Preconditions are based on state laws or Commission policy. While some Preconditions can only be Met with a Statement of Assurance, many need submission of authentic documents or other types of evidence. Below are the Services Credentials: Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling Preconditions and examples of acceptable evidence.
PRECONDITIONREQUIRED EVIDENCE
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Candidates admitted to PPS: School Counseling programs must hold baccalaureate degrees or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Source: Education Code §44266

Direct link to a specific page of a handbook, admission requirements on program website, admission form/checklist, or other authentic program documentation that indicates that candidates admitted into the School Counseling program must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
2. Program Curriculum
A college or university that operates a program of professional preparation shall have a curriculum that meets the appropriate requirement as follows: A program of study for the school counselor specialization shall be: Equivalent to a minimum of 48 semester units or 72 quarter units; or 720 classroom hours of post-baccalaureate study. 		Direct link to a specific page of a handbook, program website that describes how the unit/hour requirement is equivalent to a minimum of 48 semester units or 72 quarter units, or 720 classroom hours of postbaccalaureate study.
3. For Intern Programs 
An entity that operates an approved program of preparation for a PPS credential with an Intern option shall require each candidate who is admitted into the Intern Program to have completed sufficient coursework so that the candidate is ready for supervised practice in the schools. The Intern must be supervised and supported by both the employer and the Commission-approved program.
  • Direct link to completion requirements on a specific page in a handbook, on the program website, describing the experience requirement before recommendation for the intern credential. 
  • Direct link to documentation that outlines the supervision and support of the intern expectations by the employer and Commission-approved program

Updated November 20, 2025