Apply now for Fall 2026-27 | Cohort begins August 2026
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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.
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Degree
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework and Exam
- Achieve Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
- Pass the CBEST
- Pass the CSET: Multiple Subject Plus Writing Skills Examination
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or CSU Placement Examinations
- College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
- Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State
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.
Program Completion Requirements
- Completion of program tasks, including:
- Coursework for six courses (fieldwork, online coursework/chats, and end-of-course signature assignment)
- CalAPA Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3 (score reports verifying successful completion)
- Individual Development Plan
- Verification letter confirming five years of full-time experience in 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 .
- Program payment in full.
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.
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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.