Renewing a certificate: GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) renews Standard Professional Certificates every five years under Rule 505-2-.36. Life certificates follow different rules.
- If you work for a Georgia school system (a local unit of administration), you generally renew through documented continuing professional learning plus a background check.
- If you do not, the rule offers alternatives, including coursework, experience, an exam or another credential.
- Learning measures. Where coursework is used, the alternatives are 6 semester hours, 10 Georgia PLUs, or 10 eligible CEUs. 10 contact hours equal 1 CEU.
For how hours, CEUs and credits relate, see clock hours, CEUs and semester credits.
How pay moves: certificate levels
Georgia's state salary schedule is built on certificate level rather than BA+ lanes:
| Level | Basis |
|---|---|
| T-4 | Bachelor's degree |
| T-5 | Master's degree |
| T-6 | Specialist degree |
| T-7 | Doctorate |
| BT5 to BT7 | Bridge levels |
Individual courses do not upgrade a certificate. GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 bases an upgrade on an eligible advanced-degree program at an eligible institution. Courses taken for renewal do not move you to a higher level.
This differs from the column model in many states; see lane change, explained for that model.
District schedules
Districts build local schedules on top of the state certificate levels. Items marked "confirm" are being verified for this guide.
Gwinnett County Public Schools
In research.
Source to be added. Confirm local schedule and level rules.Cobb County School District
In research.
Source to be added.DeKalb County School District
In research.
Source to be added.Fulton County Schools
In research.
Source to be added.Atlanta Public Schools
In research.
Source to be added.Before you enroll in anything
- Check your certificate's validity date and whether you renew through your school system's professional learning process.
- If you are using coursework, count toward 6 semester hours, 10 PLUs or 10 eligible CEUs.
- For a pay change, check that the degree program and institution are eligible for an upgrade under Rule 505-2-.33 before you enroll.
- Ask your district HR in writing how the new level will be applied to your pay. Keep the reply.
Renewal courses and upgrades are different purchases. Renewal coursework keeps your certificate current; only an eligible degree program changes your level.
Teaching near a state line? See the Florida and Tennessee guides, or compare course providers.
Sources
- Georgia Professional Standards Commission, Rule 505-2-.36, Renewal requirements (PDF).
- Georgia Professional Standards Commission, Rule 505-2-.33, Certificate upgrades (PDF).
- National Education Association, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026, Table B-2 (teacher counts).
Last reviewed 2026-11-03. How we correct errors.