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
This one-day professional development experience will help aspiring and emerging leaders explore leadership pathways, connect with current administrators, and better understand what leadership roles look like beyond the classroom. Registration $100. Lunch included.
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, CTE, Adult Education, Other (Level I | Valid for 5 years)
School Services Credential
Nurse, Teacher Librarian, Speech-Language Pathologist, 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 while earning your Level II or Clear Credential Leadership experience recommended: department chair, PLC lead, mentor, service on district committees
*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.
Clear (Level II) Teaching or Services Credential
Upgrade your Preliminary/Level I Credential by completing all education and program requirements
ACSA Offers
Associate Membership
ACSA Associate membership allows aspiring administrators to get a head start on their career.
Requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services 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
ACSA Offers
Leadership Institute
Earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential through ACSA’s dynamic 10-month CTC-accredited program.
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 Offers
ACSA’s Clear Administrative Credential Program
ACSA’s innovative induction program is the “gold standard” for administrators seeking to clear their credential.
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
Advanced degrees are not legally required, but are increasingly common, particularly in larger districts
ACSA Offers
ACSA Academies
Intensive, multi-weekend programs providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills in different specializations.
Serve as a member leader in your charter or region, on a council or committee, or on the state Board and make an impact on not only ACSA, but California education.
Find complete information on ACSA's online Payment Portal for districts and other customers to pay invoices and manage memberships, including district renewal.
