Georgia allows career changers and recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree to teach without an education degree by completing an alternative certification program. These programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and are designed to help prospective teachers meet all certification requirements while working in classrooms.
Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to qualify for alternative teacher certification.
- The degree can be in any subject.
- The institution must be an accredited college or university recognized by the GaPSC.
This requirement applies to all certification paths, including GaTAPP, EPP, and MAT programs.
Understand Georgia’s Alternative Certification Pathways
Georgia offers six structured alternative pathways for non-certified hires. Each one supports candidates without a traditional education degree, guiding them to full teacher certification.
Table Of How to Become a Teacher in Georgia Without a Teaching Degree
| Pathway/Option | Who Qualifies | Key Steps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GaTAPP (Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy) | Bachelor’s degree (not in education) | 1. Secure a teaching job at a participating school 2. Enroll in a GaTAPP-approved program 3. Complete program while teaching 4. Pass required GACE exams and ethics assessment | Most common alternative route; leads to full certification; does not require a new degree. |
| EPP (Educator Preparation Program, e.g., TEACH-NOW) | Bachelor’s degree (not in education) | 1. Apply to an approved EPP 2. Complete coursework (often online/flexible) 3. Pass GACE exams 4. Complete student teaching/internship | Can be completed while working; programs range from 9-12 months. |
| Provisional/Permit for Career & Technical Education | Industry professionals (sometimes no bachelor’s) | 1. Apply for a provisional/permit certificate 2. Demonstrate industry experience 3. Complete required training and assessments | For career/technical subjects; requirements vary by subject area. |
| Paraprofessional Pathway | High school diploma or GED | 1. Pass GACE Paraprofessional Assessment 2. Work as a paraprofessional 3. Enroll in a degree program for teacher certification | Not a full teaching role, but a pathway to certification while working in schools. |
| MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) | Bachelor’s degree (any field) | 1. Enroll in a MAT program 2. Complete coursework and student teaching 3. Pass GACE exams | Results in both a master’s degree and certification; longer and more expensive than GaTAPP. |
| Emergency/Conditional Certification | Hired by a school with urgent need | 1. Obtain conditional/emergency certification 2. Complete requirements within set timeframe | Temporary; must transition to full certification via GaTAPP or EPP. |
Secure Employment in a Georgia School
Before enrolling in most programs like GaTAPP, candidates must first be hired by a Georgia school.
- The school must participate in the GaTAPP or similar teacher preparation program.
- Non certified hires are allowed to begin teaching on a non-renewable certificate while completing certification steps.
This is critical because employment is a prerequisite to join GaTAPP or receive emergency certification.
Pass Required Exams for Teacher Certification
Candidates must pass the following required exams to qualify for entry-level teaching certification in Georgia:
- GACE Program Admission Assessment – Tests basic skills in reading, writing, and math.
- GACE Content Assessments – Measures subject-specific knowledge, such as mathematics, science, or early childhood education.
- Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment – Required for certification to confirm understanding of professional conduct.
Each exam has a passing score set by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Enroll in an Approved Teacher Preparation Program
Prospective teachers must enroll in a state-approved alternative certification program after employment and testing.
- Programs include GaTAPP, EPPs like TEACH-NOW, or a university-based MAT.
- Coursework is focused on pedagogy, classroom management, and student success strategies.
- Some programs are fully online; others include in-person mentoring.
Complete Program Requirements While Teaching
Most candidates complete their program while teaching full-time in a Georgia classroom.
- GaTAPP includes mentoring and practical assessments over 1–3 years.
- EPPs like TEACH-NOW require online coursework and supervised field experience.
- MAT students attend academic courses and complete student teaching.
Additional coursework is usually required, focusing on lesson planning, learning theory, and education law.
Earn Your Certification and Continue Teaching
After program completion and testing, candidates receive a Georgia Induction Certificate.
- This certificate is valid for full teaching in Georgia public schools.
- Candidates can later upgrade to a Clear Renewable Certificate by completing induction requirements and gaining experience.
Certified teachers can also transfer their license to many other states through reciprocity agreements.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Can I teach in Georgia public schools with only a bachelor’s degree and no education coursework?
No. You must complete an approved alternative certification program such as GaTAPP or an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Is it possible to get hired before starting a certification program, or do I need to be enrolled first?
Yes. For GaTAPP, employment is required before enrollment. The job offer comes first.
Are there alternative certification programs in Georgia that can be completed entirely online?
Yes. Programs like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW are 100% online and allow candidates to complete coursework while working.
What happens if I don’t complete my alternative certification program within the required timeframe?
Your certificate will expire. For example, the GaTAPP non-renewable certificate lasts three years. After that, you must finish all requirements or stop teaching.
Final Summary
To become a certified teacher in Georgia without a teaching degree, you must have a bachelor’s degree, get hired by a school, pass required exams, and complete an approved certification program such as GaTAPP or TEACH-NOW. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission manages all certification pathways and sets eligibility requirements.
This process is ideal for career changers, recent graduates, or industry professionals seeking to teach subjects like mathematics or technical education. Alternative certification programs ensure teachers gain classroom experience and meet Georgia assessments and performance standards.
By meeting all steps—including employment, testing requirements, program enrollment, and training completion—you can receive your teaching certificate and begin a career in education in Georgia.
