The Center for Administrator Preparation provides the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Program, a program 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 program in the state of California.
We are currently in the process of developing the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (Intern Pathway), pending CTC approval.
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). Candidates who have not obtained a qualifying administrative position at the time of program completion are recommended for the Certificate of Eligibility, which authorizes the individual to seek employment in an administrative position and does not expire. Candidates who have obtained a qualifying administrative position by the time of program completion are recommended for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Recommendation for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential requires verification of administrative employment, which is documented through submission of the CL-777 form. Only candidates who have met all program standards and completed all required verification processes are recommended to the Commission.
Program Benefits Include:
- 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.
Successful completion of the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) is required for recommendation for the Certificate of Eligibility or the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, contingent upon verification of the candidate’s administrative employment status at the time of program completion.
- 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.
Program Fees
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.
Enrollment Deadlines:
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.
