School-Based Practice Credential Initiative

The Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) and California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) Service Credential Initiative support a process for occupational therapists (OT) and physical therapists (PT) to obtain credential status with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

On 1/1/26, AB 1009 was enacted, allowing OTs and PTs to pursue administrative credentials in the school system. This bill would allow access to leadership and administrative roles for pediatric occupational therapists practicing in the schools and represents a critical first step towards increased professional equity and opportunity. This bill will also have broader impacts to school-based practice, which may include expanded professional roles and career pathways, improved recruitment and retention of school-based OTs and PTs, systems level impacts, increased professional equity, and potential impacts to local bargaining processes.

For more information about the scope of the credential and for how to apply, see the CTC Credential Information Alert.

Obtaining a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC)

All information can be found here: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl-574c

The following requirements must be met to pursue a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential:

1. Complete one of the following:
   • A Commission-approved program of specialized and professional preparation in administrative services, including the Administrative Performance Assessment (APA), resulting in the formal recommendation of the program sponsor or
   • A one-year Commission-approved administrative services intern program, including the Administrative Performance Assessment (APA), consisting of supervised in-service training resulting in the formal recommendation by the Commission-approved institution where the program was completed or
   • Achieve a passing score on the California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE), administered by Evaluation Systems, Pearson
     • Passing examination scores must be used for credentialing purposes within ten years of the passing exam date.
2. Possess a valid California License in OT or PT
3. Complete five years of full-time experience
4. Verify employment in an administrative position on form CL-777.
   1. An individual who has completed all other requirements but does not have an offer of employment in an administrative position may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, which verifies completion of all requirements for the preliminary credential and authorizes the holder to seek employment as an administrator. The Certificate of Eligibility has no expiration date. Once securing an offer of employment, the holder of a Certificate of Eligibility may apply for the preliminary credential by submitting an application (form 41-4), a Verification of Employment Form (CL-777), and current processing fee to the Commission office.

Available PASC Programs

Currently approved CTC programs can be found here. You can search for the following:

• Select Type of Preparation: Services Credential
• Select Program: Administrative Services
• Select Program Level: Preliminary

Advocacy In Action

• Before applying to a program:
  • Consider funding sources:
    • Does your district or SELPA offer grants for continuing education? Are there scholarships or discounts at local universities?
  • Connect with programs:
    • Reach out to talk to programs to understand how they are integrating OTs and PTs into their programs. Let them know that you are applying as an OT. Be ready to provide proof of licensure, work experience, and degree transcripts.
    • While in a program:
      • Network:
        • You represent the profession - make sure to share your voice. Let’s help others see our value in administrative roles.
      • Plan Ahead:
        • Monitor administrative positions in your local schools. Consider which ones would be well suited for an OT. Start conversations early with your supervisor and your district/SELPA about what value we can bring to the table. Let them know you are pursuing an administrative credential.

History of OTAC School-Based Credential Initiative:

Do you have questions? Send us a message.

EDUCATION CODE - EDC

ARTICLE 4. Credential Types [44250 - 44277] ( Article 4 enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010. ) | access

PLAN OF ACTION

How You Can Help
Build awareness of the benefits of an OT PT Services Credential among colleagues, administrators, and agencies.
Share Credential Initiative Information (Meet in person, send letters, email) to LEA Administrators, CTC Members, SELPA Directors, Legislators, Union Representatives

OT/PT Credential Fact Sheet | download

CONTACT INFORMATION

California Legislators | California State Assembly | California Representative

California SELPA Information | https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/caselpas.asp

Commission on Teacher Credentialing | https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/commissioners

CSEA Union Representatives | https://csea.com/get-connected/contact-us

RESOURCES

IDEA Related Services Definition of Occupational Therapy | Section 300.34 https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.34

Guidelines for OT and PT in CA Public Schools | https://www.bot.ca.gov/forms_pubs/otpot_guidelines...

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

California Department of Education

AOTA Fact Sheets School-Based Practice

School Setting Fact Sheet | download

Parents Brochure | download

Children and Youth Fact Sheet | download

School Administrator Brochure | download

STUDENT DATA- Documentation of the Need for OT and PT

Special Education Data | access
State Performance Plan Data | access