The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) is the state-approved educator certification program. The purpose of the exam is to ensure that candidates have the knowledge and skills needed to perform as a teacher in Georgia’s public schools.
Test design
The Program Admission test consists of short-answer selected-response, multiple-choice, short answer, and constructed-response questions. Test questions may include graphs, diagrams, charts, passages, formulas, and tables. The exam is completed on a computer at a testing facility.
The assessment is a computer-delivered test consisting of three tests. The tests can be taken individually or all at once. You are allowed two hours for each test taken individually or five hours for all three. The test duration includes time for tutorials that may be included in with the exam.
Test I: Program Admission Reading – 56 selected response questions.
Stimulus material for the questions are drawn from various print and electronic media including paired passages, long passages, short passages, and brief statements. Test I has three subareas:
- Key Ideas and Details – 35% of test
- Craft, Structure, and Language Skills – 30% of test
- Integration of Knowledge and Ideas – 35% of test
Test II: Program Admission Mathematics – 56 selected response questions.
The focus is on fundamental concepts of mathematics and the ability to solve problems and to reason in a quantitative context. Test II has four subareas:
- Number and Quantity – 30% of test
- Algebra and Functions – 30% of test
- Geometry – 20% of test
- Statistics and Probability – 20% of test
Test III: Program Admission Writing – 40 selected response and two constructed response questions.
This test assesses academic skills needed for college and career readiness. Test III has two subareas:
- Text Types, Purposes, and Production – 60% of test (includes two essay questions)
- Language and Research Skills for Writing – 40% of test
An on-screen calculator is provided with Test II and the combined (Tests I, II, and III) test. It is the only calculator you are allowed.
Cost
The cost for the Program Admission exam is $78.00 for one test, $103.00 for two tests and $128.00 for all three tests. Payment can be made online, and by phone with credit/debit card, PayPal or an E-Check drawn against U.S. bank accounts only. Arrangements may be made for individuals without access to an electronic form of payment.
Delivery method and registration
The exam is delivered in a computer-delivered format and available throughout the state of Georgia, in states across the U.S. and internationally. You can register for the assessment online or by phone, and registration must be completed at least two days before the test date. There are specific windows that are open for testing throughout the year. When you register, you will be able to select the window and location that is most convenient for you.
Test Day
At the testing facility, you will present your admission ticket and valid identification that has your photo, signature, and name. Pay attention to what you cannot bring to the testing facility and ensure you leave all valuables and prohibited items at home.
Your identification will be verified, you will be assigned to your computer station, and you will be provided with scratch paper and by the test proctor. For the mathematics test, reference pages will be provided to you. If you run out of scratch paper, raise your hand, and the proctor will bring you supplies. At the conclusion of the exam, you must return all materials provided.
Exam results and scoring
Once you have completed your exam, you will be given the option to report or cancel your scores. If you report your scores, you will be able to view your unofficial score for tests I and II. The combined test or test III is scored after the testing window closes. Your official score report will be provided to you, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), your program provider (if applicable), and any other recipients you designate. You must achieve a score of 250 to pass the GACE Program Admission exam.
How Can I Prepare for the GACE Program Admission Exam?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!