Certificated employees: professional services credential: out-of-state applicants.

Assembly Member Quirk-Silva's legislation creates a new pathway for out-of-state school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to obtain preliminary professional services credentials in California, addressing the state's need for qualified pupil personnel professionals. The measure establishes a two-year preliminary credential for candidates who hold valid out-of-state credentials in their specialization and meet basic qualifications, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and completion of required background checks.

The bill modifies existing credential requirements by expanding the Commission on Teacher Credentialing's authority to approve professional preparation programs offered by local educational agencies across all pupil personnel service areas. Under current law, this authority is limited to child welfare and attendance services programs. The preliminary credentials issued through this pathway remain valid for two years and may be renewed once for an additional two-year period, provided credential holders demonstrate satisfactory progress as determined by their employing school district, county office of education, or charter school.

To facilitate implementation, the Commission must develop and maintain a public checklist of requirements and processes for out-of-state credential holders by August 2026. The measure preserves existing credential pathways while adding this alternative route for qualified out-of-state professionals to serve in California schools.