Leadership Institute Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program
The Association of California School Administrators working in tandem with the Sacramento County Office of Education has developed a dynamic program that seeks to develop and facilitate a series of opportunities for aspiring leaders to grow in their leadership capacity and build the skills they need to solve the biggest challenges in education.
The Leadership Institute offers candidates an opportunity to earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential through our 10-month program. The program is accredited through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is comprised of six online courses based on the California Administrator Performance Expectations(CAPEs) and integration of CalAPA exam content.
Other benefits include free ACSA student membership during enrollment and premier CalAPA support. Scholarships are available.
Contact with questions.
Criteria, Application, and Cost
Eligibility Criteria
- A valid California clear or life teaching credential requiring a bachelor’s degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching; or
- A valid California clear or life Designated Subjects Teaching Credential, provided the holder also possesses a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university or
- A valid clear or life California Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Teacher Librarian Services Credential, Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential, Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential, or a School Nurse Services Credential, requiring a bachelor’s degree and a program of professional preparation, including field practice or the equivalent. or
- A valid California license to practice occupational therapy issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy or a valid license to practice physical therapy issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California.
For the above prerequisite credentials, the bachelor’s degree satisfies the Basic Skills Requirement also as of July 1, 2024.
Five years of successful, full-time experience in a public school, nonpublic school, or private school of equivalent status located in California or another state, or a combination of experience earned in California and another state. This experience may be teaching, pupil personnel work, librarianship, health services, clinical, rehabilitative services, occupational therapy or physical therapy, or a combination of teaching and school services equal to five years. Full-time service means service for a minimum of four hours per day for at least three-fourths of the total days in the school year. Substitute or part time service does not apply. Verification of experience must be on the district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources. School or district personnel other than the applicant must verify all experience. The applicant process includes verification that the candidate has a minimum of four years of experience (with the fifth year completed while concurrently completing the preliminary credentialing program).
Application Process
- The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program for the Cohort 2026-27 opens April 1, 2026 and closes August 1, 2026.
- Candidates who apply prior to June 1, 2026 to the Preliminary Administrative Services Program are eligible to submit a Scholarship Application.
Scholarship applications submitted without previously submitting the PASC Program Application will not be considered for review.
Apply now for Fall 2026-27 | Cohort begins August 2026
Program Cost
$8,750 for 2026-2027 year*
Cost includes textbooks, program materials, and tuition
There are three payment options available:
OPTION 1
- Full tuition payment of $8,750.00 by credit card or check; due by August 1, 2026.
OPTION 2
- Tuition payment in two (2) installments by credit card or check; due by August 1, 2026 and February 1, 2027.
OPTION 3
- A loan through Schools First Credit Union of $8,750.00; due by August 1, 2026.
*Additional Cost
In addition to successful completion of the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program, preliminary candidates are required to take, and pass, all three cycles of the Cal APA Exam in order to receive their Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Cal APA Exam fees are not included in the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program fees.
These fees are paid separately by the participant.
- Cycle 1: $125
- Cycle 2: $150
- Cycle 3: $150
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the California Department of Education.
Clear Administrative Credential Program
ACSA’s innovative induction program is the largest of its kind in California and remains the “gold standard” for administrators seeking to clear their Administrative Services Credential (ASC). We transform the mandatory credentialing process into a high-impact leadership journey, grounded in the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL).
Over the course of our two-year program, you won’t just check a box — you will grow your capacity through a personalized blend of professional development, rigorous assessment, and expert, one-on-one coaching.
Enrollment Dates, Eligibility, and Application
Program Enrollment Dates for Fall 2026-2028
Enrollment: April 1, 2026 — August 14, 2026
Program begins on: August 14, 2026
Late enrollment applications will be accepted until: September 14, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
- Possession of a valid preliminary administrative services credential or certificate of eligibility from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- Verification of an offer of employment in an employing agency as defined in Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations Section 80054 (g) (1).
Application Process
Step 1: Local Program Advisement
Contact a Local Program Coordinator for advisement on a coaching match, credential pathway, program outcomes or local program coaching fees.
If your service area falls under ACSA Northern CA or Central Valley, ACSA Far North and Shasta County or ACSA Southern CA, a match with a coach will happen after your application is submitted and you have been accepted to the program. Contact the ACSA office at if you have questions about which Local Program you are affiliated with.
Step 2: Application
- Complete a Verification of Administrative Employment form. A signature is required from your employer.
- Obtain a copy of the appropriate credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Step 3: Verification, Acceptance and Registration
ACSA will process your application and send acceptance notice via email based upon eligibility.
Acceptance notification will include next steps for registration. Submitting the registration form included with your acceptance is required for you to be fully enrolled in the program. If applicable, the acceptance letter will also include instructions to apply to the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing to have a Certificate of Eligibility converted to a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
Step 4: Program Fee Payment
ACSA will process your application and send acceptance notice via email based upon eligibility.
Fees for ACSA local programs are $9,500.00 for the two-year program. Fees for affiliated district or county programs may vary. Please reach out to the Local Program Coordinator in your area served for specific program details.
Step 5: Program Start
ACSA staff and local program coordinators will contact candidates to provide information on orientation and coach assignments.
Fall start date: August 14, 2026
Nondiscrimination: No candidate will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familiar status, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition in its employment practices. This policy of affording equal candidate access to all persons is in keeping with provisions of state and federal laws and regulations.