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Admissions

The Technical College System and Technical Colleges shall promote the realization of equal opportunity through a positive continuing program of specific practices designed to ensure the full realization of equal opportunity.

Admission to Georgia Piedmont Technical College is not a guarantee of acceptance to a credit program offering a certificate, diploma, or degree. The admission process encourages students to enter programs where they have a reasonable expectation of success. Admission to specific programs requires that the applicant have adequate educational preparation as measured by satisfactory placement scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the American College Testing Program (ACT), the Computer Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support Systems (COMPASS), or the Assessment for Skills for Successful Entrance and Transfer (ASSET) Placement Test, or ACCUPLACER. Additional admission requirements as outlined in this Catalog must also be met for specific programs.

Applications are reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-serve basis when the admissions file is complete. A file is considered complete when all transcripts, test scores and any other supporting documentation has been received. Admission decisions are made and applicants are formally accepted when files are complete. Students are notified by email of their acceptance.

Admission to Georgia Piedmont Technical College is open to:

  • High School graduates from regionally accredited or state-approved high schools
  • Home-schooled students meeting the appropriate requirements from the Technical College System of Georgia (TSCG) and the Georgia Department of Education
  • Persons holding a High School Equivalency Certificate (HSE)
  • Transfer students from colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions accredited by agencies recognized by Georgia Piedmont Technical College
  • Transient students from other colleges and universities
  • Dual Enrollment high school students who meet specified admission requirements
  • Special Admission or non-degree/diploma seeking students
  • Georgia residents 62 years of age or older who qualify under the tuition waiver plan
  • Audit students
  • Foreign students with an F-1 or M-1 Visa who meet language standards and all admissions requirements of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS.)
  • Out-of-school applicants who are 16 years of age or older

Admission Requirements

Any individual 16 years of age or older who seeks access to quality instruction designed to develop or improve occupational competencies is eligible for admission. The College may waive the “16 years of age” requirement for secondary students who are participating in an articulated program of study.

The entrance requirements and procedures established by Georgia Piedmont Technical College are designed to assist the applicant in making a career decision based on such factors as aptitude, ability, interest, background, assessment results, interviews, and other appropriate evaluation. They follow the guidelines developed by the Technical College System of Georgia and reflect concern for the applicant’s health, safety, well-being, and ability to benefit from the educational opportunities available.

Applicants for admission to a certificate/diploma/degree program must have all official documents (transcripts, test scores, etc.) on file in the Office of the Registrar by the admissions application / document deadline date for the semester in which they plan to enroll to be considered for Financial Aid (See Admissions Application / Document Deadline Dates on page 10). Applicants furnishing false, incomplete, or misleading information will be subject to rejection or dismissal without refund.

All credentials submitted become and remain the property of Georgia Piedmont Technical College and will not be returned to the applicant, duplicated, or transferred to another institution. In addition, transcript(s) that precede a potential student’s application will only be retained for a period of four (4) months. This applies to SAT, ACT, CPE, COMPASS, ASSET, and ACCUPLACER scores sent from other institutions.

Applicants with acceptable scores on the SAT, ACT, COMPASS, ASSET or previously taken ACCUPLACER tests may submit those results instead of taking the ACCUPLACER placement test at Georgia Piedmont Tech. Information on obtaining SAT or ACT scores may be supplied by a high school counselor. This information can also be obtained for SAT scores by writing the College Entrance Examination Board at P.O. Box 592, Princeton, New Jersey 08541 (the CEEB code for Georgia Piedmont Technical College is 3226). For ACT scores write to ACT Records, P.O. Box 451, Iowa City, Iowa 52243 (the ACT code for Georgia Piedmont Technical College is 0811).

Placement scores required for each program may be obtained in the Office of Admissions.

Programs with Additional Admission Requirements

Healthcare programs
Additional admissions requirements may include the following:

  • Health forms (dental, physical, immunizations, etc.) obtained at the expense of the applicant.
  • Other records of health procedures required by the program or by a related committee.

The additional admissions requirements for Health, Education and Professional Services programs as outlined above will not be requested until the regular admissions process has been completed.

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Programs require fingerprint record checks at the beginning of enrollment in the ECCE program’s practicum and internship. A student must receive a satisfactory fingerprint record check prior to the start of the practicum and/or internship (additional information on this requirement may be obtained from the ECCE Faculty Advisor). Please note that a fingerprint record may prevent a student from placement in a childcare center for instructional purposes, which may result in a student’s inability to complete the program of study. This information will not become a part of the student’s admission file but will be secured within the ECCE Department and will be kept confidential in accordance with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

EMS and Paramedic Education
Programs have specific admissions and eligibility requirements. All applicants must meet the same entry requirements as students with regular admissions status. In addition, the State Office of EMS requires all applicants to be 18 years of age and a high school graduate or equivalent. Candidates transferring from another EMS Education program or program within Georgia Piedmont Tech must have acceptable English and Math transfer credit as determined by the Office of the Registrar, or minimum placement test scores as required by the specific program for which the candidate is seeking entry. Placement test scores more than five years old will not be accepted and the candidate will be required to sit for the ACCUPLACER before further consideration will be afforded.

EMS and Paramedic
Programs have additional admissions requirements, which may include the following:

  • Health forms (dental, physical, immunizations, etc.) obtained at the expense of the applicant.
  • Records of other procedures required by the program or by the appropriate committee (such as criminal records check).

The additional admissions requirements for Health, Education and Professional Services programs as outlined above will not be requested until the regular admissions process has been completed.

Law Enforcement
This program has additional admissions requirements that may include the following: Thorough Background Investigation, including criminal history, which should show:

  • No felony convictions or sufficient misdemeanors showing pattern of disregard for the law; No extensive drug use/abuse;
  • Evidence of good moral character. Medical examination.
  • Drug screen.
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years old. Provide documentation of:
  • Proof of High School graduation or GED; Proof of U.S. or naturalized citizenship; Military Service Record (if applicable); Certified Birth Certificate.
  • Must have a valid Class ‘C’ Georgia Driver’s License. Uniform and duty gear purchase required.

The additional admissions procedures for the Law Enforcement Academy program as outlined above should be initiated through the program prior to the regular admissions process.

Paralegal Studies
To register for PARA 1100 - Introduction to Law and Ethics basic course and be admitted into the Paralegal Studies Program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, the following will be required:

  • Completion of ENGL 1101 or equivalent with a minimum grade of ‘C.’
  • Completion of the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test with a minimum score of 20. A student who fails to score the minimum score may re-take the test the following term (semester) with the maximum number of attempts being three (3).
  • Attendance at program orientation and advisement meeting scheduled by the Paralegal Studies faculty.
  • As a part of the program orientation and advisement process, students will be advised regarding employment prospects for paralegals with a felony conviction.
  • Students enrolled in the Paralegal Studies AAS degree program or Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Studies Certificate program must complete at least 25 percent of the legal specialty courses required for award of the degree or certificate at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. In addition, each student must complete a minimum of 10 percent of legal specialty courses delivered through traditional classroom instruction. The GPTC Paralegal Studies Program will only accept legal specialty transfer credits from other ABA approved schools. The GPTC Paralegal Studies Program does not award any legal specialty transfer credit through examination or portfolios.

Unauthorized Practice of Law - The goal of the Paralegal Studies Program is to train students in legal theory and to improve a student’s analytical, communication and practical skills. Paralegals shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law as proscribed by the Official Code of Georgia § 15-19-51, and must work under the supervision and direction of an attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

Commercial Truck Driving (CDL)
All applicants must meet the same entry requirements as students with Regular Admission status; however, CDL programs have additional admission requirements which may include the following:

  • Current Georgia Driver’s License.
  • CDL Learners Permit obtained at the expense of the applicant.
  • DOT Physical and drug test obtained at the expense of the applicant.
  • Seven (7) year Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) with less than 6 points.

Electrical Lineworker Apprentice (ELA)
All applicants must meet the same entry requirements as students with Regular Admission status; however, the ELA program has additional admission requirements which may include the following:

  • Current Georgia Driver’s License.
  • CDL Learners Permit obtained at the expense of the applicant.
  • DOT Physical and drug test obtained at the expense of the applicant. Seven (7) year Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) with less than 6 points. Weight requirement - less than 280 lbs.
  • No previous knee or leg injuries. Physical demands require no pregnancy.

General Admission Process

1. Submit Application

2. Provide Transcripts

  • High School/GED/HiSET: Official transcripts or scores; if not in English, include a certified translation.
  • Post-Secondary Institutions: Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; translations required for non-English documents.
  • International Credentials: Evaluation by a NACES-approved service (e.g., WES, Josef Silny); refer to International Transcripts Information for details.
  • Submission: Email all documents to transcripts@gptc.edu

3. Placement Assessment

  • Accepted Tests: ACCUPLACER, SAT, ACT, ASSET
  • Purpose: Determine readiness for program coursework; ACCUPLACER covers English, reading, and math.
  • College Board Code: 3226
  • More Info: Visit the ACCUPLACER Test page

4. Verify Lawful Presence (House Bill 87)

Submit one of the following documents to establish lawful presence in the U.S. for in-state tuition eligibility:

  • Driver’s License/ID:
    • Georgia: Issued after Jan 1, 2008
    • Alabama: Issued after Aug 1, 2000
    • Florida: Issued after Jan 1, 2010, with gold star
    • South Carolina: Issued after Nov 1, 2008
    • Tennessee: Issued after May 29, 2004
    • Other states: Valid ID with gold star
  • Certified U.S. Birth Certificate:
    • Must be hand-delivered or mailed (no photocopies)
    • Order via VitalChek
  • Other Acceptable Documents:
    • Approved FAFSA for the current financial aid year
    • Valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-151 or I-551)
    • Valid military ID for active duty or veterans
    • U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-240)
    • Current U.S. Passport
    • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS Form N-560 or N-561)
    • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS Form N-550 or N-570)

Submission Methods:

  • All documents (except birth certificates) can be hand-delivered, faxed, mailed, or emailed to the Office of Admissions.
  • Certified birth certificates must be hand-delivered or mailed.

Contact Information

Office of Admissions
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
495 North Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021

Phone: (404) 297-9522 Ext. 1602
Fax: (404) 298-3617
Email: admissions@gptc.edu

Admission of International Students

Applicants on an F-1 or M-1 visa must follow both the general admissions steps and additional requirements for international students:

Before You Apply
Arrange housing on your own—GPTC does not provide, supervise, or recommend accommodations. Plan to arrive in metro Atlanta before classes start to secure lodging and attend orientation.

  • Complete the application via online, in person, or by email; and pay a $25 non-refundable fee.
  • Provide:
    • Copy of a valid passport and visa
    • Official transcript evaluations from a NACES-approved service (e.g., WES, Josef Silny); refer to International Transcripts Information for details.
      • High school: document-by-document evaluation
      • College: course-by-course evaluation
    • Proof of English proficiency
    • Acceptable test scores (SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER, COMPASS)
    • Affidavit of Support and bank statements showing a minimum of $20,494 (subject to change)
    • Proof of health insurance
    • SEVIS Fee payment receipt
  • Pay tuition for 15 credit hours ($5,697; subject to change).
  • Meet with the International Student Advisor before enrollment.

After Acceptance
GPTC will issue an Acceptance Letter and Form I-20. You must:

  • Pay the SEVIS fee and schedule your visa interview.
  • Enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date shown on the I-20.
  • Report to the ISA and register full-time in the semester listed on the I-20. Missing the start term places you “out of status.”

Maintaining Status While Enrolled
U.S. immigration regulations require international students to:

  • Stay full-time every term; obtain ISA approval before dropping a course.
  • Attend classes regularly and meet GPA standards.
  • Keep passport, visa, and I-20 documents valid at all times.
    • Notify the ISA at least 60 days before passport or visa expiration to process an extension.
  • Abstain from all employment unless expressly authorized.
  • Consult the ISA immediately if academic or personal issues threaten enrollment.

GPTC must report status changes or non-compliance to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Transfers & Program Completion
Transferring in: Meet all GPTC international requirements before an I-20 can be released.

  • Program changes or completion: Coordinate with the ISA to update or conclude your SEVIS record properly.

Key Contacts

International Student Advisor (ISA)
Georgia Piedmont Technical College – DeKalb Campus
Phone: +1 (404) 297-9522 ext. 1602
Email: admissions@gptc.edu (subject line “International Admission”)

Important Dates

Applicants for admission to credit programs must have all required documentation and credentials (i.e., application, transcripts, test scores) on file in the Office of Admissions by the admission and records application/document deadline date for the semester in which they plan to enroll.

The 2024-2025 Admission Application / Document Deadline Dates are as follows:

  • Spring Semester 2025 ----- December 2, 2024
  • Summer Semester 2025 --- May 5, 2025
  • Fall Semester 2025 -------- July 28, 2025

The admissions policies and procedures of the Technical College System of Georgia and Georgia Piedmont Technical College assure the citizens of Georgia equal access to the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for them to secure personally satisfying and socially productive employment. By design and implementation, the policies and procedures governing admissions to Georgia Piedmont Technical College will:

  • Be nondiscriminatory for any eligible applicant regardless of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law);
  • Increase the prospective student’s opportunities;
  • Guide the implementation of all activities related to admission to Georgia Piedmont Technical College and its programs to student financial aid and to the recruitment, placement, and retention of students; and
  • Compliment the academic programs of Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

Admission Status

Minimum admissions requirements shall be established for each program. Students will be admitted in one of the following categories: Regular; Provisional; Learning Support; Special; or Transient.

Regular Status - Students who meet all requirements for admission into a selected program and are eligible to take all courses in the program curriculum.

Provisional Status - Students who do not meet all requirements for regular admission into a selected program. Provisionally admitted students may take learning support classes and certain specified occupational courses as long as class pre- and co-requisites are satisfied.

Special Admit Status (Non-credential seeking) - Applicants who wish to take credit coursework, but are not seeking a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, are granted Special Admit status. The following specifics define the parameters of this status:

May apply up to a maximum of 17 semester credit hours into a specific program for credential-seeking purposes after achieving regular admit status. The number of hours taken as a special admit student in no way waives the requirements of the regular admission process.

May enroll in classes only on a space-available basis.

Should adhere to the specific institutional prerequisite requirements when selecting courses.

Will not be eligible for any financial aid

Note: F-1/M-1 Visa holders and financial aid recipients may not be assigned to Special Admit status.

Transient Status - Students who submit a Transient Agreement Letter from their home institution are granted Transient admission status. The Transient Agreement Letter should verify that the student is in good standing and list the courses for which the student is eligible to take. A current Transient Agreement Letter is required for each semester of enrollment.

A transient student has been or is regularly enrolled at another institution, who expects to return to that institution, but who desires to enroll temporarily at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Credit earned at Georgia Piedmont Technical College is not automatically forwarded to the second institution. An official transcript must be requested through the Office of the Registrar. Transient students desiring to continue enrollment as transfer students must reapply for admission and satisfactorily complete all transfer requirements. The applicant for transient status must:

Submit a completed application to the Office of Admissions.

Pay a $25 non-refundable application fee (check, money order or credit card). This is a one-time fee.

Present a statement with the application from the proper official of the institution last attended giving the student permission to enroll at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. If permission is to be granted for two semesters it must be indicated in the letter of transiency. Otherwise, the transient status must be renewed after the first semester.

Submit with the application written permission from the parent institution stating the course(s) that fit the student's educational objectives and will be accepted by the parent institution.

Present a letter from the parent institution certifying that the parent institution will retain responsibility for the issuance of the I-20 form during the transient semester(s) for International, F-1, and M-1 Visa students.

Students desiring to be transient students from Georgia Piedmont Technical College (home college) to colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) system (host college) must apply for transiency through Georgia Virtual Technical Connection (GVTC) - www.gvtc.org. Once the application is submitted, it is approved/denied by the Office of the Registrar. An e-mail notification is then sent to the student.

Students desiring to be a Transient student from Georgia Piedmont Technical College (home college) to a College outside the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) system must complete and submit a Transient Request Form. The Form is available at the Office of the Registrar.

Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed and approved/denied by the Office of the Registrar. The Transient Letter is mailed to the host college with a copy to the student.

Requirements to be a Transient Student

  • Must be currently enrolled with Regular admission status.
  • Must be in good standing
  • Must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better
  • Must have no financial holds
  • Take only a course(s) applicable to your program of study
  • Meet all prerequisite/co-requisite course requirements.

For additional information, contact the Office of the Registrar.

Required Academic Criteria

High School/GED Diploma
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED verified by an official transcript showing graduation date and diploma type, unless otherwise specified. Home school applicants have an alternative admission path. Diplomas from unaccredited institutions, certificates of attendance, or special education/transitional diplomas are not accepted. Transcripts from non-U.S. secondary schools may be evaluated for equivalency. Applicants with 30+ semester (or 45 quarter) credit hours with a grade of C or better at accredited colleges may submit those transcripts instead. Accepted diplomas must be from TCSG-approved accredited schools or regulated public schools; graduates of unaccredited high schools must obtain a GED.

Home School Applicants
Georgia home-schooled applicants not in a recognized, accredited program must submit:

  • Certificate of Attendance from local superintendent or Declaration of Intent to homeschool (per O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690), including superintendent’s letter confirming intent and monthly attendance reports.
  • Annual progress reports or final transcripts covering junior and senior years, including graduation date. Home-schooled applicants outside of Georgia must also submit SAT or ACT scores that meet TCSG minimums. College presidents may waive diploma/GED requirements for certain secondary or GED students.

Former Students
Students absent for one year or more must submit a new application (no fee for former credit seekers, valid three semesters), meet current catalog requirements, and submit all official postsecondary transcripts earned since last enrollment.

Beginning Freshmen
Applicants with no prior college credit must submit a completed application with $25 fee (valid three semesters), official high school transcript or GED scores (with English translation/evaluation for foreign transcripts), and achieve satisfactory scores on SAT, ACT, COMPASS, ACCUPLACER, or ASSET. ACCUPLACER is an adaptive test assessing reading, writing, and math skills to identify learning support needs.

Assessment/Testing
All diploma, degree, and certificate applicants must be assessed for program readiness via ACCUPLACER or accepted validated tests (SAT, ACT, COMPASS, ASSET) meeting minimum scores. Results are valid for 60 months and transferable within TCSG. College-level English and math (C or better) on transcripts may waive the assessment. Students completing learning support courses with C or better since Fall 2011 are exempt from ACCUPLACER exit exams.

Transfer Students
Applicants with prior college enrollment must submit an application with $25 fee, official high school transcript or GED (with translation/evaluation if foreign), and official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended (foreign transcripts require approved course-by-course evaluation). They must provide standardized test scores within five years or take ACCUPLACER if required. Transfer credit evaluations occur upon receipt of transcripts. Transfer admission status depends on prior academic standing. Health, Professional Services, and Public Safety programs may have additional requirements.

Paralegal Studies Transfer
Must complete at least 25% of legal specialty courses at GPTC, including 10% via traditional classroom. Only credits from ABA-approved schools are accepted; no credit via exams or portfolios.

Transfer Credits
Credit may be awarded for comparable coursework or training if:

  • Student is admitted;
  • Courses taken at accredited institutions;
  • Content and credit hours equal or exceed GPTC courses;
  • Official sealed transcripts with grade C or higher are on file.

Transfer credits do not affect GPA. Learning Support courses transfer only from other TCSG institutions. Credit appears within 1–3 business days after transcript receipt.

Transfer Credit from Regionally Accredited Institutions
Normally awarded if prior institution is in good standing.

Transient Credit
Students enrolled elsewhere may take courses at GPTC with transient form and advisor permission. Courses must be from regionally accredited institutions. Grades transfer as credit without affecting GPA.

Articulated Credit
Recent Georgia high school graduates (within 24 months) may earn credit for high school coursework with scores of 70% or higher upon submitting a request.

Exemption Credit
Credit awarded after passing an exam equivalent to the course final exam with instructor approval. Fee is 25% of tuition per credit hour. Requires Course Exemption Form.

Advanced Placement Credit
Credit granted for CLEP exams per Council recommendations, and for AP or IB exams with scores of 3 or higher in equivalent courses.

Armed Services Credit
Credit may be awarded for military education/training certified by the American Council on Education, matching GPTC curriculum.

Prior Learning Assessment
Credit may be granted for industry certifications or professional licenses upon submission of documentation and Registrar approval.

Residency Requirement
Students must complete at least 25% of curriculum credits at GPTC to earn a credential.

Dual Enrollment
High school students (grades 9–12) may take courses at GPTC by meeting eligibility, application, and placement requirements. They have freshman status, honors eligibility, and may graduate from GPTC by submitting official high school or GED transcripts.

Career Pathways
High school students can earn up to 20 hours of articulated college credit through agreements, passing exemption exams (score 80+), and enrolling within 17 months of graduation. Computer applications articulation requires matching software.

Youth Apprenticeship
Provides articulation between high schools and GPTC with coordinated curricula. Participants must meet admissions requirements.

Senior Citizen Waiver Students
Georgia residents 62+ may enroll tuition-free on a space-available basis during Drop/Add, excluding certain courses, and pay applicable fees.

Audit Students
Students may audit most courses with registration, fees, and instructor consent, attending without credit or course requirements. Audit-to-credit changes are not allowed; credit-to-audit changes are permitted mid-semester with instructor approval.

Residency Requirements

Students are classified into three residency categories that determine tuition rates:

  • In-State Residents: U.S. residents who qualify as Georgia residents pay in-state tuition and fees.
  • Out-of-State Residents: U.S. residents who do not qualify pay twice the in-state tuition plus fees.
  • Non-Citizens: Non-U.S. citizens pay four times the in-state tuition plus fees.

Residency Determination:

Residency is based on legal domicile in Georgia, established and maintained for at least 12 consecutive months before the semester start. Documentation is required to prove residency.

Students initially classified as non-residents who believe they qualify as residents must file a Petition for Georgia Residency Classification with the Office of Admissions before the semester begins. Residency status does not change automatically, and petitions for past semesters are not accepted.

Residency Rules:

  • Independent students meet residency requirements if they have lived in Georgia for 12 months before classes.
  • Temporary absence under 12 months does not affect residency status.
  • Dependent students qualify if their parent or legal guardian has maintained Georgia domicile for 12 months before classes and either the student graduated from a Georgia high school or is claimed as a dependent on the parent’s latest federal tax return.
  • If a parent or legal guardian moves out of state after residency is established, the dependent student retains residency status while continuously enrolled at a Technical College.
  • Residency cannot be claimed to avoid paying out-of-state tuition.

Special Cases:

  • Non-citizens with qualifying federal immigration status (e.g., permanent resident, refugee, asylum) who have maintained a Georgia domicile for 12 months qualify for in-state tuition.
  • U.S. military personnel on active duty stationed in Georgia, their dependents living in Georgia, and those domiciled in Georgia but stationed elsewhere pay in-state tuition.
  • Military personnel and dependents reassigned outside Georgia who remain continuously enrolled and on active status also pay in-state tuition.

Important:
Students must submit residency petitions with supporting documentation on time to change their status and qualify for in-state tuition.