to study depends on your current comfort level with reading, writing, and math. The GACE content is equivalent to what you would find on the ParaPro test used in other states, so general ParaPro prep materials are useful. The good news is the $38 fee means retaking is affordable, but you should still prepare well the first time.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you have recent college coursework or feel strong in all three subject areas. Focus on a practice test to confirm your readiness, then review any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The right pace for most people. Work through the official GACE study companion, take the free interactive practice test from ETS, and revisit topics you are rusty on without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If math or writing feels unfamiliar, or if you have been out of school for a while, take the extra time. There is no downside to being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- Official GACE study materials from ETS: The GACE website provides a free interactive practice test, a detailed study companion, and video tutorials. This should be your first stop since the questions are designed for the specific Georgia test.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math fundamentals, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It is free and self-paced.
- Georgia Public Library PINES system: Your Georgia library card gives you access to databases like LearningExpress Library, which has ParaPro-specific practice tests and skill-building courses. Check your local library's digital resources page.
- Online practice tests: Sites like parapropracticetest.com and uniontestprep.com offer free practice questions covering reading, writing, and math that closely mirror the GACE format.
Paid Study Options
You do not need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer more structure. Here are the most common paid options:
- ParaPro/GACE study guide books ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Look for recent editions that reference the GACE or ParaPro specifically.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): These typically include video lessons, quizzes, and multiple full-length practice tests. Helpful if you learn better with guided instruction.
- Video tutorial packages: Some test prep companies sell video bundles focused on specific subjects. These work well if reading-heavy study guides are not your thing.
Georgia-Specific Tip
Since the GACE is the same content as the ParaPro (just branded for Georgia), any ParaPro practice test is directly applicable. Start with the free official GACE materials from ETS, and then supplement with ParaPro prep resources. The $38 test fee is one of the lowest in the country, so the biggest cost of not passing is time, not money.
Test Day: What to Expect in Georgia
Knowing what to expect on test day removes a lot of the stress. The GACE is administered by ETS, so the process is professional and standardized whether you test at a center or at home.
What to Bring
Driver's license, state ID, or passport. The name must match your ETS registration exactly.
Print your admission ticket from your ETS GACE account. Some centers will not admit you without it.
Testing rooms can be cold. A light jacket or sweater lets you adjust without distraction.
What NOT to Bring
Check-In Procedure
- 1 Arrive 30 minutes early. This gives you time to check in, store belongings, and settle in before the clock starts.
- 2 Present your photo ID and admission ticket. The proctor will verify your identity against the registration records.
- 3 Store personal items in a locker. ETS testing centers provide lockers for your phone, bag, and other belongings.
- 4 Take your assigned seat. The proctor will direct you to a computer station and explain the testing interface before you begin.
Tips for During the Test
Watch your time
You have about 1 minute and 40 seconds per question. If you get stuck, mark it and move on. You can come back to it later.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading the question. Pay attention to words like "not," "except," and "best" that change the meaning entirely.
Eliminate wrong answers
On multiple-choice questions, crossing out answers you know are wrong improves your odds even when you are unsure of the right one.
Don't leave blanks
There is no penalty for guessing on the GACE. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Georgia Testing Options
The GACE is available at designated ETS testing centers across Georgia and also through at-home remote proctoring using ETS ProProctor. The at-home option offers maximum flexibility since you can choose a time that works for your schedule, but you need a quiet room, a working webcam, and a stable internet connection. If you prefer a structured environment, the in-person testing centers in cities like Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Columbus are solid choices.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Georgia
Salaries for paraprofessionals in Georgia vary significantly by district, reflecting the diverse economic conditions across the state. Metro Atlanta districts typically offer the highest pay, while rural areas offset lower wages with a much more affordable cost of living.
Typical Starting Range
Experienced / Higher Districts
Salary by Region
Metro Atlanta (Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb): These large, well-funded suburban districts generally offer the highest salaries and most thorough benefits packages in the state.
Other Metro Areas (Savannah, Augusta, Columbus): Offer competitive pay for their regions, with growing school systems and steady demand.
Rural South and North Georgia: Salaries are typically lower, but this is often offset by a significantly more affordable cost of living.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Georgia
Special Education Paraprofessionals: This is the most critical area of need across the entire state. There is constant demand for aides who work with students with a wide range of disabilities.
ESOL Paraprofessionals: Particularly in the diverse metro Atlanta districts, bilingual paraprofessionals (especially Spanish/English) are in very high demand.
Pre-K Paraprofessionals: Georgia's state-funded Pre-K program is extensive and requires a large number of qualified aides across the state.
The Pathway to a Teaching Career in Georgia
Georgia's Teacher Academies: Many districts have "Grow Your Own" programs, often called Teacher Academies, that recruit and support current paraprofessionals on their journey to become certified teachers.
GaTAPP (Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy): If you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field, you can enroll in GaTAPP, an alternative certification route. Your classroom experience as a paraprofessional makes you a highly competitive candidate.
Completing Your Degree: If you have your 60 college credits, you can work towards your bachelor's in education at one of Georgia's excellent universities, such as the University of Georgia, Georgia State, or Kennesaw State.
Georgia ParaPro Test Centers
Tests administered by school districts and approved testing centers.
Important Information
- At-home testing through ETS ProProctor is available for maximum scheduling flexibility
- The GACE test fee is just $38, one of the lowest paraprofessional assessment fees in the nation
- You must have a MyPSC account and a GaPSC certification ID before you can register for the test through ETS
How to Register for an Assessment in Georgia
The GACE registration process is centralized through ETS, the testing service that administers all GACE assessments for Georgia.
Create Your MyPSC and ETS Accounts
First, create an account on the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website (MyPSC). You will then use your GaPSC certification ID number to create an account on the GACE registration website, which is hosted by ETS.
Register for the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment
Log into your ETS GACE account and select the "GACE Paraprofessional Assessment." Choose your testing option: at a test center (select a date, time, and location) or at home (remotely proctored for maximum flexibility). Pay the $38 test fee online.
Prepare for the Test
ETS and the GACE website provide free study materials, including an interactive practice test, a detailed study companion, and video tutorials. Use these as your primary preparation resources, supplemented by ParaPro practice materials.
Important: District Sponsorship Required
Remember that you can take and pass the GACE before getting a job, but you cannot receive your GaPSC Paraprofessional Certificate without being sponsored by a Georgia school district. Many candidates take and pass the GACE first, then use their passing score to make themselves more attractive to hiring districts.
Search for paraprofessional positions on the Teach Georgia portal and individual district websites to find openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions - Georgia Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between the GACE and the ParaPro test?
The GACE Paraprofessional Assessment is the ParaPro test. Georgia has branded it as part of its own Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) suite of tests. The content and format are identical to the ParaPro test administered in other states, so any ParaPro study materials will work for the GACE.
What is the GaPSC?
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission is the state agency responsible for issuing certificates and licenses for all Georgia public school educators, including teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals. They set the qualification standards and enforce the code of ethics for the profession.
Can I apply for my certificate before I get a job?
No. In Georgia, a school district or public charter school must formally sponsor your certification application. You must have a job offer before the certification process can begin. However, you can take and pass the GACE before getting hired, which makes you a stronger candidate.
How long is my GACE score valid?
Your passing GACE Paraprofessional score does not expire. Once you pass, it is valid indefinitely for the purpose of obtaining your Paraprofessional Certificate.
How long does it take to get certified?
The timeline varies, but most candidates complete the process within 2-4 weeks after passing the assessment, including background check clearance.
Can I work while completing my certification?
Some districts allow provisional or probationary employment while you complete requirements, but this varies by district policy.
