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:
1. a clear or life California teaching credential that requires a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching or the equivalent, and holds an English learner authorization; or
2. a clear or life California designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, career technical education, vocational education or special subjects, provided the applicant also possess a California services credential in pupil personnel services, health services for school nurse, teach librarian services, or speech-language pathology or clinical or rehabilitative services requiring a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including field work or the equivalent.
  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.
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).
Passing score on the CBEST or equivalent Basic Skills Requirement

Options for Meeting the Basic Skills Requirement - Participants should review the in-depth criteria for the CTC Basic Skills Requirement via the CTC website at: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667). Individuals may satisfy the basic skills requirement by one of the following methods:

Pass the CBEST
Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination
Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
Achieve Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State
Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
Individuals may meet the requirement by providing official transcripts to a Commission-approved preparation program or submitted with their application packet to the Commission.

For in-depth criteria, please visit the CTC Basic Skills Requirement website at: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667)

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 2025-26 Cohort starting January 3, 2025. (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:

SchoolsFirst Financial Credit Union loan – Please view the flyer for more information.
Sallie Mae Education Loan – Please view the brochure for more information. You may also visit their website at https://www.salliemae.com.

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.