O.C.G.A. § 20-2-202

All teachers and other professional personnel who hold life certificates shall be entitled to carry forward that lifetime status if they become qualified by reason of additional training for a next higher level of certification in the same field. However, holders of life certificates shall be subject to the tests and assessments regarding certification pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 20-2-200 when such tests or assessments are required to qualify for other provisions as set forth in this article or by Professional Standards Commission policy or regulation.