The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program is a graduate program designed for persons who wish to hold an administrative or supervisory position at either a school or a district site requiring an Administrative Services Credential.
Master’s Program in Educational Administration
Coursework for the Master’s Degree and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential are identical; however, the degree and the credential are awarded by two separate and distinct agencies, California State University and the Commission on Teacher Credentialing respectively. Therefore, a candidate who is pursuing both the Master’s Degree and Preliminary Services Credential must apply to each program separately, and those applications should be submitted concurrently.
Admission Requirement
The Master's and the Credential are separate programs. Admission to one program does not constitute admission to the other program. In addition, successful completion of one program does not indicate waiver of the other program's entrance requirements. Please note that you must apply for admission to the Master's program before you apply to the credential program. Information about the M.A. program can be found here.
1. Credential Program Application - After applying to the master’s program all candidates must submit a separate online credential program application concurrently along with a nonrefundable $50.00 application processing fee (an additional $1.38 service fee will be assessed at checkout).
2. Admission into MA program - You must be currently enrolled or admitted into the Masters of Arts in Educational Administration Degree program. Please note, the Master's degree in Educational Administration program is only available for Fall admission.
3. Valid Clear Credential – You must possess a valid clear California teaching or services credential and hold an English Learner Authorization.
4. Verification of Experience - A minimum of five years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience or services experience pursuant to the credential authorization. Verification of experience must be documented on the district or employing agency official letterhead.
5. Basic Skills – Detailed information regarding options for meeting this requirement can be found here. Proof of having passed or attempted is required for admission. If you turn in an attempt that is not passing, you will need to pass prior to being recommended for the credential.
6. Letters of Recommendation – Two letters of recommendation from practicing school administrators. These letters should indicate that you possess administrative and leadership potential.
Program Requirements
Field Work Requirement
Fieldwork in Educational Administration is the capstone experience in the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program. Upon completion of all coursework, the student is considered for admission to the fieldwork program. Such admission is contingent upon: achieving a "B" average in all prescribed courses, having the endorsement of the administrator of the school where the candidate is teaching, and being adjudged a desirable administrative candidate by the Department screening committee.
The "Contract" which the sponsoring administrator executes with the Department commits him/her to provide a definite program of administrative experience for the candidate. The evaluation check sheet, also completed by the sponsoring administrator prior to admission to fieldwork, guides the University supervisor in directing the candidate into experiences that will strengthen his/her weaknesses.
Additional Program Requirements
In addition to the successful completion of Administrative Fieldwork and required coursework, the candidate will need to fulfill the following requirements to be eligible to apply for a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. If you are not employed or have been offered employment as an Administrator, it is recommended that you apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate verifies completion of the preliminary requirements and as no expiration date.
- Basic Skills - Verification of successful completion of Basic Skills
- GPA– 3.0 with no grades lower than “C” in the Master's program coursework.
- Valid Clear Credential – This must be a clear teaching or services credential with English Language authorization.
- Verification of Experience - Minimum of five years of full-time classroom teaching experience or services experience pursuant to the credential authorization.
- Verification of Employment - Verification as an administrator (not required for the Certificate of Eligibility) must be submitted using the form found here.
- CalAPA - Verification of passage of all three cycles of the CalAPA.
Contact Information and Advisement
For questions regarding the program application process, please contact the Credential Office at (818) 677-2733 or credprep@csun.edu.
All students must receive academic advisement from the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies graduate coordinator as soon as possible or at least prior to completion of 12 units of coursework. Contact the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies by calling 818-677-2591.
Program Completion Process
Information regarding how to apply for your Administrative Services Credential document can be found on our website.
IMPORTANT! Before beginning the online application, make sure you are not logged into the CSUN portal. All required documents must be uploaded with your online application do not mail or fax any documents. The only item that should be mailed are transcripts, if applicable.