As of early 2025, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board of Regents have taken a pivotal step in reforming school leadership credentials—ushering in the Professional Administrator Certificate, slated to consolidate existing SBL and SDL licenses. Here's what this means, why it matters, and how aspiring leaders can prepare.

1. SBL and SDL Programs Winding Down

• February 1, 2025: NYSED will stop registering new SBL and SDL certification programs. Higher Education Services Corporationregents.nysed.gov

• September 1, 2030: All current SBL and SDL programs must cease registration. regents.nysed.govHigher Education Services Corporation

2. New Certification Launch

• A Professional Administrator Certificate was officially approved in January 2025. It merges both school-level and district-level leadership roles, except those with “superintendent” in the title. Higher Education Services Corporation

• As of January 29, 2025, applications are live within the NYSED TEACH system. Higher Education Services Corporation

3. Transition Deadlines

• January 1, 2031: Deadline for applying and qualifying for current SBL or SDL certifications (including Internship, Initial, and Professional levels). regents.nysed.govHigher Education Services Corporation

September 1, 2031: NYSED will no longer issue any new SBL or SDL certificates, only the Professional Administrator Certificate will be available. SAANYSregents.nysed.gov

Why This Matters

Simplified Certification Path

The new certificate eliminates confusion between building- and district-level roles, offering a unified credential for administrators with at least 25% of their assignment in a school or district leadership capacity. Higher Education Services Corporationregents.nysed.gov

Strategic Planning for Candidates & Institutions

• Individuals currently enrolled in SBL or SDL paths must finish by January 2026 to stay aligned—but note programs will no longer register after 2025. SAANYSregents.nysed.gov

• Higher education programs now must pivot: by February 2025, they should begin registering new programs geared toward Administrator Certificate and Superintendent Extensions. Higher Education Services Corporation

Superintendent Extension

Those aiming for superintendent-level roles will need the new certificate plus a Superintendent Extension, which requires either:

• 60 graduate semester hours,

• completion of a registered extension program, or qualifying via the "exceptionally qualified" pathway. Higher Educa

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