GACE Exam Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Complete GACE exam guide covering test series, scoring, registration, and prep tips. Learn what to expect on Georgia educator certification assessments.
What Is the GACE Exam?
The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) is a suite of standardized tests developed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) in partnership with ETS (Educational Testing Service). These assessments measure whether prospective and current educators have the content knowledge and pedagogical skills required to teach effectively in Georgia's public schools.
The GACE program replaced the Praxis II as the primary certification assessment in Georgia. It is specifically aligned to Georgia's educator preparation standards and covers a wide range of subject areas and grade levels. Unlike more general national exams, the GACE is tailored to the specific requirements of the Georgia educator workforce.
Who Needs the GACE?
Anyone pursuing an initial Georgia teaching certificate through a traditional or alternative preparation program must pass the appropriate GACE content assessment. This includes:
- Recent college graduates completing teacher preparation programs at Georgia universities
- Career changers entering teaching through alternative certification routes
- Out-of-state educators seeking Georgia certification reciprocity who do not qualify for a full waiver
- Current teachers adding a new subject area, grade band, or endorsement to an existing Georgia license
Georgia also requires the GACE Program Admission Assessment (formerly the GACE Basic Skills) for candidates admitted to state-approved educator preparation programs, though many candidates can fulfill this requirement through qualifying SAT, ACT, or GRE scores. Similar educator certification frameworks exist in other fields — for instance, professionals in HR pursue the SPHR certification, and those in behavioral health often hold the BCBA certification — reflecting how each profession maintains its own standards-based credentialing pathway.
GACE Test Series Overview
The GACE program includes more than 80 different assessments organized into several major categories:
- Content Assessments: Subject-specific tests for areas such as mathematics, English language arts, science, social studies, special education, early childhood education, and more. Most content areas include two separate tests (Test I and Test II) that together constitute full subject-area certification.
- Program Admission Assessment: A foundational skills test covering reading, writing, and mathematics for candidates entering teacher preparation programs.
- Educator Ethics Assessment: A test of professional ethics and conduct knowledge required for initial certification.
- Induction Support Specialist Assessment: For educators seeking an induction support specialist endorsement.
Candidates select the specific assessment(s) aligned to the certification field and grade level they are pursuing. Each assessment is delivered via computer at approved testing centers statewide.
GACE Exam at a Glance
- Delivery: Computer-based at approved test centers
- Question Types: Selected-response (multiple choice) + constructed-response
- Test Length: Varies by assessment; typically 80–120 questions
- Time Limit: 2.5 to 4 hours depending on subject
- Registration: Online at gace.ets.org
- Fee: $123 per test (subject to change)
- Scheduling: Year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers
- Reschedule Window: At least 3 days before test date
- Score Scale: 100–300 scaled score points
- Passing Score: 250 (Level 2 — Induction)
- Score Release: Typically 2–3 weeks after test date
- Retake Policy: 21-day waiting period between attempts
- Governing Body: Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
- Required Tests: Content assessment(s) for chosen field + Educator Ethics
- Program Admission: GACE Program Admission or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE score
- Score Validity: Scores do not expire once passed
Key Tip: Know Your Score Level Before Test Day
The GACE uses a performance level system rather than a simple pass/fail label. Scores are classified into four levels: Level 1 (Does Not Meet), Level 2 — Induction (Meets), Level 3 — Professional (Exceeds), and Level 4 — Distinguished (Highly Exceeds). You must reach at least Level 2 (a scaled score of 250 or higher) to satisfy Georgia's initial certification requirement. Aiming for Level 3 or above not only ensures you pass but also demonstrates strong subject-area mastery to potential employers reviewing your score report.
GACE Scoring Levels Explained
GACE scores are reported on a scale of 100 to 300. Rather than simply reporting a numeric score, ETS categorizes performance into four distinct levels to give candidates and institutions a clearer picture of proficiency:
- Level 1 — Does Not Meet the Standard: A scaled score below 220. Candidates at this level have not demonstrated sufficient content knowledge for initial certification and must retake the assessment.
- Level 2 — Induction (Meets the Standard): A scaled score of 220–249 in some reports, but the official passing threshold for Georgia certification is 250. Candidates who achieve Level 2 satisfy the content knowledge requirement and may proceed with the certification application.
- Level 3 — Professional (Exceeds the Standard): A scaled score of 250–269. This level indicates strong subject-matter competence beyond the minimum required for certification.
- Level 4 — Distinguished (Highly Exceeds the Standard): A scaled score of 270 or above. This is the highest performance category, reflecting exceptional content mastery.
Score reports are sent directly to the GaPSC and are also accessible through your ETS account. If you are pursuing certification in a multi-test subject area, you must pass both Test I and Test II separately; your scores are not averaged across tests.
How to Prepare for the GACE Exam
Effective GACE preparation combines content review with deliberate practice under realistic test conditions. Here is a proven preparation framework:
- Download the official study companion: ETS publishes a free study companion for every GACE assessment at gace.ets.org. Each guide includes the full list of competencies tested, sample questions, and test-taking tips specific to that subject.
- Audit your content knowledge: Review the competency list in the study companion and honestly assess which areas need the most work. Focus your study time on high-weight domains and topics where you feel least confident.
- Use practice tests strategically: Work through full-length timed practice tests to simulate real test conditions. Analyze every incorrect answer — understanding why you missed a question is more valuable than simply noting the right answer.
- Build a study schedule: Most candidates benefit from 4–8 weeks of structured preparation. Break the content into weekly themes aligned to the competency domains and track your progress.
- Focus on constructed-response questions: Many GACE content assessments include short essay or scenario-based constructed-response items. Practice organizing concise, evidence-based written responses within a time limit.
- Review Georgia-specific content: Because the GACE is aligned to Georgia's curriculum standards (GSE and GPS), familiarity with Georgia's specific learning standards for your subject area can give you an edge over candidates relying solely on national study materials.
Consistent, structured practice is the most reliable path to a passing score. Candidates who attempt the exam with minimal preparation tend to need costly and time-consuming retakes, so investing in thorough review before test day pays off significantly.
