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Exam Overview
Exam Overview
The GACE Computer Science (725) assessment measures whether you have the content knowledge needed to teach computer science in Georgia public schools. Passing it is required for the Computer Science (P–12) certification field.
Who Administers the Exam
Certification agency
Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) sets the requirements and passing standards.
Testing supplier
Evaluation Systems of Pearson now runs the GACE program, which was previously delivered by ETS.
Current Format
GaPSC states that examinees must pass all parts of an assessment with the same testing supplier. If you began a GACE assessment under ETS, check the GACE website before you register again.Exam at a Glance
100
selected-response questions
2.5 h
testing time
4
answer choices per question
220
passing score (induction level)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Assessment | GACE Computer Science, test code 725 |
| Question type | Selected-response (multiple choice, one best answer from four choices) |
| Number of questions | About 100 |
| Testing time | About 2.5 hours |
| Delivery | Computer-based; see the GACE website for test center and online options |
| Score scale | 100 to 300 |
| Passing scores | 220 for induction level; 250 for professional level |
| Retakes | Wait 30 days after a test attempt before retesting; each attempt is a new registration |
What the Exam Covers
The test is organized into three subareas. Questions within each subarea range from recall of key terms to tracing code, analyzing efficiency and applying concepts to realistic situations.
Approximate share of exam questions
Programming Concepts — 45%Variables, control structures, functions, data structures, OOP, debugging and testing
Algorithmic Thinking and Data Analysis — 35%Computational thinking, algorithm design and analysis, searching, sorting, recursion, data
Computing Systems, Networks, and the Internet — 20%Hardware, data representation, operating systems, networks, security
How This Guide Maps to the Subareas
| Exam subarea | Where it is covered in this guide |
|---|---|
| Algorithmic Thinking and Data Analysis | Section 2 (Algorithms and Computational Thinking) and Section 4 (Data and Information) |
| Programming Concepts | Section 3 (Programming Concepts and Development) and Section 8 (Software Development Practices) |
| Computing Systems, Networks, and the Internet | Section 1 (Computing Systems and Architecture), Section 5 (Networks and the Internet) and Section 9 (Emerging Technologies) |
| Applied in scenarios across all subareas | Section 6 (Impacts of Computing) and Section 7 (Instructional Practices) |
How Scoring Works
- Your score is reported on a scale of 100 to 300; the number of questions answered correctly is converted to this scale.
- There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so answer every question.
- Questions are weighted by subarea, so Programming Concepts has the largest effect on your score.
Registering and Test Day
- Create an account and register on the official GACE website, where current fees, dates and test center options are posted.
- Bring the identification the GACE website requires; the name must match your registration exactly.
- Arrive early (or check in early for an online session) and review the testing rules beforehand.
Exam Tip
Fees, dates and policies can change. Confirm the details on the official GACE website before you register.Finished reading?
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