If you need help studying for the GACE Political Science test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free GACE Political Science practice test!
What’s on the Test?
The GACE Political Science test contains 120 multiple-choice questions and is timed at 4 hours.
The exam is split into two subtests, which are taken in separate testing sessions (but can be taken on the same day if you’d like).
SUBTEST I (032)
60 questions | 2 hours
Institutions (national, state, and local) (60%)
- Structure and functions of the legislative branch
- The legislative process
- Structure and functions of the executive branch
- Structure and functions of the judicial branch
- Structure and functions of the federal bureaucracy
- The impeachment process
- The organization of government described in the Georgia Constitution
- Structures and functions of Georgia’s state and local governments
Citizenship and Politics (40%)
- The rights and responsibilities of citizenship
- Local, state, and national elections
- Political socialization
- The organization, constituencies, and role of political parties
- Characteristics and functions of interest groups
- The role and influence of media on US politics
SUBTEST II (033)
60 questions | 2 hours
United States Constitution (50%)
- Foundations of the US government
- The political philosophies that shaped the US government
Civil Rights, Civil Liberties, and Criminal Justice (30%)
- Fundamental concepts of civil liberties
- Fundamental concepts of civil rights
- Causes and effects of criminal activity
Comparative Politics and International Relations (20%)
- Characteristics of different forms of government
- Tools used to carry out foreign policy
How to Register
To get started with the registration process, you’ll need to create a MyPSC account on the GaPSC website. You should receive a Georgia Certification ID (GA CERT ID) during this process, which you’ll use for identification throughout the registration and testing process.
The next step is to create an ETS GACE testing account on the ETS website. This account will allow you to register for the exam and pay the testing fee(s). If you take each subtest separately, the fee is $123 for each subtest. If you take both subtests together, the fee is $193.
GACE Political Science Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
How the Exam is Scored
The GACE Political Science test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. You’ll need a scaled score of at least 220 to pass the exam.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Passing Scores
There are two passing levels for this exam: induction and professional. Each level has its own minimum passing score requirements:
- Induction Level: 220-249
- Professional Level: 250
Here’s something to keep in mind: You have to pass at the professional level on BOTH subtests in order for your final exam scores to count at the professional level. If you only pass at the induction level on one of the subtests, your final exam score will only count at the induction level.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t get the score you want on your first try, that’s okay! You can take the exam again after a mandatory 30-day waiting period.
FAQs
How many questions are on the GACE Political Science exam?
The exam contains 120 questions.
What is the time limit for the GACE Political Science exam?
The exam is timed at 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the GACE Political Science exam?
You’ll need to get a final score of at least 220 to pass the exam.
How much does the GACE Political Science exam cost?
The exam fee is $193.