Systems and methods for cross layer optimization for selection of a best or most preferred cell from conditional special cell (SpCell) change candidate cells are disclosed. The conditional SpCell change may be, for example, a conditional handover (CHO) or a conditional primary cell of a secondary cell group (PSCell) change (CPC). Conditions for a conditional SpCell change may be provided to a user equipment (UE). It may be that measurements on multiple cells meet the condition(s) for a conditional SpCell change by the UE. Preferences/criteria for selecting a cell from these multiple compliant candidate cells meeting the conditional SpCell change conditions are discussed herein. These criteria may include, but are not limited to, for example, a cell quality, an inter-versus intra-frequency handover, bandwidth, component carrier (CC) use, band, carrier type, needs/criticality of the application, congestion, frequency range, multiple subscriber identity module (MSIM) considerations, etc.