Requirements for seeking a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential:

• Possession of a valid prerequisite teaching or services credential,
• A minimum of three years of successful, full-time service in the public schools or private schools of equivalent status,
• Passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
• And one of the following four program options:

Option 1
Completion of a college or university based program accredited by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Over fifty colleges and universities in California currently offer preparation programs leading to a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. These programs are accredited by the Commission based on standards of quality and effectiveness. (The standards can be downloaded for review and feedback at CTC.)

Option 2
Completion of a Commission accredited Internship program sponsored by a college or university and a local education agency.
Many colleges and universities in California offer internship programs leading to a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. These programs are accredited by the Commission.

Option 3
Passage of the Commission-approved "School Leaders Licensure Assessment" (SLLA) administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).
This six-hour test assesses candidates' skills in situational analysis, problem solving, and decision making in educational leadership scenarios. The SLLA was administered for the first time in California on January 11, 2003 and is scheduled to be offered three times annually. For more information about test content and test dates, please check the ETS website. Individuals who pass the SLLA and meet the prerequisites for obtaining a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential may apply directly to the Commission for the credential.

ACSA has developed a program designed to assist in preparing for the SLLA called Aspiring California Educators (ACE). The program is offered prior to each administration of the SLLA in both northern and southern California.
In two Saturdays:

• Learn test-taking strategies for the California administrative licensure assessment
• Understand the types of test items and scoring
• Review sample responses
• Practice writing responses
• Receive feedback on practice

Option 4
Completion of an alternative preparation program approved by the Commission.
Alternative preparation programs may be offered by local education agencies or colleges and universities that are Commission-approved that meet the Commission's standards.