Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

The Administrative Services Credential authorizes the holder to provide the following services in grades 12 and below, including preschool, and in classes organized primarily for adults:

• Develop, coordinate, and assess instructional programs
• Evaluate certificated and classified personnel
• Provide students' discipline, including but not limited to suspension and expulsion
• Provide certificated and classified employees discipline, including but not limited to suspension, dismissal, and reinstatement
• Supervise certificated and classified personnel
• Develop, coordinate, and supervise student support services, including but not limited to extracurricular activities, pupil personnel services, health services, library services, and technology support services

Credential Requirements

The CTC requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services credential are:

• Possession of a valid clear teaching or services credential
• Completion of a program of specialized and professional preparation in administrative services approved by the CTC
• Basic Skills Proficiency (CBEST or equivalent)  
• Passage of the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA)
• Completion of a minimum of five years of successful, full-time experience in public or private schools of equivalent status. 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. 
• Verified offer of employment from a California school district, non-public school or agency, or county office of education (if you do not have an offer of employment as an administrator, it is to your advantage to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility)

How to Apply for the Preliminary Credential

Option 1: Certificate of Eligibility

Upon completion of the program, and prior to submission of a credential application, an academic exit must be completed with faculty advisor.  If there are outstanding charges on your student account, you must make arrangements with the Business Office prior to submission of a credential application.  If you submit an application and a hold has been placed on your account, the application will be returned to you. Applications submitted prior to the academic exit will be returned.

If you are not employed or have not been offered employment as an administrator, it is recommended that you apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.  This certificate has no expiration date, and verifies completion of the preliminary requirements.  To apply for the Certificate of Eligibility, submit the following to the Credentials Office:

Step 1: Read about the application process

• Credential Application Process

Step 2: Pay the application fee

• Pay online by credit card

Step 3: Submit required documents

• Application for Credential Recommendation
• Verification of Experience stating 5 years or more experience under the prerequisite credential must be on the district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources.

Upon acceptance of employment as an administrator, you will submit an application for the preliminary.  The employing school district will often facilitate this application process for you, or a CLU application may be submitted as directed above.

Option 2: Preliminary

Upon completion of the program, and prior to submission of a credential application, an academic exit must be completed with faculty advisor.  If there are outstanding charges on your student account, you must make arrangements with the Business Office prior to submission of a credential application.  If you submit an application and a hold has been placed on your account, the application will be returned to you. Applications submitted prior to the academic exit will be returned.

If you are eligible for the Preliminary Administrative Services credential, submit the following to the Credentials Office:

Step 1: Read about the application process

• Credential Application Process

Step 2: Pay the application fee

• Pay online by credit card

Step 3: Submit required documents

• Application for Credential Recommendation
• Verification of Employment as an Administrator (CL-777)
• Verification of Experience stating 5 years or more experience under the prerequisite credential must be on the district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources.