Leadership Institute Preliminary Administrative Credential Program

Clear Administrative Credential Program

ACSA’s innovative induction program and services for administrators seeking to clear their ASC are considered the gold standard throughout the state. The induction program design and implementation provides support and guidance grounded in the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL) in the three designated areas, chronicled in the Individual Induction Plan: coaching, professional development and assessment.

The program provides individualized, one-on-one, job-embedded coaching over the course of the two-year program. Candidates enroll within one year of starting an initial administrative position, with coaching services starting within 30 days of program enrollment.

Overview

The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) working in tandem with the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) has developed a dynamic program that seeks to develop and facilitate a series of opportunities for you –the participant – to grow in your leadership capacity as we collectively face the challenges ahead of us. The Leadership Institute provides candidates an opportunity to earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential through our one-year program. The program is accredited through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and is comprised of six courses. The courses are based on the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSELs) and integration of Cal APA exam content.

Eligibility Criteria

• Copy of one of the following valid credentials:
  1. Clear or life California teaching credential that requires a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching or the equivalent, and holds an English learner authorization; or
  2. Clear or life California designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, career technical education, vocational education or special subjects, provided the applicant also possess a California services credential in pupil personnel services, health services for school nurse, teach librarian services, or speech-language pathology or clinical or rehabilitative services requiring a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including field work or the equivalent.

Holders of any of the other Health Services Credentials, such as the school physician, dentist, dental hygienist, optometrist, clinical psychologist, and psychiatric social worker, do not meet this requirement.

A minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience. 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. 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).

• Passing score on the CBEST or equivalent Basic Skills Requirement

Options for Meeting the Basic Skills Requirement - Participants should review the in-depth criteria for the CTC Basic Skills Requirement via the CTC website at: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667). Individuals may satisfy the basic skills requirement by one of the following methods:

1. Pass the CBEST
2. Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination
3. Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
4. Achieve Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
5. College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
6. Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State
7. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
8. Individuals may meet the requirement by providing official transcripts to a Commission-approved preparation program or submitted with their application packet to the Commission.

For in-depth criteria, please visit the CTC Basic Skills Requirement website at: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667)

Application Process

• The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program will be accepting applications for its 2025-26 Cohort starting January 13, 2025.

Program Cost

• $8,750 for 2025-2026 year * (Cost includes textbooks, program materials, and tuition)
• There are several payment options available.
• Options include:
  • SchoolsFirst Financial Credit Union loan – Please view the flyer for more information.
  • Sallie Mae Education Loan – Please visit their website at https://www.salliemae.com.

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. Please note, at this time, all CalAPA Exam Fees are waived by CTC.

These fees are paid separately by the participant.

• Cal APA Exam Fees:
  • Cycle 1 - $125
  • Cycle 2 - $150
  • Cycle 3 - $150

Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the California Department of Education.

"The ACSA preliminary administrative credential program puts you in touch with real world leaders in education.

I was able to get advice and expand my resume by landing an administrative position in MVUSD.

The experiences I have achieved have prepared me for my future in administration."

– Dr. Aftan Wright (Leadership Institute Graduate, 2021)

"The 10-month program taught by current principals, superintendents, directors and leaders offered flexibility without any unnecessary elements or 'fluff'.

Every moment, whether in-person classes or weekly coaching sessions, was maximized effectively.

This approach ensured my success in passing the CalAPAs and transitioning seamlessly into an administrative role, all while managing a full-time job."

-Hannah Johnson (Cohort 6 Leadership Institute Graduate)

ACSA’s Clear Administrative Credential Program (CACP) is California's largest provider for attaining the Clear Administrative Services Credential. Grounded in the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL), our two-year program incorporates high quality professional development, relevant assessment and experienced leadership coaches who support and guide candidates with individualized, one-on-one, job embedded coaching.

New administrators must enroll in a Clear Administrative Credential Program to obtain a Clear Administrative Services Credential within the first year of obtaining an administrative position. In the past ten years, ACSA has served hundreds of new administrators throughout our 19 regions in partnership with local programs across the state. Local program coordinators provide advisement, coaching assignments and specific information unique to each local program.

~California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Team Lead

Clear Administrative Credential Candidates benefit from program components:

Program Enrollment Dates:

Fall 2025-2027 Cohort Enrollment: April 1 - August 31, 2025

Eligibility Requirements:

• Possession of a valid preliminary administrative services credential or certificate of eligibility from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Due to COVID-19 Variable Term Waivers may also meet eligibility requirements.
• 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:

Apply Now for our Fall 2025-27 Cohort!

Clear Administrative Credential Program Flyer 2025