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Exam Overview
The GACE Special Education General Curriculum (735) Exam is part of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators testing program. This assessment evaluates the professional knowledge and instructional skills required to teach students with disabilities while supporting their access to the general education curriculum.
Teacher candidates must demonstrate their understanding of assessment practices, instructional strategies, legal responsibilities, and collaboration with families and professionals. Passing this exam is an important step toward earning certification to teach special education in the state of Georgia.
Purpose of the Exam
Main Objective
The exam measures whether a candidate has the knowledge required to:
- Support students with disabilities in inclusive learning environments
- Deliver instruction aligned with the general education curriculum
- Apply appropriate assessment and progress monitoring strategies
- Follow legal and ethical responsibilities in special education
- Collaborate effectively with families and educational professionals
- Remember for the Exam
Special education teachers must combine instructional knowledge with understanding of federal and state regulations that protect students with disabilities.
Administering Organization
The exam is developed and administered through the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) program.
- Program Oversight
- Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS)
- Authorized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
These organizations ensure that the assessment measures the knowledge required for effective teaching in Georgia schools.
Exam Pattern and Structure
The GACE Special Education General Curriculum exam is designed to assess knowledge across several professional and instructional domains.
Exam Structure
| Exam Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | GACE Special Education General Curriculum (735) |
| Testing Program | Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) |
| Administered By | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Certification Authority | Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) |
| Question Format | Selected-response (multiple-choice) |
| Total Questions | Approximately 130 questions |
| Testing Time | About 3.5 hours |
| Score Range | 100–300 scaled score |
| Passing Score | Typically 220 |
Important Note for Students
The exact number of questions may vary slightly because some questions may be included for research purposes and do not count toward the final score.
Major Content Areas Tested
The exam focuses on the professional knowledge required to support students with disabilities in the general curriculum.
Primary Test Domains
| Domain | Focus of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Assessment and Progress Monitoring | Evaluating student learning and tracking academic progress |
| Instructional Approaches to Learning Across the Curriculum | Strategies for teaching academic subjects to students with disabilities |
| Foundations and Professional Knowledge in Special Education | Legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities in special education |
Each domain measures both conceptual understanding and practical classroom application.
Importance of the Exam
Certification Requirement
Passing the exam is required for individuals who want to become certified special education teachers in Georgia public schools.
Professional Competency Verification
The exam ensures that educators:
- Understand how students with disabilities learn
- Can design effective instructional plans
- Can monitor student progress and adjust instruction
- Can apply federal and state special education laws
- Impact on Student Success
Teachers who demonstrate strong knowledge in these areas are better prepared to:
- support diverse learning needs
- create inclusive classroom environments
- improve academic outcomes for students with disabilities
Key Skills Evaluated by the Exam
The exam evaluates several essential teaching competencies.
- Ability to analyze assessment data
- Ability to design effective instructional strategies
- Knowledge of special education laws and policies
- Understanding of individualized education programs (IEPs)
- Ability to support student participation in the general curriculum
These competencies reflect the responsibilities that special educators perform in real classrooms.
Why Understanding the Exam Structure Matters
Knowing the structure of the exam helps you prepare more effectively.
When you understand:
- the types of questions asked
- the content areas tested
- the time available for the exam
you can create a more focused and efficient study plan.
Students who prepare strategically often perform better because they understand both the content and the testing format.
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