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Verified by GA Board of Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Georgia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in Georgia, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Georgia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Certification: Certification required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  4. 4

    Special education teachers teach basic academic and living skills to physically and.

  5. 5

    Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

  6. 6

    Complete an approved teacher education program in a field recognized by Georgia, or have a professional certificate from another state.

  7. 7

    Pass the appropriate GACE Special Education content assessment(s).

  8. 8

    Complete course work in the identification and education of children who have special educational needs (if equivalent course work was not already completed).

  9. 9

    Examination:.

Exam and processing details

When
March, May, August, and November Where: Areas near Albany, Athens/Gwinnett, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah/Statesboro, Toccoa Falls/ Lavonia, and Valdosta Repeats: Unlimited

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificate from another state
Fee TypeAmount
Registration$20.00
Basic Skills Assessment$25.00
per test Professional Pedagogy Assessment$65.00
per test Paraprofessional Assessment$35.00
Content Assessments$65.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Georgia Professional Standards Commission

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $42,330 median (14% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #13 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Georgia eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required When: March, May, August, and November Where: Areas near Albany, Athens/Gwinnett, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah/Statesboro, Toccoa Falls/ Lavonia, and Valdosta Rep....
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Complete an approved teacher education program in a field recognized by Georgia, or have a professional certificate from another state.).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Registration: $20.00; Basic Skills Assessment: $25.00).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Georgia Professional Standards Commission and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Georgia

With a median salary of $42,330, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Georgia earn 14% above the national median of $37,120. Georgia ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,339

Median annual salary

$42,330

Hourly estimate

$20.35
14% above national median

Difference: +$5,210

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,600
  • P2525th percentile$34,660
  • P50Median$42,330
  • P7575th percentile$55,290
  • P9090th percentile$70,490

State vs National Median

State: $42,330
National: $37,120

Total employment: 11,230 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#13 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nebraska$50,270
#2New Jersey$46,570
#3California$45,880
#4New York$45,580
#5Massachusetts$45,030

Nearby States Comparison

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Georgia$42,330Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$35,980Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
North Carolina$30,980Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
South Carolina$33,260Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Florida$34,270Specific course requiredState exam required3 months
Alabama$27,630Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
Florida60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: No new Licenses.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Georgia Professional Standards Commission

2 Peachtree Street, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA, 30303

Phone: 8008697775

Related Careers in Georgia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$79,240Varies by state boardVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,540Varies by state boardVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$79,890Varies by state boardVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$63,940Degree required18 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Georgia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Georgia?

Georgia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.

What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Georgia?

The board typically expects Degree required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Georgia.

What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Georgia?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Georgia is $42,330. Salaries range from $28,600 (10th percentile) to $70,490 (90th percentile).

How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Georgia compare to the national average?

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Georgia earn 14% above the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $42,330.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Georgia?

Georgia employs approximately 11,230 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Georgia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: No new Licenses. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Georgia?

The licensing agency is Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Review agency details at http://www.gapsc.com/.

How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Georgia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.