How to Become a School Administrator in California
August 7, 2026
Cultivating California’s Future School Leaders
You Belong in Leadership | Nov. 4 | 9:30 AM-2:30 PM | Chula Vista, CA
Hosted before ACSA’s 2026 Leadership Summit, this one-day professional development experience helps aspiring and emerging leaders explore leadership pathways, connect with current administrators, and better understand what leadership roles look like beyond the classroom. Registration $100.
A typical path to becoming a California school administrator
In California, there is no single required career ladder to become a school principal, district leader, or superintendent of schools, but there is a common progression. The biggest credentialing milestone is earning an Administrative Services Credential, which authorizes you to serve in most K–12 school leadership positions. The starting point for most educators is a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree
Earn a Qualifying Preliminary Credential or License
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Teaching Credential
Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Designated Subjects, Special Education, PK-3 Early Education Specialist, Other (Level I | Valid for 5 years)
School Services Credential
Nurse, Teacher Librarian, Speech-Language Pathologist, CTE, Adult Education, Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, Child Welfare and Attendance (Level I | Valid for 5 years)
License to Practice Therapy
California license to practice occupational therapy issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy or valid license to practice physical therapy issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California.
5 Years of Successful Full-time* Experience
As a teacher or in another qualifying certificated role | Leadership experience (department chair, PLC lead, mentor, district committees) recommended *Full-time is defined as service for a minimum of four hours per day for at least three-fourths of the total days in the school year.
ACSA Associate Membership
Associate membership in ACSA allows aspiring administrators to learn, grow and get ahead with the support of the organization, before taking the next steps toward school leadership. Between online and in-person workshops, conferences and local (charter and region) networking events, Associate members have access to the resources and opportunities ACSA provides, ensuring you have the skills and community you need to succeed.
Upgrade your Preliminary/Level I Credential by completing all education and program requirements
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
Requirements for this credential include completion of a Commission-approved administrator preparation program, fieldwork and leadership experiences embedded in the program, employment in an administrative position (or Certificate of Eligibility), and passing the three cycles of the CalAPA Exam | Valid for 5 years
Leadership Institute Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program
Earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential through ACSA’s dynamic 10-month program, accredited through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Benefits include free ACSA Student membership during enrollment and premier CalAPA support.
Free to enrollees in Leadership Institute | Student membership gives administrators entering the career the opportunity to dive into the profession with discounted learning events, award-winning publications, and invaluable statewide support networks.
Typically 2-5 years in position | Enroll in Administrative Services Induction Program to clear Administrative Services Credential (must enroll within one year of activation of the Preliminary Credential)
Clear Administrative Services Credential
2-year Administrative Services Induction Program with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and verification of an offer of employment
ACSA’s 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. We transform the mandatory credentialing process into a high-impact leadership journey, grounded in the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL).
Access the benefits, services, support, and community the organization offers, including discounts on professional learning, local and statewide networking, Precision Coaching, and leadership growth opportunities.
Typically 2-8 years in position Skills Gained: Budgeting | Personnel Evaluation | Discipline | School Operations | Instructional Leadership | Labor Relations | Community Engagement
Master’s Degree | Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Advanced degrees are not legally required, but are increasingly common, particularly in larger districts
ACSA Academies
ACSA Academies are intensive, multi-weekend programs providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills. Academies are offered in different leadership specializations to meet your needs as a school administrator, confidential employee or classified manager. Specializations include: Curriculum & Instruction | Personnel | Principals | Special Education | Superintendent
Titles Include: Coordinator | Director | Executive Director | Senior Director | CBO | Assistant Superintendent Working in: Adult Education | Special Education | Curriculum & Instruction | Personnel | Technology | Early Childhood Education | Career Technical Education | Business | Equity
Learning Opportunities with ACSA
ACSA’s professional learning sets the standard for excellence in equipping and developing those who serve California’s students. Whether it’s a conference, training or intensive multi-day course, our programs help grow school leaders throughout their careers.
From serving as a member leader in your charter or region, on a council, or on the state Board of Directors, to presenting at conferences and submitting articles for publication, to serving as a Leadership Coach or Academy Director, ACSA offers numerous and diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth.
ACSA’s New Superintendents’ Seminar Series (NSSS) is designed exclusively for the first- and second-year superintendent, providing participants with a cohort of new superintendent colleagues in a year-long program and offering essential networking and support.
Your membership is changing. Your community isn’t going anywhere. The most impactful leaders never stop learning. They seek new perspectives, build meaningful connections, and keep…
