Atlanta Public Schools Performance Based Leadership Certification

Easy Steps to secure your Performance Based Leadership Certificate (PBLC) 

*Please note that individuals who are in process or have completed a Performance-Based Leadership Certification program leading to a PL-6 or PL-7 prior to November 2012 are not required to follow this process.  These individuals should contact Human Resources to provide information on their university program and certification status.

Step 1– Ensuring you have the proper pre-requisite Degree

A Performance-Based Leadership Certification is only available for the specialist or doctorate level. Therefore, you must have a master’s degree in educational leadership in order to be eligible for a performance-based leadership certificate. If you have a master’s degree in a field other than educational leadership, you will be required to complete pre-requisite courses prior to entering a certification program.  See Georgia Professional Standards Commission – PSC code 505-2-.300 Educational Leadership at www.gapsc.com for further information and degree requirements.  Please note: Individuals who secured an NL-5 certificate prior to December 2010 by passing the GACE in leadership may be eligible to have the pre-requisite courses waived.  This will be determined by the university program you select to attend.  If you already have a specialist or doctorate level degree, you may be eligible for add-on certification.  This information is available to you on each approved university’s website.

Step 2 – Secure an approved leadership position in the district 

The following positions are currently approved leadership positions designated by Atlanta Public Schools. Note: if your position is not listed and you think it qualifies as a leadership position, you may submit an application for review in step 3. Be sure that all required signatures are included.

• Academy Leader

• Assistant Principal

• Central Office and School-based Coordinator positions

• Central Office and School-based Specialist positions

• Instructional Coach

• Instructional Mentor

• Project Assistant

• Project Facilitator

• Project Manager

• Program Administrator

• Program Manager

• Special Education Lead Teacher

Individuals do not need to have leadership certification to apply for one of the above listed positions.  Once you secure the position and if the position requires leadership certification, please contact your Human Resources Certification Specialist. They will assist you in securing an interim leadership certificate (NPL). An NPL is valid for five years and must be requested by the district. 

Step 3 – Complete Application

Complete the Performance Based Leadership Certification Application (PBLC Application), which is available on the Certification Home Page. Be sure to secure the required signatures, and send via scanned email or fax to your certification specialist. Once your application is received and approved by Human Resources, you will receive an email indicating your next steps in the sponsorship process.

Step 4 – University Enrollment

Individuals, who are selected by the school district for sponsorship, may apply to any of the following universities that have an approved program and a partnership with the Atlanta Public Schools:

• Clark Atlanta University
• Georgia State University
• Kennesaw State University
• Mercer University
• University of Georgia
• University of West Georgia

Each university has different admissions requirements.  Employees are responsible for all financial obligations associated with their degree and certification program.  District sponsorship does not guarantee acceptance into a university program. 

Important: Each university requires superintendent designee signatures. Therefore, notify your Human Resources Specialist immediately so that they may obtain the proper signature. 

Step 6 – Completing your PBLC

Upon completion of your performance based leadership certification program, contact your Human Resources Specialist to coordinate securing appropriate certification with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Certification Specialist Information

For information or help with completing your Performance-Based Leadership Certification, please contact:

For additional information about Performance Based Leadership Certification and all the new guidelines for leadership certification in Georgia, visit the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website: http://www.gapsc.com/Commission/policies_guidelines/pg_leadershipProgram.aspx