Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program (PASCP)
Overview
The Sacramento County Office of Education provides candidates an opportunity to earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential through our one-year program. The program is accredited through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and is comprised of six courses. The courses are based on the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSELs) and integration of Cal APA exam content.
Eligibility Criteria
- Copy of one of the following valid credentials:
- 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.
Holders of any of the other Health Services Credentials, such as the school physician, dentist, dental hygienist, optometrist, clinical psychologist, and psychiatric social worker, do not meet this requirement.
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A minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience. 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.
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).
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Must meet the Basic Skills Requirement. Find more information here.
Options for Meeting the Basic Skills Requirement
- 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
PLEASE NOTE: First priority is given to qualified applicants who work in a Sacramento County school or district.
Application Process
- The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program will be accepting applications for its for 2026-27 Cohort starting January 5, 2026.
(Apply online)
Program Cost
- $8,750 for 2025-2026 year * (Cost includes textbooks, program materials, and tuition)
- There are several payment options. Please view the Payment Options document for more information.
- Options include:
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.
- Cal APA Exam Fees:
- Cycle 1 - $125
- Cycle 2 - $150
- Cycle 3 - $150
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the California Department of Education. At this time, all CalAPA Exam Fees are waived by CTC.
For more information, visit the PASCP Details page.