Georgia
Background Check

Background Check Requirements for Substitute Teachers in Georgia

Georgia substitute teacher background check. Background Check Type: GBI and FBI fingerprint. Approximate Cost: $45.

GBI and FBI fingerprint

Background Check Type

$45

Approximate Cost

2-4 weeks

Processing Time

Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)

Administered By

Every 3-5 years

Renewal Period

Georgia: Background Check

Georgia background check: GBI and FBI fingerprint for background check type; $45 for approximate cost; 2-4 weeks for processing time; Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) for administered by; Every 3-5 years for renewal period. Larger cities in this guide: Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, Macon, Savannah. Atlanta is the largest listed city, population 498,715, out of 20 cities on file. Example districts: Gwinnett County Public Schools, Fulton County Schools, Cobb County School District, DeKalb County School District. Notes specific to this Georgia page: usually late summer before the school year begins; approximately $45. Georgia state record: a separate substitute license is not required in this record; a background check is required. Cost-of-living index 93. Region: southeast.

Georgia Requirements Snapshot

Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.

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Required

Education Requirements

Georgia does not require a bachelor's degree for substitute teachers. The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or GED for most districts. However, some school systems may prefer or require candidates to have completed some college coursework. Candidates with a bachelor's degree or teaching certificate may qualify for higher-level or long-term substitute positions.

Background Check

All substitute teachers in Georgia must obtain a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) background clearance, which includes fingerprinting for both a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and FBI criminal background check. The GaPSC clearance certificate must be obtained before any substitute can begin working in a Georgia public school.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Georgia must be at least 18 years of age. Some districts may set the minimum age requirement at 20 or 21, so applicants should verify the specific age policy with the district.

Application Process

Georgia substitute teachers must first obtain a GaPSC clearance certificate through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission's online portal (MyPSC). After receiving clearance, applicants apply to individual school districts. Many Georgia districts use online platforms or staffing agencies to manage their substitute teacher pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.

Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by Georgia state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.

Succeed as a Substitute in Georgia

Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.

Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.

Substitute Teacher Training does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.