Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study the criteria of qualified "ustadz" and how the "salaf" boarding school leader ("kyai") manages the ustadz in order for them to become qualified "ustadz." Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses a qualitative research approach. Data were collected by in-depth interview techniques with "kyai" and mentor as primary source of data, while participants and alumni as secondary ones. The correctness of data from "kyai" and mentor then were cross-checked against data from participants and alumni. Findings: This paper gives the following findings: the qualified "ustadz" is "ustadz" who has competencies of personal religious, professional religious, social religious, and life skills; while efforts undertaken by "kyai" are planning, organizing, implementation and evaluation. Originality/Value: The paper contributes to the Islamic educational institution in development management model for "ustadz" that has some stages, namely: need analysis, planning design, implementation and development evaluation. The proposed model can be used as a reference for leader of traditional Islamic education around the world in order to improve the quality of "ustadz."