Requirements for the Five-Year Preliminary Credential

Requirements for the Five-Year Preliminary Credential

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements:

  1. The Adjutant General of the State of California must verify four years of experience or education. At least one year of the experience must be within the three-year period immediately preceding the issuance of the credential.

    • Locate your DD 214 or CACC Appointment Orders showing more than 4 years
    • Locate your DD 214 or CACC Appointment Orders showing 1 year of experience within the previous 3 years.

  2. Obtain the recommendation of the appropriate agency as specified below:

    Basic Military Drill: Obtain the recommendation of the Adjutant General of the State of California

    • Complete TAG Letter Request
    • Attach DD 214 or CACC Appointment Orders verifying 4 years of experience and 1 total year within the previous 3
    • Attach Certificate of Completion of Basic Commandant Training Academy (BCTA) (YTC)
    • Attach Proof of Passing the Commandant Basic Knowledge Test
    • Email Completed Package to personnel@cacadets.org or mail to the address on the form

  3. One of the following requirements must be satisfied:

    a. possess a high school diploma
    b. possess a diploma based on passage of the GED Test
    c. possess the foreign equivalent of a high school diploma

  4. U.S. Constitution – applicants must satisfy one of the following requirements:

    a. Complete a course (at least two semester units or three quarter units) in the Provisions and Principles of the U.S. Constitution at a regionally-accredited college or university (Submit a copy of the course description for evaluation purposes.)
    b. Pass an examination in the Provisions and Principles of the U.S. Constitution given by a regionally-accredited college or university
  5. Verification that the applicant is aware of the requirements for the clear credential, including the program of advanced personalized preparation
  6. Recommendation from a Commission-approved Career Technical Education program of personalized preparation.
  7. Completed application (form 41-4)
  8. Current application processing fee

Note: A Preliminary Special Subjects Credential may be issued for one year to applicants who have completed all requirements except the U.S. Constitution requirement, as listed above. The credential may be extended to its full five-year term once the U.S. Constitution requirement has been met.