PPS Credential Requirements

Requirements for the PPS Credential with a Specialization in School Social Work

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements for the PPS/SSW in order to be eligible for a credential recommendation from Berkeley:

  1. A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.

  2. Complete post baccalaureate degree study consisting of a minimum of 45 semester units in a CTC-approved professional preparation program specializing in school social work, including a practicum with school-aged children.

  3. Obtain the recommendation of a California college or university with a CTC-approved Pupil Personnel Services program specializing in school social work. This process will result in the college or university submitting the recommendation online.

  4. Complete the CTC Basic Skills Requirement.

  5. Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process and obtain the CTC-issued Certificate of Clearance.

  6. Pay the application processing fee once the recommendation has been submitted online by the college or university. Individuals will be notified via email that the application has been submitted and is awaiting payment in a secured database.

For more information please read the CTC's Pupil Personnel Services Credential for Individuals Prepared in California.

Bachelor's Degree

Similar to the eligibility requirements for admission to graduate study at Berkeley, individuals seeking the PPS credential in School Social Work must hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

To be eligible for a credential recommendation from Berkeley Social Welfare, students seeking the PPS/SSW credential must provide an official transcript documenting conferral of a baccalaureate degree. Students satisfy this requirement by indicating in the PPS Declaration and Documentation Form how they have provided or will provide the required transcripts to the Student Services Office prior to requesting an online recommendation from Berkeley.

Master’s Degree and School Social Work Practice Curriculum

PPS/SSW candidates must complete a post-baccalaureate program study consisting of a minimum of 45 semester units in an approved professional preparation program specializing in school social work, including a practicum with school-aged children. Berkeley Social Welfare’s fully accredited MSW Program and associated curriculum in school social work practice satisfy this requirement for the PPS/SSW credential.