The Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential (formally tier II) is job-embedded, relevant to the day-to-day work of the beginning administrator, and flexible for meeting goals and professional development requirements. Current administrators throughout the state of California are eligible to apply and enroll. 

The heart of the induction/clear program is delivered through one-on-one coaching throughout the state of California where each candidate is provided a university coach for mentoring of the candidate. Each coach is also a recently retired longtime school administrator who supports the candidate for eight quads of eight weeks each valued at one unit per quad — spread out over a two-year period. Together with a site mentor, the candidate and the university coach develop an individual growth plan based on the candidate’s competency assessment of knowledge, skills, and interests. The PLNU coach will meet with the candidate approximately five hours per quad at the workplace or off-campus location of mutual agreement.

The Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential program is designed to facilitate the onsite reflective coaching induction and professional development of beginning administrators and fulfill the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requirements for the Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential. The program utilizes a reflective coaching format that includes a minimum of 20 hours of onsite coaching by a university fieldwork coach/supervisor each year for 24 months. The 8-unit, four-semester program is centered on the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSELs) and supports participants in clarifying and achieving the actual goals and tasks confronting them as beginning administrators. The program is also designed to work within the academic school year, with no classes held over the summer. 

Note: All new administrators in the state are required to enter a CASC program within (60) days of becoming an administrator.

Why complete your CASC at PLNU vs. your county education office?

Our statewide program offers two elements that distinguish our program from that of your county office:

1. You’ll be coached by a seasoned veteran administrator who will be able to provide expert guidance on the situations you’ll handle as a new administrator.
2. With a total cost of $5,280, the CASC at PLNU is more affordable than the alternative program offered by most district offices in California.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We're here to make the entire process a simple one. We'll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Spring 2025 Quad II — March 17, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad I — September 2, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 27, 2025

Application Deadline(s):

• Spring 2025 Quad II — February 28, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad I — August 15, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 10, 2025

Note: Not all programs offer entry for new students each quad. Check with your enrollment counselor for programs and start dates.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at Point Loma Nazarene University will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, PLNU integrates Christian values and principles into the educational experience.

We understand that your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it’s a reflection of you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program.

Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0 or higher, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy* per your particular program. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from an institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree.

Admissions Interview: You may be eligible for an interview waiver. Eligibility can be discussed in more depth with a PLNU admissions counselor once you've started your application. 

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Requirements

Applicants must be employed in an administrator position verified by employer. 

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit a personal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double spaced.
4. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected professional recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. If you'd like to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.

Start Application

State Authorization

State authorization is a formal determination by a state that Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state. In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online (distance education) courses and/or offer internships within that state. Student location is based on where a student is physically located while taking courses. Students taking face-to-face courses are located in California, regardless of their home state at the time of application.

If a student moves to another state after admission to a program and/or enrollment in an online course, continuation within the program and/or course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized to offer distance education courses in that state. If a student wishes to conduct an internship outside California, they must select a state where it is permitted. It is the student's responsibility to notify PLNU of any change in their physical location, other than incidental travel. Refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online (distance education) and/or internships outside California.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. For information about PLNU programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our Disclosures page. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website. 

Pursuing a degree or credential in administrative leadership will prepare you to lead at the school site or district level or to continue leading at those levels with greater effectiveness.

Career opportunities include:

• Principal or vice principal

• District administrator

• Instructional coordinator

• Curriculum specialist

• Program director

• College or university provost or dean

• College or university department chair

• Admissions counselor

• University registrar

For information about the courses required for the Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information