Navigating the path to becoming a certified educator in Georgia involves understanding the registration process for the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators® (GACE®). These crucial exams, administered by the Educational Testing Service, are a cornerstone of teacher certification in the state. GACE assessments are computer-based and offered at various test centers, not just in Georgia, but across the United States and even internationally. These tests are available during specific testing windows throughout the year. For detailed information, including locations and specific dates, please refer to the Test Dates and Centers page.
Find essential information below to guide you through registration, understand test center options, and identify available dates for your GACE assessments.
For all GACE tests excluding the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI), the following registration methods apply. Information specific to ASLPI registration is detailed further in this article.
Streamlined Online Registration for Your Convenience
Registering for your GACE assessment online offers a seamless and efficient experience, available to you 24/7. This method allows you to complete your registration at any time that suits your schedule.
- 24/7 Accessibility: Online registration is open around the clock, seven days a week, providing ultimate flexibility.
- Secure Payment Options: You can securely pay your registration fees using a valid credit or debit card, or through PayPal™.
- Quick Reference Guide: For a step-by-step walkthrough of the online registration process, consult the GACE® Registration Quick-Reference Guide.
Phone Registration Assistance
If you prefer to register via phone, our dedicated customer service team is ready to assist you.
- Direct Phone Support: Call 1-855-225-7178 (for callers within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Canada) or 1-609-359-5161 (for all other international locations).
- Operating Hours: Phone registration is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding holidays.
- Personal Registration: Please note that you must make the call yourself to register. For security and privacy reasons, registration cannot be completed on your behalf by another individual.
Specific Instructions for American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) Registration
The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) registration process is exclusively conducted via phone to ensure personalized scheduling and coordination.
- Phone Registration Only: ASLPI registration is not available online. Please call 1-855-225-7178 (United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Canada), or 1-609-359-5161 (all other locations), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, excluding holidays.
- Guided Registration Process: A Customer Service Representative will guide you through the registration, entering your information and processing your payment.
- Important Note on Confirmation Email: Immediately after registering, you will receive an automated email confirmation. This confirmation will include a placeholder date, time, and location (Trenton, New Jersey). It is crucial to understand that this placeholder information is for ETS system processing only. The actual ASLPI interview is conducted virtually via Zoom.
- Gallaudet University Scheduling: Following registration, Gallaudet University will contact you directly to arrange the specific date and time for your virtual interview.
- Confirmation Letter and Scheduling: Within two business days of your registration, you will receive a formal confirmation letter and be contacted to schedule your virtual interview.
- ASLPI Service Dates: Please be aware that ASLPI may not be offered on all dates. Refer to the ASLPI Service Date Announcements for available testing windows.
Registration Deadlines: Plan Ahead
Adhering to registration deadlines is crucial to ensure your spot in your chosen testing window.
- General Test Deadline: For all GACE tests except ASLPI, registration must be completed at least two full days before your intended test date. Remember to exclude both the day of registration and the day of the test when calculating this deadline.
- ASLPI Deadline: Due to the scheduling requirements for virtual interviews, ASLPI registration should be completed a minimum of four weeks prior to your preferred testing date.
Key Considerations Before You Register
Before proceeding with your registration, keep these important points in mind for a smooth process.
- Assessment Requirements: To determine the specific GACE assessments required for your certification pathway, please consult the GaPSC website.
- Registration Bulletin: Familiarize yourself with all policies and procedures by reviewing the Registration Bulletin prior to registering.
- Test Center and Date Verification: Always confirm the locations and availability of tests in your area by visiting the Test Centers and Dates page. This page provides exact addresses and real-time availability.
- ASLPI Phone Registration Reminder: Registration for the ASLPI is exclusively available by phone, as detailed above.
- Disability Accommodations: If you require testing accommodations due to a disability or health-related need, please visit Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs for detailed information on requesting and arranging accommodations during registration.
- U.S. Military Personnel (DANTES): For U.S. military members serving outside of Georgia, specific procedures are in place through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). See the section below for further information.
Support for U.S. Military Personnel Through DANTES
We are committed to supporting U.S. military personnel seeking GACE certification.
- Military Base Testing Coordination: If you are a member of the U.S. military currently stationed outside of Georgia and wish to register for a GACE assessment, please contact your military base’s Testing Control Officer (TCO).
- TCO Assistance: The TCO will assist in coordinating your registration. ETS works closely with TCOs to provide all necessary information to eligible military candidates, ensuring a streamlined registration process for your GACE assessment(s).
- Dedicated ETS Support: Should you have any questions regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact ETS Customer Service directly at 1-855-225-7178 for personalized assistance.
By understanding these registration steps and options provided by the educational testing service for the GACE assessments, you can confidently take the next step in your journey toward becoming a certified educator in Georgia. Choose the registration method that best suits your needs and prepare to excel in your GACE tests.