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Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

The Center for Administrator Preparation provides the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Program, a pathway for credentialed teachers and school counselors to learn the foundations of leadership in order to qualify for a position in educational administration.

The RCOE School of Education is proud to offer the largest and most comprehensive administrator preparation programs in the state of California.

Program Overview 

Our program is grounded in the California Administrator Performance Expectations (CAPEs), which describe what new administrators must know and be able to do as they become educational leaders. Integrated throughout PASC coursework are Kouzes’ and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership that will support candidates as they build credibility through: Modeling the Way, Inspiring a Shared Vision, Challenging the Process, Enabling Others to Act, and Encouraging the Heart. Although leadership will be studied from many perspectives, Kouzes’ and Posner’s model will provide a common language for candidates in understanding their personal leadership development.

Program Completion and Credential Recommendation

The Riverside County Office of Education’s Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Program is a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved program. Candidates must successfully complete all required coursework, fieldwork, and assessments aligned with the California Administrator Performance Expectations (CAPEs) and the Administrative Services Credential Program Standards. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, candidates are eligible for recommendation to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for issuance of the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Only candidates who have completed all program standards and verification requirements are recommended to the Commission.

  • A 16-month program format in which candidates attend PASC class sessions once a month, along with mandatory CalAPA workshops scheduled at intervals across all three CalAPA cycles. A Sample Schedule is available under Quick Links to illustrate the program flow, and cohort-specific schedules may be requested by contacting skassih@rcoe.us.

Candidates must successfully pass the CalAPA to earn their Certificate of Eligibility.

  • Courses are 100% online with live instructors teaching through virtual formats.
  • Developmentally sequenced courses and the opportunity to showcase learning through an online portfolio, observations, and a presentation at the conclusion of the program.
  • A strong emphasis on ethics and equity through embedding in coursework the Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEEs), and the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CSPELs).
  • Frequent networking opportunities with veteran and aspiring administrators across the state.
  • Access to high quality instructors who serve or have served as principals, directors, assistant superintendents, and county office personnel.
  • Support from program staff who have served on the CalAPA design team and who are CalAPA graders.

The cost to participate is $7,500 which includes the $500 deposit that is submitted with the online application. There are multiple payment options available to help candidates pay for the program; details can be found in the payment plan which is part of the online application.

The application deadline for fall PASC is June 30 for each program year. The fall PASC cohort begins in August of each program year.

The application deadline for spring PASC is November 30 for each program year. The spring PASC cohort begins in February of each program year.

The spring PASC application deadline has been extended to January 23, 2026.

*Note: If the program is at capacity for a cohort, prospective candidate applications will be considered for the upcoming enrollment period.

Here is a comprehensive list of the application components you will need to upload to the PASC online application form:

*Note: You will be receiving an email with information regarding mandatory orientation once you are accepted to the program.

Enrolling candidates must:

  • Possess a valid clear or life California teaching credential requiring a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching or the equivalent, and holds an English learner authorization; or
  • Possess a valid clear or life California designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, career technical education, vocational education or special subjects, provided the holder also possesses a baccalaureate degree, and holds an English learner authorization; or
  • Possess a valid clear or life California services credential in pupil personnel services, health services for the school nurse, teacher 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.

Enrolling candidates must also:

  • Complete the Basic Skills requirement verified by one of these methods.
  • Complete five (5) years of successful, full-time experience in a public school, non-public school, or private school of equivalent status located in California or another state, or a combination of experience earned in California and another state. This experience may be teaching, pupil personnel work, librarianship, health services, clinical or rehabilitative services, or a combination of teaching and school services equal to five years. Substitute or part-time service does not apply. Verification of experience must be on the district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources. School or district personnel other than the applicant must verify all experience.

The RCOE School of Education is seeking to partner with California districts interested in growing their own administrative leaders and diversifying the leadership pipeline through our foundational 16-month PASC program.

If you are interested in learning more, view the Leadership Hub flyer.

The Center for Administrator Preparation PASC Program can provide charter school emerging and practicing leaders with rigorous training in instructional leadership systems and school management. If you are interested in learning more, view the flyer for Charter School Employees (PDF).

If you have any questions about the PASC Program, please fill out the interest form so that you can be contacted quickly by the Outreach Team.