This article provides a case of how changes in standards for principal certification--as required by the State Board of Educator Certification since its establishment in 1995--were meant to promote changes in principal preparation programs in the state of Texas. The examination considers whether the changes were significant in terms of intended impact to improve the preparation programs for principals entering the workforce, including the admission of candidates, the accommodations of the programs, and the assessment of candidates toward the principalship. (Contains 2 tables.)