41,000 teachers will take certification examinations in 2012. This number has doubled since last year. All subject teachers, without exception, have the opportunity to take certification exams in the English language and computer skills. For the first time this year, certified teachers of the subjects of natural sciences are given a chance to take exams as well. They will be examined in the experimental portion of physics and chemistry and receive supplemental salary.

Increase in teachers’ motivation was determined by several factors, one of which is an increased salary. A certified teacher's salary scheme is as follows: certified teachers will receive supplemental allowance in the range of 75GEL; successfully passed exams in the English language and computer skills will be remunerated with 200GEL; those with highest scores, identified in top 25% after having passed integrated exams, will receive an augmented salary up to 1000GEL. Teachers who will take lab exams will get an additional 75GEL.

The Teachers’ House has been hosting trainings in professional skills and all subjects on daily basis to facilitate teachers’ preparation for certification examinations. Trainings are delivered in the English language and computer skills and in experimental portion of natural science subjects as well. Several hundred teachers attend trainings at TPDC daily. Each training module is designed to reflect exam topics. Teachers’ retraining is conducted by TPDC experts and invited specialists.