The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Middle Grades Science examination is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking admission to an educator preparation program, certification in Georgia, or wanting to become qualified in teaching middle school science.
Click “Start Test” above to take a free GACE Middle Grades Science practice test, and check out our premium-quality GACE test prep resources by clicking the links below!
GACE Middle Grades Science Exam Outline
The GACE Middle Grades Science exam contains 80 selected-response questions, and you will be given a time limit of 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The exam is split into four subareas.
I. Scientific Inquiry, Processes, Technology, and Society (20%)
The questions in this subarea assess your knowledge of the following:
- The nature of scientific inquiry and processes
- The relationship of science and technology to society and the environment
II. Physical Science (30%)
The questions in this subarea assess your knowledge of the following:
- The organization of matter
- The atomic model
- Relationships involving energy and matter
- Chemistry
- Physics
III. Life Science (30%)
The questions in this subarea assess your knowledge of the following:
- The structure of cells and cellular processes
- Basic genetics
- The mechanisms of evolution
- Characteristics of organisms
- Principles of ecology
IV. Earth and Space Science (20%)
The questions in this subarea assess your knowledge of the following:
- Geology
- The hydrosphere and atmosphere
- Astronomy
Exam Registration
To register for the exam, you need to use your MyPSC account. If you do not have an account, create your account to receive your Georgia certification number. After you register for the Middle Grades Science exam on MyPSC, create an ETS GACE testing account. Your ETS account lists the test(s) you are approved to take. You will register for the exam through your ETS GACE testing account.
Fees
The test fee is $123, which includes a $25 registration fee and a $28 test center fee. Individuals taking the GACE exam at an international testing site are subject to an additional $50 test site fee.
Test Day
You should arrive at the testing center on exam day 15-30 minutes before your scheduled exam. If you arrive later than the listed reporting time on your admission ticket, you will not be able to take the exam and your testing fees will be forfeited.
During the check-in process, you will be asked to provide at least one form of valid identification, which must contain your photo and signature. Once the check-in process is complete, you will be asked to place all personal items in a secure locker outside the testing room.
Once you are ready, the proctor will lead you to the testing area and provide some short instructions before starting the exam.
How the Exam is Scored
When you have completed your exam, you are given the option to report or cancel your scores. They cannot be reinstated if you choose to cancel your scores.
You should also receive an unofficial score report right after the exam. Your official report will be made available about three weeks after the testing window closes.
Passing Score
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), along with local education committees, established the minimum passing scores for the GACE content assessments:
- 220-249: Induction level
- 250: Professional level
If you take the combined test and one of your scores is at the induction level and the other is at the professional level, you will be considered as having only passed at the induction level.
FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the GACE Middle Grades Science exam?
A
There are 80 selected-response questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the GACE Middle Grades Science exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Q
What is the passing score for the GACE Middle Grades Science exam?
A
To pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum scaled score of 220.
Q
How much does the GACE Middle Grades Science exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $123.
