Pupil Personnel Services FAQs

Pursuant to Education Code §44001, if certification qualifications are established for a position, then a credentialed individual is required to be assigned to the position. If the duties of the position substantially align with the duties authorized by a PPS credential, then the appropriate PPS credential authorization is required.

Nothing precludes school districts from utilizing community-based service providers, including volunteers, individuals completing counseling-related internship programs, and state licensed individuals and agencies to assist in providing pupil personnel services, provided that such individuals and agencies are supervised in their school-based activities by an individual holding the appropriate pupil personnel services authorization. Non-credentialed community-based services providers cannot assist in providing PPS or related services without the supervision of an appropriately authorized PPS credential holder. Refer to the Contracting Mental Health Services webpage for more information.

The titles related to Pupil Personnel Services positions may vary across Local Educational Agencies (LEAs). Therefore, the PPS credential authorization required for a position is based on the duties required of the position, rather than the position title. Review the duty statement of the position, and compare the duties of the position with the duties authorized by the four credential authorizations provided in the Services Authorized by PPS Credentials web resource. 

The following chart shows the general emphasis of each of the currently-issued PPS credentials, and is intended to support credential analysts in determining the appropriate credential authorization. However, LEAs and their monitoring authorities are responsible for reviewing certificated assignments and determining the appropriate credential at the local level based on the duties of the position.

PPS Credential Authorization	General Emphasis of Services Authorized
School Psychology	Psychological, Social, and Behavioral
School Counseling	Academic, Career, and Personal
School Social Work	Interventions and Outreach
School Child Welfare and Attendance	Attendance and Enforcement

Position titles may vary from school to school, therefore it is important to report the actual assignment based on the duties of the position. Inquiries related to appropriate CALPADS reporting of an assignment must be directed to the CALPADS Operations Office within the California Department of Education, at CALPADS@cde.ca.gov.