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Exam Overview
The GACE Health and Physical Education (737) exam is a certification assessment used in the state of Georgia to evaluate whether teaching candidates possess the knowledge required to teach Health and Physical Education at the P–12 level. The exam measures understanding of physical education principles, health education concepts, student wellness, and instructional practices used in schools.
Passing this exam is an important step toward obtaining teacher certification in Georgia public schools. The assessment ensures that candidates have the subject knowledge and teaching competence required to support student health, physical development, and lifelong wellness habits.
Administering Organization
The exam is part of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) program.
The program is developed and managed by:
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) | Sets certification requirements and passing standards for Georgia educators |
| Evaluation Systems group of Pearson | Develops, delivers and scores the GACE assessments for GaPSC |
The exam is computer-delivered by appointment at Pearson VUE test centers. Online proctoring is not offered for this assessment; check the GACE website for current options.
Purpose of the Exam
The GACE Health and Physical Education exam evaluates whether candidates can teach health and physical education effectively.
The exam measures the candidate's ability to:
- Understand principles of physical literacy and motor development
- Explain fitness concepts and physical activity guidelines
- Promote healthy behaviors and disease prevention
- Teach students how to reduce health risks
- Design effective health and physical education programs
These competencies ensure that teachers can support student health, safety, and physical development.
Exam Pattern
All questions are selected-response (multiple-choice) items with four answer choices. Many present a classroom, gym or health scenario and ask for the best decision or the most appropriate next step.
Candidates must apply concepts related to:
- Movement skills and physical literacy
- Fitness and physical activity
- Health education and wellness
- Risk prevention and healthy decision-making
- Instructional planning and program development
The questions may include classroom scenarios, teaching situations, and health education concepts.
Exam Structure
Assessment 737 is made up of five testlets. You may take all five in one appointment or register for testlets separately. Testlets you pass are banked, so a retake covers only the testlets you did not pass.
| Testlet | Content area | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 326 | Physical Literacy and Movement Skills | 30 | 45 min |
| 327 | Physical Activity | 20 | 30 min |
| 507 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 20 | 30 min |
| 508 | Skills for Enhancing Health and Reducing Risks | 30 | 45 min |
| 509 | Health and Physical Education Program | 20 | 30 min |
| All five | Full assessment | 120 | 3 hours |
| Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| All five testlets in one appointment | $169 |
| Each testlet taken separately | $34 |
Allow about 15 extra minutes in the appointment for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement. The same testlets 507, 508 and 509 also make up the GACE Health (729) assessment.
Content Areas Assessed
The exam evaluates knowledge across five major domains.
| Section | Testlet | Content Area | Share of questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | 326 | Physical Literacy and Movement Skills | 25% |
| Section 2 | 327 | Physical Activity | 17% |
| Section 3 | 507 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 17% |
| Section 4 | 508 | Skills for Enhancing Health and Reducing Risks | 25% |
| Section 5 | 509 | Health and Physical Education Program | 17% |
Each section measures a different aspect of health and physical education knowledge required for teaching.
Scoring System
GACE scores are reported on a 100–300 scale.
| Scoring Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Score range | 100–300 scaled score |
| Passing standard | 220 overall, plus the minimum score set for each testlet |
| Compensation | A strong testlet cannot make up for a testlet below its minimum |
| Banking | Passed testlets are kept; retake only the testlets you did not pass |
| Retakes | Wait 30 days after your last attempt, then register again |
There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so answer every question. Some questions may be unscored pilot items. Fees and policies can change: confirm them on the GACE website before you register.
Importance of the Exam
Passing the GACE Health and Physical Education (737) exam is essential for candidates who want to teach health and physical education in Georgia schools.
The exam is important because it:
- Confirms the candidate's subject knowledge and teaching readiness
- Ensures teachers can promote student health, wellness, and physical fitness
- Supports high standards in physical education instruction
- Helps schools hire educators who can develop safe and effective health programs
Teachers who pass this exam demonstrate that they are prepared to guide students in developing healthy lifestyles, physical skills, and informed health decisions.
Key Facts to Remember for the Exam
Important points candidates should remember while preparing:
- 120 selected-response questions with four answer choices in five testlets
- 3 hours of testing time in total (45 + 30 + 30 + 45 + 30 minutes)
- Passing requires a scaled score of 220 and the minimum on every testlet
- Passed testlets are banked; wait 30 days before retaking a testlet
- Delivered by Pearson (Evaluation Systems) for the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
Understanding the exam structure helps candidates create an effective study plan and focus on the most important content areas tested on the certification exam.
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