School Services Credential Programs

School services credentials authorize the holders to perform services for a school district other than classroom teaching. Preparation for the services credentials requires advanced study and administrative competence. A GPA of 3.0 or better is required for coursework completed and listed on the Credential Approved Program (CAP). A grade of C or better must be earned in every course attempted and for the Administrative Services Credential, a grade of B or better must be earned in every course attempted.

The approved programs at San Francisco State University include Administrative Services, Pupil Personnel Services (School Counseling, School Psychology, and School Social Work), and School Nurse Services.

Administrative Services

This credential authorizes the holder to serve as a superintendent, deputy superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor, consultant, coordinator, or other equivalent intermediate-level positions. Requirements may be met by successful completion of an accredited credential program offered by the Department of Equity, Leadership Studies, and Instructional Technologies.

Requirements for the five-year Preliminary Administrative Services Credential are the following:

  • Possess a valid Clear California teaching credential with an English Learner Authorization or Pupil Personnel Services credential, Health Services credential, or Library Services credential or designated subjects credential with a baccalaureate degree, or a Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential.
  • Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement. Successful passage of one of the following:
    • Completion of college coursework in reading, writing, and mathematics. Courses must have been taken at a regionally-accredited college or university for credit, passed with a grade of B- or better, be degree applicable, and be at least 3 semester units or 4 quarter units. Courses must be approved by professional preparation program.
    • California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
    • CSET: Multiple Subject exam subtests I, II, and III plus CSET: Writing Skills Test
    • A Commission-approved out-of-state basic skills exam
    • CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) Placement Test
    • Entry Level Math & English Placement Test (ELM & EPT) - Last Offered August 2017
    • College Board SAT, ACT, and College Board Advanced Placement Examinations (AP)
    • Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options
  • Complete a minimum of five years of successful full-time teaching or pupil personnel or health services, or library services experience (or combination) in public schools or private schools of equal status. Community college experience is not acceptable.
  • Successfully complete California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA). Passing CalAPA will be required of all candidates beginning a program after June 1, 2019.

Upon completion of the program, the candidate will receive a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential or a Certificate of Eligibility Credential if an administrative position is not yet secured. The Certificate of Eligibility authorizes seeking initial employment as an administrator but does not authorize actual administrative service.

Internship Program

Available to students who are offered administrative positions and need the Administrative Internship Credential. Entry into this program requires a request from the district office to the Coordinator of Educational Administration Credential Program at the Department of Equity, Leadership Studies, and Instructional Technologies.

The following courses are required for all students admitted into the Educational Administration Program:

EDAD 822 for EDAD 733; EDAD 823 for EDAD 743; EDAD 824 for EDAD 753 (all 3 unit courses)

Preliminary Administrative Services Credential — 33 units

EDAD 713Administrative Processes3
EDAD 714Practicum: Site Administration3
EDAD 723School Administration3
EDAD 733Curricular Leadership for Multicultural Education3
EDAD 743Educational Planning, Technology, and Evaluation3
EDAD 753Human Resource Administration in Education3
EDAD 763Law and Education3
EDAD 774Change Processes and Education3
EDAD 784Special Education Administration3
ISED 797Seminar in Educational Research3
EDAD 892Educational Administration Supervised Field Internship Project3

Note: Entry-level assessment of administrative competence is conducted at EDAD 713 and EDAD 892 for the exit-level assessment.

Pupil Personnel Services Credential

This credential authorizes the holder to perform, at all grade levels, the service designated on the credential that may include the following:

  • School Counseling
  • School Psychology
  • School Social Work

Requirements for the Pupil Personnel Services credential are the following:

  • A master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in the authorization area.
  • Completion of a Commission-approved professional preparation program in the authorization area, including a practicum with school-aged children.
  • Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement. Successful passage of one of the following:
    • California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
    • CSET Multiple Subjects Test plus Writing Skills Test
    • A Commission-approved out-of-state basic skills exam
    • CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) Placement Test
    • Entry Level Math & English Placement Test (ELM & EPT) - Last Offered August 2017
    • College Board SAT
  • Complete the Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) process.

All of the programs at the University are at least two-year programs and usually include a master’s degree. Each department may have additional credential requirements in addition to those listed above. Students should inquire at the appropriate departments for up-to-date information.

School Nurse Services Credential

This credential authorizes the holder to perform the following services:

  • Conduct immunization programs pursuant to California Ed Code, Section 49403, of the California Code of Regulations
  • Assess and evaluate the health and developmental status of pupils
  • Interpret the health and developmental assessment to parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals directly concerned with the pupil
  • Design and implement individual student health maintenance plans, incorporating plans directed by a physician
  • Refer the pupil and parent or guardian to appropriate community resources for necessary services
  • Maintain communication with parents and all involved community practitioners and agencies to promote needed treatment and secure reports of findings pertinent to educational planning
  • Interpret medical and nursing findings appropriate to the student’s individualized education program and make recommendations to professional personnel directly involved
  • Consult with, conduct in-service training for, and serve as a resource person to teachers and administrators
  • Develop and implement the health education curriculum
  • Act as a participant in implementing a comprehensive health instruction curriculum for students
  • Counsel and assist pupils and parents in health-related and school adjustment services
  • Teach health-related subjects under the supervision of a classroom teacher

Requirements for the Clear credential are the following:

  • Verify possession of a Preliminary School Nurse Services Credential
  • Verify possession of a valid Registered Nurse License issued by the State of California
  • Complete two years of successful experience as a school nurse (If the Preliminary School Nurse Credential was issued on or before July 1, 1981, this experience is not required)
  • Complete a Commission-approved school nurse program and obtain the formal recommendation of the college or university where the program was completed

The Commission-approved school nurse program at SF State is offered by the School of Nursing.  School of Nursing may have additional credential requirements in addition to those listed above. Students should inquire with the School of Nursing for up-to-date information.