The Georgia Teacher Certification Tests were developed and validated to be job-related and to reflect the minimum content knowledge that is necessary to teach in each certification area in Georgia classrooms. Three assessment instruments are used in evaluating the performance of preservice students and beginning teachers. The Teacher Performance Assessment Instrument (TPAI) delineates 14 competencies required for certification. The Georgia Teachers Certification Tests (TCT) are used to determine whether prospective teachers possess essential knowledge in their respective teaching fields. The on-the-job assessment focuses on the teacher's capabilities to organize, plan, and implement instruction as well as on classroom management and interpersonal relationships with students. Each of these instruments is described in detail in this report. Included in the discussion on performance-based certification are brief descriptions of staff development processes and teacher evaluation. It is anticipated that performance-based certification will be expanded in the future and that a competitive and market sensitive career ladder program for teachers will be developed. (JD)