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AB 606

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Quirk-Silva

AB 606 streamlines credentialing for out-of-state school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, boosting California's qualified professional workforce in schools.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 375, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 606

Summary of AB 606: Certificated Employees - Professional Services Credential for Out-of-State Applicants

Bill Overview

Bill Number: AB 606
Introduced: October 29, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 375, Statutes of 2025
Author: Quirk-Silva
Subject: Certificated employees, out-of-state applicants, professional services credential

AB 606 aims to streamline the process for out-of-state school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to obtain California's professional services credential, thereby enhancing the availability of qualified professionals in the state.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of AB 606 is to provide clear and equitable pathways for out-of-state applicants to meet California's credentialing requirements. This legislation seeks to address the growing need for qualified pupil personnel services professionals in California schools.

Key Provisions

  1. Credentialing Authority: The bill amends existing law to allow the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to approve professional preparation programs for pupil personnel services in any area, not just child welfare and attendance services.

  2. Partnership Requirement: Local educational agencies must partner with a regionally accredited institution of higher education when offering programs for credentials in areas other than child welfare and attendance.

  3. Preliminary Credential for Out-of-State Applicants:

    • Out-of-state applicants who possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and hold a valid corresponding credential in school counseling, school social work, or school psychology can receive a preliminary professional services credential.
    • This credential is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional two years, contingent upon the credential holder demonstrating satisfactory progress as determined by their employing local educational agency.

  4. Background Checks: Applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check as part of the credentialing process.

Impact

  • Who is Affected: The bill primarily affects out-of-state school counselors, psychologists, and social workers seeking to work in California. It also impacts local educational agencies and institutions of higher education involved in credentialing processes.
  • Increased Access: By simplifying the credentialing process, AB 606 aims to attract qualified professionals to California, thereby addressing staffing shortages in pupil personnel services.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was passed with a majority vote and does not require appropriation.
  • It has undergone several legislative actions, including public hearings and committee reviews, before being chaptered into law.

Conclusion

AB 606 represents a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility of California's educational workforce by facilitating the credentialing of out-of-state professionals. This legislation not only aims to meet the immediate needs of California schools but also promotes a more diverse and qualified pool of pupil personnel service providers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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