Georgia · Career guide

How to become a School Psychologist in Georgia

School psychologists conduct psychoeducational evaluations, support IEP eligibility determinations, provide individual and group counseling, and coordinate multi-tiered systems of support. The role typically requires an Ed.S. (60-graduate-credit specialist degree) and is one of the most acute shortage areas in the country — districts routinely contract out psych services because they can't hire enough W-2 staff.

No school psychology positions are open in Georgia right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in Georgia

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. Georgia typically requires:
    • GACE Basic Skills Assessment — Reading, writing, and mathematics
    • GACE Content Assessments — Content knowledge in your teaching field

    School psychology requires an Ed.S. (60-credit specialist) or a related master's + internship + national certification (NCSP) recognized by most states.

  3. Apply for your initial license through Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) →
  4. Job-search in Georgia. We'll track school psychology openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.

Alternative pathways in Georgia

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Georgia offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs (through approved providers)
  • Teach For America (active in Atlanta and rural Georgia)
  • Career and Technical Education (CTAE) certificates

Georgia salary context

Average teacher salary in Georgia: $59,131/year (rank #29 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $38,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Georgia salary guide for the breakdown.

Related guides

Full Georgia certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.Georgia salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.Georgia teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.