ACSA Clear Administrative Credential Program

Grow Your Capacity as You Clear Your Credential

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.

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Why Choose ACSA’s Clear Administrative Credential Program?

Unrivaled Scale & Reach: Over the last decade, we have empowered hundreds of administrators across all 19 ACSA regions.

Individualized Support: Candidates receive one-on-one, job-embedded coaching tailored to their specific leadership context over the course of the two-year program.

Local Expertise: Through our statewide partnerships, local program coordinators provide personalized advisement and coaching assignments unique to your region.

Comprehensive Growth: The curriculum bridges the gap between theory and practice, focusing on real-world application of the CPSEL standards.

Program Requirements

Candidates are required to demonstrate competency in each of the six California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL). Individual Induction Plan components are as follows:

The three major elements of ACSA's CACP Program: Coaching, Professional Development and Assessment.

Year 1

Ongoing Job-embedded Evidence:

Individualized Coaching (40 hours)

Initial CPSEL Assessment

Leadership Learning Goal

Professional Development (20 hours)

End of Year 1 Evidence:

Benchmark CPSEL Assessment

Review, Reflection and Revision of Leadership Learning Goal

Evidence and Artifact Submission

Year 2

Ongoing Job-embedded Evidence:

Individualized Coaching (40 hours)

Ongoing Progress and Revision of Leadership Learning Goal

Professional Development (20 hours)

Program Completion Requirement at End of Year 2:

Final CPSEL Assessment

Verification of Program Completion

Verification of 2 Years Successful Administrative Experience

Evidence and Artifact Submission

Enrollment Requirements

Candidates must enroll within one year of beginning their initial administrative position to ensure they meet state requirements and receive foundational support during their critical first years in leadership.

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.

Find Your local program coordinator

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

Contact Us

Contact with questions.

Apply now for our upcoming cohort.

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Having virtually visited the program and interacted with numerous stakeholders, it is apparent that ACSA’s Clear Administrative Services Credential Program is highly valued by all of its stakeholders. … Candidates and completers reported that they experienced a powerful job embedded program facilitated and supported by incredible coaches.

— California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Team Lead

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.

ACSA’s Clear Administrative Credential Program offers services and support for administrators seeking to clear their Administrative Services Credential. This innovative induction program offers a personalized blend of professional development, rigorous assessment, and expert, one-on-one coaching.