GCEC

Visit our website at www.gcec.guam.gov. & read Public Law 31-50. All requirements are contained in the law.

Certificates for Teachers

• Temporary Teaching Certificate
• Initial Educator Certificate
• Professional Educator Certificate
• Master Educator Certificate

Certificates for Chamorro Language and Culture Teachers

• Temporary Chamorro Language and Culture Teachers
• Basic Educator Chamorro Language and Culture Teachers
• Initial Educator Chamorro Language and Culture Teachers

Certificates for Preschool Teachers

• Basic Educator Preschool Certificate

Certificates for Career and Technical Education Teaching Certificate

• Temporary Career and Technical Education
• Basic Career and Technical Education Teaching Certificate
• Professional Career and Technical Education Teaching Certificate

Certificates for Reading Specialists

Certificates for School Administrators

• Initial Administrator Certificate
• Professional Administrator Certificate
• Master Administrator Certificate

Endorsements for School Librarians

• Temporary School Librarian Endorsement
• Professional School Librarian Endorsement

Certificates for School Counselors

• Temporary School Counselor Certificate
• Initial School Counselor Certificate
• Professional School Counselor Certificate
• Master School Counselor Certificate

• Applicants for initial certification may view certification requirements in their entirety on our official website.
• All documents submitted are subject to additional review for determination of eligibility for certification sought. Completed applications, with the submission of all required documents, does not guarantee a determination of certificate eligibility. The Guam Certification Office will determine if an individual’s education preparation program meets the requirements for Guam Professional Certification. 

Applicants are required to complete the following:

a) Submit a completed Request for Certification Form;

b) Submit a sealed official transcript showing required credits and/or documentation of professional activities;

c) Submit evidence of SATISFACTORY performance (current evaluation);

d) Copy of current Guam Professional certificate;

e) Payment of applicable fee.

Please visit our website, www.gcec.guam.gov  and read Public law 31-50, listed under the “Public Law” tab.

“Student copy” transcripts are not acceptable. Copies of transcripts are not acceptable. GCEC only accepts sealed official transcripts by the issuing college / university registrar and this shall be the basis for determining the educational qualifications for an applicant for certification.

Although our office is located on the University of Guam campus, we are only renting this space from the University of Guam. The Guam Commission for Educator Certification is a separate Government of Guam agency. Transcripts must be provided by the applicant, and must be sealed in its original envelope unbroken and official.

NO. We are unable to make copies of any documents for personal use.

• Replacements of original certificates are issued from the Guam Certification Office for a $10.00 fee.
• Photocopies are available from the Guam Certification Office. (Only certificates issued after 8/2008)

Note: Copies of DOE certificates are maintained in the educator’s Human Resources file and/or school site file. 

GCEC verifies your information and the validity of teacher licenses / certificates acquired within the United States.

Graduates of foreign colleges / universities must obtain a course-by-course evaluation of their degree by an approved foreign educational credential evaluation service. (www.naces.org).

GCEC’s role is limited to education certification.

*Additional Out of State Fee   $25

NO. Every evaluation requires a non refundable application fee. We strongly suggest that applicants become familiar with the certification requirements before submitting an application for evaluation. 

Normal processing time takes 2-3 weeks. Applicants are called when their certificate is ready for pick up, or if their application has been denied.  If denied, applicant may resubmit new and updated information, which may be subject to an additional application fee.

New teachers (except Chamorro teachers) must have:

• PRAXIS I passing score for a Temporary Teaching Certificate.
• Successfully passes PRAXIS I and/or PRAXIS CORE, PRAXIS II Principles of Learning & Teaching (PLT) tests and PRAXIS Content Test for an Initial Educator Certificates.

NO. Public Law 31-50 and Public Law 32-220 requires you to successfully pass Praxis I and/or Praxis CORE tests.

NO. GCEC does not require Chamorro teachers to take Praxis I. However, if you are pursuing a teacher educator preparation program at the University of Guam, then Praxis I and II (PLT) Principles of Learning and Teaching is a graduation requirement.

Graduates of foreign teaching institutions must obtain a course-by-course evaluation of their degree by an approved foreign educational credential evaluation service. (www.naces.org).

Individuals coming to Guam holding a valid out-of-state license may qualify for a 3 year Initial Educator Certificate with comparable endorsement areas provided such license:

a)      Is issued by a state that has signed the NASDTEC Inter-State Agreement;

b)      Is a full credential without deficiencies;

c)      Holders education preparation program meets Guam requirements/standards, or

d)     Holds national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Please submit a completed application form, sealed official college / university transcript(s) and appropriate fees.

During the 3 year validity period of your Initial Educator certificate, you are required to complete a one (1) year mentorship and take a college / university level course in Guam History or Guam culture.  

These classes will assist you to become a more effective teacher on Guam because of your deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture. Other jurisdictions have similar requirements relating to completion of a state history course.

Professional Activities may include coaching, advising a student group, attending a conference. Professional Activities must match the personal goals you established with your immediate supervisor. You can download the Professional Activities form from the “Documents” tab in www.gcec.guam.gov.

For Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) to be counted for recertification, they must be acquired from a program that belongs to the Council on the Continuing Education Unit (Currently the International Association of Continuing Education and Training- IACET):

• 18 CEU’s = 6 semester hours
• 9 CEU’s = 3 semester hours
• 3 CEU’s = 1 semester hours

No. Any certificate that has not been renewed and has lapsed for more than five (5) years, regardless of certificate held, will be renewed in accordance with Public Law 31-50. Passing Praxis I is needed for a Temporary Educator Certificate and passing Praxis I & II (PLT) Principles of Learning and Teaching is required to secure an Initial Educator Certificate.

While Guam is a part of the NASDTEC interstate agreement, many states may have unique requirements for teacher certification.  Educators wishing to teach in another state should contact the state licensing office for the latest requirements.

NO. A satisfactory evaluation is required to renew your certificate.

All Professional II holders (regardless of whether they earned a Master’s degree before or after the Professional II certificate was issued and those with Master’s equivalency) need 6 semester credit hours or 90 clock hours  of professional activities that was earned within the certification period and a current satisfactory performance evaluation to renew their certificates. The new law changes Professional II holders to Master Educators which is valid for 10 years.

However, the new law requires Professional II holders with a Master’s equivalency to earn a Master’s during the 10 year period (the length of the Master Education certification). Without a Master’s degree, their certificates will be changed to Professional Educator upon renewal.

GCEC will grant a one-time extension up to one year for teachers who are assigned for military deployment with proof of DD-214 verifying dates of service preventing renewal of certification.

GCEC does not provide information on teacher salary or pay.

Your teaching certificate expires on the expiration date. It is your responsibility to provide and fulfill all requirements for renewal during your certification period.

GCEC cannot answer employment related questions.