Administrative Services Credential
The Administrative Services credential program at USD is a graduate program offered through the Education Leadership and Development Academy (ELDA) and designed for educators wishing to serve as school principals, superintendents and administrators in the K-12 setting in the California public schools.
Candidates for the Preliminary Administrative Services credential in California are expected to be experienced educators possessing basic California certification and 3 years of educational experience.
The Administrative credential in California is a two step program consisting of the Preliminary credential (Level I) and the Professional credential (Level II).
CBEST
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) must be
taken before admission to a credential program. The test consists of 3 parts including reading, writing and mathematics. For information on registration, the tests, test dates, passing scores and to view a sample test visit the exam web site at www.cbest.nesinc.com. There is a fee to take the CBEST. The test is offered approximately 5 times per year in locations throughout California. Test takers are given 5 hours to complete the exam. A copy of passing verification must be submitted to the Credential Analyst prior to admission to fieldwork.
Transcripts
Submit original transfer transcripts to the Credential Analyst.
Valid Prerequisite Credential
The applicant must possess a clear valid basic California credential. Submit a copy of the credential to the Credential Analyst. Contact the Credential Analyst for information on which credentials meet this requirement. Applicants to the Professional program must hold the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and have 2 years of administrative experience.
Experience
For the preliminary credential the applicant is required to have completed 3 years of educational experience at the level of the basic credential. Submit a letter to the Credential Analyst from a Human Resources Administrator verifying this experience. Applicants for the Professional Credential need 2 years of administrative experience.
Professional Education Program
A program of coursework is required for both the preliminary and professional credentials. Information on ELDA coursework, practicums and fieldwork is available on the ELDA web site.
Credential Application
Obtain the credential application from Credential Analyst during the final semester of credential coursework. When all credential reuirements including fieldwork have been completed and final grades have been posted to the USD transcript the application is approved by the ELDA Program Director and the Dean. The Credential Analyst then submits the credential recommendation on-line to the CTC. The candidate then receives an e-mail from the CTC asking for payment of the credential fee by credit card. When that process is completed the CTC sends the candidate e-mail verification of the credential to print out and show to employers.
For further information or to request a hard copy of the above information, request a copy of the credential handbook or visit: Steps to Getting a Credential.
