Credentials Program Admission

  Credentials Programs

Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

Regulations, policies, and procedures governing the program for the Preliminary Administrative Services credential, available from the division office, were developed in accordance with guidelines developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  The program is based on a set of competencies necessary for successful performance as a California school administrator.

Admission to the Program

In addition to general university requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants to the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program must meet the following requirements:

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
• A 2.75 grade point average in the last 90-quarter units attempted.
• Positive review of application materials and assignment of permanent advisor.
• Two years of successful teaching experience in K-12 schools with a California Professional Teaching Credential or any equivalent credential approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• Successful completion of the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) or any equivalent inventory approved by the university.
• Three (3) positive recommendation letters, including one from a practicing school administrator.
• Meeting of admission standards developed by the division (refer to the EDAD student handbook).
• Orientation/screening interviews with program faculty.
• A program of study approved by the advisor and division chair.

Upon completion of the program, receiving division recommendation and submitting an application and attendant fees, candidates receive a Certificate of Eligibility for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. The certificate authorizes one to seek initial employment as an administrator, but does not authorize ongoing administrative service. The certificate of eligibility is converted to the Preliminary Administrative Services credential upon confirmation of employment as an administrator for all administrative and supervisory services from prekindergarten through grade 12 in California public schools. This credential is valid for 5 years and must be replaced by a professional administrative services credential before it expires.

The following requirements are subject to change without notice.  Students should consult the division for current requirements.  Minimum requirements for issuance of the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential include: 

• Residency Requirement: At least 32 quarter units for the Preliminary Administrative Services credential program must be completed in residence at Cal State LA.
• All courses for completing the credential must be completed within 7 years from when the first course is taken.
• Fifty-four units of acceptable postbaccalaureate course work as listed below. 
• Completion of the required courses. 
• A passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test  (CBEST). 
• Three years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience or equivalent K-12 school experiences that are approved by the California Commission on Teacher      Credentialing.
• Completion and successful presentation of a professional digital portfolio.
• A valid California Professional Teaching Credential or any equivalent credential approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

*To be taken during the last quarter of the program

Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program Information Sheet

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Professional Administrative Services Credential

The purpose of the program is to provide education and training for new administrators.  The program is based on a set of competencies considered necessary for successful performance as a California school administrator.  The credential licenses holders to perform all administrative and supervisory services in grades prekindergarten-12 in California public or private schools.

Track 1: CCTC Standards-Based program

Track 2: CCTC Mastery of Performance Assessment program

Prerequisites: 

• A master’s degree.
• A Preliminary or Clear Administrative Services credential issued under present or prior regulations.
• Passing score on UNIV 400, the Writing Proficiency Examination  (WPE) or acceptable  alternative by petition.
• Passing score on California Basic Educational Skills Test  (CBEST); and
• Completion of written examinations and inventories required by the division.
• At least on year of experience as an administrator if applying for Track 2.

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Track 1: Standards- Based Program

• Residency Requirement: Students must complete 18 units at Cal State LA within the required courses for the credential.
• All courses fulfilling the required program for credential must be competed within 8 years of applying for the credential;
• Twenty-four to thirty-six units of postbaccalaureate course work as listed below;
• Satisfaction of all program standards;
• Completion of written examinations and inventories required by the division;
• A minimum of two years of successful, full-time school administrative experience in the public schools or in private schools of equivalent status; and
• Written verification from your employing school district, or an official of the appropriate county office of education, or successful completion of your program plan.

Other electives may be selected with the approval of adviser.

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Track 2: Mastery of Performance Assessment Program

• Successful completion of sixteen units of courses as listed below;
• Satisfaction of all program standards;
• Completion of written examinations and inventories required by the division;
• A minimum of two years of successful, full-time school administrative experience in the public schools or in private schools of equivalent status.

Eligibility Criteria

Tier 1

• A valid California Professional Clear Teaching Credential or equivalent.
• A minimum of two years of successful teaching experiences with the Professional Clear Teaching Credential or equivalent.
• Positive recommendations from two people, including one from a practicing administrator.
• Demonstrated Leadership Potential, verified by an administrator.
• Passed CBEST
• Passed Writing Proficiency Exam or equivalent verification of writing proficiency, such as a CBEST writing score of 41 or better.

Tier 2

• A Master's Degree
• A Valid Preliminary (Tier 1) Administrative Services Credential
• A Valid Basic Credential used to obtain the Tier 1 Administrative Services Credential
• Two (2) Positive Recommendation Letters, one including from the Mentor Verification of Employment as an Administrator
• Passing score on UNIV 400, the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) or an acceptable alternative by petition.
• Passing score on California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

  Tier 2 Application

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