(a) The standards identified in §241.15 of this title (relating to Standards Required for the Principal as Instructional Leader Certificate) and Chapter 228 of this title (relating to Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs) shall be the curricular basis for an educator preparation program (EPP) preparing candidates to be principals. The EPP shall establish benchmarks and structured assessments of the candidate's progress and needed growth throughout the EPP based on the standards identified in §241.15 of this title.(b) The principal preparation program shall include a field-based practicum whereby a candidate must demonstrate proficiency in each of the standards identified in §241.15 of this title.(c) An EPP may develop and implement specific criteria and procedures that allow a candidate to substitute related experience and/or professional training directly related to the standards identified in §241.15 of this title for part of the preparation requirements.(d) The calculation determining an EPP's accountability rating in accordance with Chapter 229 of this title shall not include a candidate's performance on the Principal as Instructional Leader pilot examination.