Administrative Services Credentials (ASC) authorize the holder to operate or serve as a lead or assistant principal in an elementary, middle, or secondary grades school in the District of Columbia. Applicants may be issued an initial or standard ASC based upon his/her qualifications.

Initial Administrative Services Credential (ASC) | Standard Administrative Services Credential (ASC)

There are three ways to obtain an initial ASC credential for individuals who do not meet the requirements for a standard credential. Initial ASC credentials are valid for two years and are not renewable.

Initial Administrative Services Credential (ASC)

There are three ways to obtain an initial ASC credential for individuals who do not meet the requirements for a standard credential. Initial ASC credentials are valid for two years and are not renewable.

Required documents that all applicants must submit:

• An Identity History Summary Check (IHSC) issued by the FBI or an approved FBI channeler agency. If employed with DC Public Schools (DCPS), make sure the DCPS central office has made your clearance information available to OSSE electronically.
• Official transcripts verifying a completed a bachelor’s degree. Applicants with degrees and studies from institutions outside of the US must submit a foreign credential evaluation report issued by an approved evaluation agency.
• An experience verification form confirming two or more years of full-time employment as a regular teacher, student services provider or principal/assistant principal;

And submit one of the following:

1. A completed Program Completion Verification Form and program transcript with a focus in Pre-Kindergarten to 12 grade school leadership and supervision; or
2. A copy of your active full principal credential(s) held In another state; or
3. Official transcripts verifying a completed master’s degree or higher. Applicants with degrees and studies from institutions outside of the US must submit a foreign credential evaluation report issued by an approved evaluation agency.

Standard Administrative Services Credential (ASC)

There are three ways to obtain a standard ASC. Standard ASC credentials are valid for four years and are renewable.

Required documents that all applicants must submit:

• An Identity History Summary Check (IHSC) issued by the FBI or an approved FBI channeler agency. If employed with DC Public Schools (DCPS), make sure the DCPS central office has made your clearance information available to OSSE electronically.
• Official transcripts verifying a completed a bachelor’s degree. Applicants with degrees and studies from institutions outside of the US must submit a foreign credential evaluation report issued by an approved evaluation agency.
• An experience verification form confirming four or more years of full-time employment as a regular teacher, student services provider or principal/assistant principal; or submit all pages of your final end-of-year performance rating reports verifying that you achieved at least an effective or equivalent performance rating for two school years.
• Passing test scores for the required school leadership licensure exam or scores for a comparable exam passed in another state where you hold an active full school principal credential.

And submit one of the following:

1. A completed Program Completion Verification Form and program transcript with a focus in P-12 school leadership and supervision; or
2. A copy of your active full principal credential(s); or
3. Official transcripts verifying a completed master’s degree or higher. Applicants with degrees and studies from institutions outside of the US must submit a foreign credential evaluation report issued by an approved evaluation agency.