Library and Information Science: School Media Licensure Notice
This information is provided in good faith to applicants as of May, 2026.
Per U.S. Federal Regulations (34 CFR §668.14 and §668.43), and in compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), Syracuse University provides the following disclosure regarding whether its Library and Information Science: School Media, M.S. program meets state educational requirements for professional licensure.
The online M.S. in Information Management leads to a Master of Science in Library and Information Sciences: School Media. The Certificate of Advanced Study in School Media is for those who already possess an accredited master’s degree in library and information science. The designed outcome of these programs is to lead to a Library Media Specialist Initial Certificate within New York. Other state licensing boards may require applicants to hold a teaching credential and/or have prior professional teaching experience to work as a school media specialist.
The information below provides a state by state breakdown of comparable licenses, including a determination of eligibility for licensure. This information provided is designed as a baseline determination of whether the program meets individual state specific requirements. Other licenses may be more applicable and/or require additional standards. Licensure requirements and appropriate pathways/grade levels are subject to change and may differ based on individual student backgrounds, including coursework taken outside the scope of the program. Students should do their own due diligence and determine the appropriate pathway and license type for themselves.
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Alabama
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Provisional Certificate
Accreditation Requirements: Senior institution that is regionally accredited
Is Reciprocity Required: Yes – Alabama professional educator certification is offered on the basis of valid professional educator certificates issued by other states, and only if the professional educator certificate issued by another state is in an area, at a grade level, and at a degree level in which Alabama offers comparable professional certification. Alabama certification is not offered on the basis of educator preparation programs completed, online or in-residence, at non-Alabama institutions. No exceptions will be made to allow the recognition of programs completed at non-Alabama institutions.
Professional Experience: Two full years of full-time, professional educational work experience
Curriculum Requirement(s): At least 30 semester hours of graduate credit
Field Experience Requirement(s): The internship must consist of at least 300 clock hours, with at least half of the time in one or more P-12 school libraries, including elementary and secondary grades.
Examination(s): Applicants must:
- Meet the requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP), which may include a.) Basic Skills Assessment, b.) Praxis II, and/or c.) a performance assessment; and
- Verify current passing score on Praxis II subject area test(s).
State Regulation(s): Alabama – Regulations; Alabama – Out-of-State FAQ
State Board: Alabama – State Department of Education – Teacher Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Alaska
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Special Services Certificate (Type C)
Accreditation Requirements: Regionally accredited institution of higher education
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): The state specifically identifies the following coursework requirements; additional coursework may be required as part of the approved preparation program:
- Three semester hours in Alaska studies; and
- Three semester hours in multicultural education or cross-cultural communications. Please note: If applicants are unable to meet the above curriculum requirements, they will be issued a Provisional Type C Special Services Certificate and will have to complete the required coursework by the certificate’s expiration date.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
Additional Requirements:
The following trainings must be completed:
- Alcohol- and drug-related disabilities;
- Sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention;
- Dating violence awareness and prevention; and
- Youth suicide awareness and prevention.
State Regulation(s): Alaska – Regulations
State Board: Alaska – Department of Education & Early Development – Teacher Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Arizona
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Library-Media Specialist, PreK-12
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience:
- One year of verified full-time teaching experience; and
- Must hold a valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary or Special Education certificate.ate.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Subject Knowledge Competency.
Additional Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate subject knowledge proficiency, which may be satisfied through one of the following:
- A passing score on the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA)/National Evaluation Series (NES) School Library Media Specialist (NT 502) exam;
- A passing score on a similar exam from another state or agency;
- Official transcripts documenting a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in Library Science from an accredited institution; or
- Verification of three years of full-time experience as a PreK-12 school library-media specialist in any state, including Arizona.
State Regulation(s): Arizona – Regulations
State Board: Arizona – Department of Education – Educator Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Arkansas
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Standard License – Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements:
- An accredited college or university; or
- An educator preparation program that is nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by a.) the United States Department of Education, b.) the Council for Higher Education, or c.) the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Is Reciprocity Required: Yes – reciprocity to a person who holds a current or expired Standard License (or Standard License Equivalent) from another state if they meet requirements.
Professional Experience: Three years of teaching under the out-of-state license. However, if the applicant has not completed three years of teaching under the out-of-state license, they need to submit an official score report, showcasing passing scores on the appropriate content-area assessments required by the licensing state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Content area testing required for the out-of-state license, if applicable.
Additional Requirements: Documentation of the following professional development requirements:
- Child Maltreatment/Mandated Reporting;
- Family and Community Engagement;
- Mental Health Awareness and Teen Suicide Awareness and Prevention;
- Bullying Prevention;
- Dyslexia;
- Human Trafficking; and
- Arkansas History.
Note: If students are unable to meet the professional development requirements, a provisional license will be issued.
State Regulation(s): Arkansas – Regulations
State Board: Arkansas – Division of Elementary & Secondary Education – The Office of Educator Effectiveness and Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
California
What is Issued: Credential
Name of Credential: Teacher Librarian Services Credential
Accreditation Requirements: Regionally accredited college or university and approved by the appropriate state agency where the coursework was completed
Is Reciprocity Required: No – However, the program must be comparable to a program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation
Professional Experience: Hold a valid prerequisite California teaching credential as follows:
- Credential that required completion of a professional teacher preparation program, including student teaching; or
- Clear full-time designated subjects teaching credential.
Curriculum Requirement(s): A professional preparation program in teacher librarian services of at least 30 graduate semester units
Field Experience Requirement(s): Successful completion of a supervised field work.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state
Additional Requirements:
- A photocopy of the out-of-state credential; or
- A letter from the issuing state’s licensing agency verifying eligibility for the credential; and
- Possession of an English learner authorization.
State Regulation(s): California – Regulations
State Board: California – Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Colorado
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Teacher Librarian
Accreditation Requirements: An approved program from an accepted institution of higher education
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Hold a valid Colorado teacher license
Curriculum Requirement(s): The program must be in library science, media science, or similar area
Field Experience Requirement(s): Supervised practicum or internship which includes both elementary and secondary school library experience.
Examination(s): Individuals completing programs outside Colorado may be required to demonstrate content knowledge and competency via the Praxis 5312 exam.
State Regulation(s): Colorado – Regulations; Colorado – Teacher Endorsement Requirements
State Board: Colorado – Department of Education – Educator Licensing
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Connecticut
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: School Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: An approved graduate program of certification for school library media specialists
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: The applicant must:
- Hold or be eligible for a Connecticut certificate.
- Complete at least ten school months of successful teaching.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of credit in an approved graduate program of certification for school library media specialists, which shall include at least 12 semester hours of credit to be distributed among each of the following:
- Design, implementation and evaluation of media programs. Media programs here are defined as all the instructional and other services furnished to students and teachers by a media center and its staff;
- Evaluation, selection, acquisition, organization, production and retrieval of media. Media here are defined as printed and audiovisual forms of communications and their accompanying technology;
- Teaching students, staff and faculty to utilize media and its accompanying technology by applying valid instructional methods and techniques;
- Assisting students in the interpretation of print and non-print materials;
- Application of principles of administration and supervision for effective leadership and operation of the school library media center program;
- Formulation of the educational specifications and contribution to the design of school library media facilities; and
- A course of study in special education comprised of not fewer than 36 clock hours, which shall include study in understanding the growth and development of exceptional children, including handicapped and gifted and talented children and children who may require special education, and methods for identifying, planning for and working effectively with special-needs children in the regular classroom.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Connecticut – Regulations
State Board: Connecticut – State Department of Education – Bureau of Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Delaware
What is Issued: License and Certificate
Name of Credential:
- Initial License; and
- Standard Certificate – School Library Media Specialist.
Accreditation Requirements: Regionally accredited college or university that is approved by the American Library Association (ALA) or meets their standards.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Complete a school library media program.
Field Experience Requirement(s): A supervised internship or practicum.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Delaware – Regulations
State Board: Delaware – Department of Education – Licensure and Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
District of Columbia
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Initial School Service Provider – School Librarian/Media Specialist (K-12)
Accreditation Requirements: An accredited institution
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): 21 semester credits in library and information science, including the following:
- Cataloging and classification;
- Computerized applications of library automation and information access;
- Instructional media design and production;
- Organization of school library media programs and collections;
- Reference sources and services;
- Evaluation, selection, and utilization of instructional media for children and young people; and
- Integration of library resources into the curriculum.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Directed field experience with an experienced library media specialist.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
Additional Requirements: A copy of your active full credential held in another state or submit a completed District of Columbia (DC) Local Education Agency (LEA) Request Form for an initial credential signed by the hiring official of the DC LEA where you are seeking employment.
State Regulation(s): District of Columbia – Regulations;
District of Columbia – Initial School Service Provider Certification
State Board: District of Columbia – Office of the State Superintendent of Education – Educator Credentialing and Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Florida
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Educational Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation association
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Must complete a program in educational media or library science.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
Notes: The information has been provided by the state and is not available online.
State Regulation(s): Florida – Regulations
State Board: Florida – Department of Education – Educator Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Georgia
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: School Librarian
Accreditation Requirements: State-approved certification program.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s):
- Complete a School Librarian program at the master’s degree level; and
- Satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) content knowledge assessment
State Regulation(s): Georgia – Regulations
State Board: Georgia – Professional Standards Commission – Educator Certification Division
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Hawaii
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Provisional License – School Librarian
Accreditation Requirements:
- Regionally accredited institution; and
- State-approved librarian education program.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): While the state does not specify the hours or type of settings for field experience, they require preparation programs to obtain an Affiliation Agreement (AA) with the Department of Education prior to the placement of candidates.
Examination(s): Demonstrate basic skills and subject area competency in a manner prescribed by the board
State Regulation(s): Hawaii – Regulations
State Board: Hawaii – Teacher Standards Board
Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirement
Federal Disclosure Reasoning: Programs must complete the AA in order to place students at sites for field experiences. The program does not have this agreement.
Idaho
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Standard Instructional Certificate – Teacher Librarian (K-12)
Accreditation Requirements:
- An accredited college or university; and
- State board approved educator preparation program.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s):
- Minimum of 20 semester credit hours in the philosophical, psychological, methodological foundations, instructional technology, and in the professional subject matter of education, which shall include demonstration of competencies as specified in the Idaho comprehensive literacy plan.
- To receive endorsement in one field of teaching, preparation must consist of completion of at least 45 semester credit hours in a single subject area.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Complete a minimum of six graduate semester credit hours of student teaching
Examination(s): Meet or exceed the state qualifying score on the state board approved content area and pedagogy assessments
State Regulation(s): Idaho – Regulations
State Board: Idaho – Department of Education – Educator Certification
Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirement
Federal Disclosure Reasoning: The program does not meet state-required credit hours.
Illinois
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Professional Educator License – Library Information Specialist
Accreditation Requirements:
- Regionally accredited institution of higher education; and
- State approved program in the program’s home state.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state
Curriculum Requirement(s): The program must:
- Be aligned to the American Library Association (ALA)/American Association of School Librarians (AASL), School Librarian Preparation Standards; and
- Include the following: a.) Methods of instruction of the exceptional children in cross-categorical special education; b.) Methods of reading and reading in the content area; and c.) Instructional strategies for English learners.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Student teaching or equivalent experience
Examination(s): Applicants must pass the applicable content test(s).
State Regulation(s): Illinois – Regulations; Illinois – Library Information Specialist
State Board: Illinois – State Board of Education – Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Indiana
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: School Librarian
Accreditation Requirements: An institution of higher education and a program approved by the board
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Must hold a master of arts in teaching in a content area
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Must demonstrate proficiency in an applicable content area
State Regulation(s): Indiana – Regulations
State Board: Indiana – Office of Educator Effectiveness and Licensing
Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements
Federal Disclosure Reasoning: The program does not lead to a masters of arts in teaching in a content area.
Iowa
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Librarian – School Teacher: K-8, 5-12, or PK-12
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: The endorsement may be added after issuance of teaching, administrative, or school service personnel license
Curriculum Requirement(s): Completion of 24 semester hours in school library coursework to include the following:
- Literacy and reading;
- Information and knowledge; and
- Program administration and leadership.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Completion of practicum.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Iowa – Regulations; Iowa – Adding an Endorsement to a License
State Board: Iowa – Department of Education – Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Kansas
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Initial School Specialist License – Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: An accredited institution
Is Reciprocity Required: Yes – Must hold an out-of-state standard school specialist license
Professional Experience:
- Must hold a currently valid professional teaching license; and
- Verification of at least one year of recent experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit earned during the six-year period immediately preceding the application.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Successful completion of a school specialist content assessment.
State Regulation(s): Kansas – Regulations
State Board: Kansas – State Department of Education – Teacher Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Kentucky
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: School Media Librarian
Accreditation Requirements:
- Accredited or approved, as applicable, by the provider’s state of origin;
- Regionally or nationally accredited; and
- Accredited by an educator preparation accreditor approved by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).
Is Reciprocity Required: No – However, the applicant must meet the degree, academic preparation, and grade point average requirements for issuance of the teacher license or certificate equivalent to the Kentucky statement of eligibility from the state, territory, or province where the applicant completed his or her preparation program.
Professional Experience:
- Provide verification of at least two years of full-time classroom teaching experience at the appropriate grade level(s); or
- If the applicant has less than two years of experience, provide passing scores for Praxis II Specialty Area tests for each area of certification as well as the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test for appropriate grade range.
Curriculum Requirement(s): The curriculum requirements must be approved by the responsible state education agency for teacher or administrative certification.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): If the applicant has less than two years of experience, provide passing scores for Praxis II Specialty Area tests for each area of certification as well as the PLT test for appropriate grade range.
Additional Information: The state requires the program to complete multiple steps in order to be approved by the EPSB in order to operate.
State Regulation(s): Kentucky – Regulations; Kentucky – Educators Trained Out-of-State
State Board: Kentucky – Department of Education – Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness
Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirement
Federal Disclosure Reasoning: The state requires the program to be approved by the Education Professionals Standards Board in order to operate. The program is not currently approved.
Louisiana
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: School Librarian
Accreditation Requirements: The institution must be accredited.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Applicants must hold a valid Out-of-State (OS), type C, level 1, or higher Louisiana teaching certificate.
Curriculum Requirement(s): 18 semester hours in library science, as follows:
- Elementary and/or secondary school library materials, nine semester hours; and
- Organization, administration, and interpretation of elementary and/or secondary school library service, six semester hours.
Field Experience Requirement(s):
- Elementary and/or secondary school library practice, three semester hours; or
- Three years of successful experience as a school librarian.
Examination(s): Praxis Library examination.
State Regulation(s): Louisiana – Regulations – Title 28: CXXXI
State Board: Louisiana- Department of Education – Teach Louisiana
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Maine
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: The program must be aligned with American Library Association (ALA)/American Association of School Librarians (AASL)/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) school librarian preparation standards.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): 36 semester hours in library science coursework, including:
- An approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom.
- Three semester hours in diversity-centered content related to today’s classroom (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, intercultural education, second language acquisition or world language teaching methods).
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Demonstrate competency in all of the School Librarian Preparation Standards.
State Regulation(s): Maine – Regulations
State Board: Maine – Department of Education – Certification and Credentialing
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Maryland
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: An approved program leading to licensure as a library media specialist in another state
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): The state specifically identifies the following coursework requirements; additional coursework may be required as part of the approved preparation program: The applicant must present three semester hours or State-approved continuing professional development (CPD) credits in special education coursework.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Maryland – Regulations
State Board: Maryland – State Department of Education – Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Massachusetts
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Teacher, Library
Accreditation Requirements: State-approved educator preparation program in a state with which Massachusetts has signed the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Applicants must complete 150 hours at each of any two of the following levels: PreK–6, 5–8, 8–12.
Examination(s):
- Communication and Literacy Skills test; and
- Passing score on the subject matter knowledge test(s) appropriate to the license sought, where available, based on the subject matter knowledge requirements set forth in the Subject Matter Knowledge Guidelines.
State Regulation(s): Massachusetts – Regulations; Massachusetts – Routes to Initial Teacher and Specialist Teacher Licenses
State Board: Massachusetts – Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Office of Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Michigan
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Library Media
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No – However, the applicant must complete an out-of-state program with requirements the superintendent of public instruction considers equivalent to those in effect in this state that lead to the endorsement.
Professional Experience: Applicants must hold a Michigan teaching certificate.
Curriculum Requirement(s): While specific coursework is not prescribed, Michigan’s Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Library Media address the following areas:
- Teaching for Learning;
- Literacy and Reading;
- Information and Knowledge;
- Advocacy and Leadership; and
- Program Management and Administration.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Applicants must pass the corresponding Michigan Test for Teacher Certification.
State Regulation(s): Michigan – Regulations; Michigan – Adding an Endorsement to a MI Teaching Certificate
State Board: Michigan – Department of Education – Educator Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Minnesota
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimumecondary Schools.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Must complete a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board preparation program
Field Experience Requirement(s):
- Minimum of 100 hours of targeted field-based experiences prior to student teaching
- 12 continuous weeks student teaching period; and
- Experience must be at three different levels, including: a.) kindergarten through grade 6, b.) grades 5 through 8, and c.) grades 9 through 12.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Minnesota – Regulations
State Board: Minnesota – Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements
Federal Disclosure Reasoning: Applicants must complete a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board preparation program. The program does not meet this requirement.
Mississippi
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Library/Media
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Praxis Subject Assessment.
State Regulation(s): Mississippi – Regulations
State Board: Mississippi – Department of Education – Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Missouri
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Initial Certificate of License – Library Media Specialist K-12
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No – However, if an educator is completing or has completed a teacher education program in another state, it would be beneficial to obtain that state’s certificate whether one plans to reside in that state or not.
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Complete at least 30 semester hours in the following content knowledge areas and demonstration of competency to the satisfaction of the educator preparation institution:
- Foundations of Librarianship, three semester hours;
- Library Media Administration, three semester hours;
- Developing and Managing Collections, three semester hours;
- Organizing Information, three semester hours;
- Reference Sources and Services, three semester hours;
- Action Research in School Libraries, three semester hours;
- Children’s, Adolescent, or Young Adult Literature, three semester hours;
- Library Systems and Information Technologies, three semester hours; and
- Curriculum and the Media Center, three semester hours.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Complete field and clinical experiences, three semester hours
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s):
Missouri – Regulations;
Missouri – Become Certified Teacher
State Board: Missouri – Department of Elementary & Secondary Education – Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Montana
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Class 2 Standard Teacher’s License – Library K-12 Endorsement
Accreditation Requirements: An institutionally accredited college or university
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Applicants must be eligible for a Class 2 license.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Must include supervised teaching experience
Examination(s): PRAXIS Subject Assessment
Additional Requirements: Completion and verification of the free, online course “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana”
State Regulation(s):
State Board: Montana – Office of Public Instruction – Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Nebraska
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: School Librarian
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Must hold teaching certificate or concurrently earn a subject or field endorsement
Curriculum Requirement(s): 30 semester hours must be completed, including:
- Leadership;
- Library Administration;
- Technology;
- Information Access;
- Children’s and Young Adult Literature;
- Resource Management; and
- Curriculum and Instruction.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state
State Regulation(s): Nebraska – Regulations
State Board: Nebraska – Department of Education – Educator Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Nevada
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: School Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements:
- Approved by the Board of a regional accrediting association; or
- American Library Association (ALA).
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Must hold a valid elementary, middle school or junior high school, secondary or special teaching license
Curriculum Requirement(s): If the program is not accredited by a regional accrediting association or the ALA – 21 semester credits, including the following courses:
- Organization and Administration of a School Library;
- Cataloging and Classification of Materials for a Library;
- Reference, Bibliography, and Information Skills;
- Use and Selection of Educational Media for a Library;
- Children’s and Young Adults’ Literature; and
- Computers in the Library.
Field Experience Requirement(s): If the program is not accredited by a regional accrediting association or the ALA – Supervised practicum in an elementary, middle or junior high school, or a secondary school library.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Nevada – Regulations
State Board: Nevada – Department of Education – Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
New Hampshire
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): The applicant must have skills, competencies, and knowledge in the following areas:
- Teaching for learning;
- Literacy and reading;
- Information and knowledge;
- Advocacy and leadership; and
- Program management and administration.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): New Hampshire – Regulations
State Board: New Hampshire – Department of Education – Bureau of Credentialing
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
New Jersey
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Certificate of Eligibility – School Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: An accredited college or university
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): New Jersey – Regulations
State Board: New Jersey – Department of Education – Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
New Mexico
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Library Media
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Must have an initial license
Curriculum Requirement(s): 24-36 semester hours in library media coursework
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Praxis exam School Librarian 5312
State Regulation(s): New Mexico – Regulations
State Board: New Mexico – Public Education Department – Professional Licensure Bureau
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
New York
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: School Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: Completion of a New York state registered program
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): 30 credits of school library content along with 21 credits of core pedagogy.
Field Experience Requirement(s):
- 100 hours total of onsite fieldwork spread between an elementary and a secondary setting.
- Applicants who do not hold a teaching certificate: Must complete 240 practicum hours at the elementary level and 240 hours at the secondary level.
- Applicants who hold a teaching certificate: Must complete 50 hours of practicum experiences.
Examination(s):
- New York State Teacher Certification Exam; and
- Content Specialty Test.
Additional Requirements: Complete the following workshops:
- Dignity for All Students Act; and
- Child Abuse Detection.
State Regulation(s): New York – Regulations
State Board: New York State Education Department – Office of Teaching Initiatives – Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
North Carolina
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Media Coordinator
Accreditation Requirements: Completion of an educator preparation program recognized by the jurisdiction in which the educator preparation program has its principal place of business
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): National Teacher Examinations (NTE)/Praxis Library Media Specialist
State Regulation(s): North Carolina – Regulations; North Carolina – Licensure for Administrators and Student Services
State Board: North Carolina – Department of Public Instruction – Educator’s Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
North Dakota
What is Issued: Credential
Name of Credential: Library Media Credential
Accreditation Requirements: State-approved program that is an approved program for library media in that state and meets or exceeds North Dakota standards. For out-of-state programs, North Dakota recognizes programs that meet program approval standards and are identified through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Must be licensed to teach or approved to teach by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board
Curriculum Requirement(s): Must meet credential standards, including:
- The learner and learning;
- Planning for instruction;
- Knowledge of application and content;
- Organization and access; and
- Leadership, advocacy, and professional responsibility.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): North Dakota – Regulations
State Board: North Dakota – Education Standards and Practices Board
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Ohio
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Library/Media
Accreditation Requirements: Applicants must complete an approved, traditional teacher preparation program through an accredited college or university.
Is Reciprocity Required: Yes – Must hold a standard or professional out-of-state teaching license.
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s):
- Content area exam(s); and
- Professional knowledge/pedagogy exam for educator licensure.
State Regulation(s): Ohio – Regulations; Ohio – Out-of-State Licensure
State Board: Ohio – State Board of Education – Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Oklahoma
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: Approved by the Department of Education in another state
Is Reciprocity Required: No – However, the applicant must submit the following form: Verification of State-Approved Teacher Education Program from Non-Oklahoma College/University. If Oklahoma has a comparable certification area, the applicant may be able to obtain the equivalent Oklahoma certification area by passing the appropriate Oklahoma examination(s).
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s):
- The Oklahoma approved subject area test is required for all possible areas.
- An Oklahoma approved professional education assessment (Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK)/Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT)/Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination (OPTE)) is required for most areas.
State Regulation(s): Oklahoma – Regulations; Oklahoma – Out-of-State Reciprocity
State Board: Oklahoma – State Department of Education – Teacher Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Oregon
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Library Media
Accreditation Requirements: Commission-approved Library Media preparation program
Is Reciprocity Required: No – However, the applicant must complete a program that results in eligibility for the endorsement on a teaching license in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) jurisdiction.
Professional Experience: Must hold an existing Preliminary, Professional, Teacher Leader, or Legacy License
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Submit evidence of meeting the required content knowledge and pedagogy skills.
State Regulation(s): Oregon – Regulations; Oregon – Evidence of Content Knowledge and Pedagogy Skills
State Board: Oregon – Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirement
Federal Disclosure Reasoning: The state requires applicants to complete an Oregon Commission-approved library media preparation program. The program is not approved.
Pennsylvania
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Library Science PK-12
Accreditation Requirements: A nationally accredited college/university
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Student teaching/internship/practicum or field experience.
Examination(s):
- Fundamental Subjects (for all subject areas PK-12); and
- Content area test(s).
State Regulation(s): Pennsylvania – Regulations
State Board: Pennsylvania – Department of Education – Certification Services
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Rhode Island
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Library Media Teacher, Grades PK-12
Accreditation Requirements:
- Regionally accredited institution; and
- A state-approved out-of-state preparation program
Is Reciprocity Required: No – However, applicants must complete a preparation program that leads to comparable certification in Rhode Island.
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Must demonstrate the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS)
Field Experience Requirement(s):
- Completion of a minimum of one year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area; and
- Minimum of 60 hours field experience prior to and following residency.
Examination(s): Meet all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements.
State Regulation(s): Rhode Island – Regulations; Rhode Island – How to Get Certified
State Board: Rhode Island – Department of Education – Educator Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
South Carolina
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: The institution of higher education must meet the following criteria:
- Be regionally accredited; and
- Be approved either by that state’s licensing authority or by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); and
- The program must be approved for certification by the educator licensing agency in the state in which it is located.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Submit the required teaching content area examination score(s) and the required score on the examination of general professional knowledge (pedagogy)
Additional Information: It is highly recommended that educators seeking to enroll in an online institution of higher education submit a request for pre-approval.
State Regulation(s): South Carolina – Regulations; South Carolina – Online and Out of State Programs and Coursework
State Board: South Carolina – Department of Education – Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
South Dakota
What is Issued: Permit
Name of Credential: Library Science
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Pass the state-designated pedagogy test and content test.
State Regulation(s): South Dakota – Regulations
State Board: South Dakota – Department of Education – Educator Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Tennessee
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Practitioner License
Accreditation Requirements: A regionally accredited college or university
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Qualifying scores on required content assessments
Additional Requirements: Meet Tennessee Literacy Success Act requirements as evidenced by completion of a qualifying training or assessment, if applicable
State Regulation(s): Tennessee – Regulations
State Board: Tennessee – Department of Education – Educator Licensure & Preparation
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Texas
What is Issued: Certificate
Name of Credential: School Librarian
Accreditation Requirements: Accredited institution of higher education that at the time was accredited or otherwise approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Is Reciprocity Required: This is not specified by the state.
Professional Experience: Applicants must have two creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Structured, field-based training must be focused on actual school-based experiences to include experiences with diverse types of students and grade levels.
Examination(s): Must complete required testing.
State Regulation(s): Texas – Regulations
State Board: Texas Education Agency – Certification
Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirement
Federal Disclosure Reasoning: The program is unable to confirm that applicants have the required two years of teaching experience.
Utah
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Library Media K-12
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum
Is Reciprocity Required: This is not specified by the state.
Professional Experience: Yes – Applicants must hold a current Utah Educator License with an Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education area of concentration.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Applicants must meet the following requirement areas through university coursework, a microcredential stack, or a qualifying master’s degree in Library Science or Instructional Technology with an emphasis in school library:
- The Learner and Learning;
- Planning for Instruction;
- Knowledge and Application of Content;
- Organization and Access;
- Leadership, Advocacy, and Professional Responsibility; and
- Technology.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Utah – Regulations
State Board: Utah – State Board of Education – Educator Licensing
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Vermont
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: School Librarian
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): 18 credits in library and information science, including the following content areas:
- Teaching for Learning;
- Literacy and Reading;
- Information and Knowledge;
- Advocacy and Leadership; and
- Program Management and Administration.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Practicum or equivalent, in school library media services and instruction divided equally between a PK-6 and 7-12 setting.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Vermont – Regulations
State Board: Vermont – Agency of Education – Educator Licensure
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Virginia
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Library Media K-12
Accreditation Requirements:
- Regionally accredited college or university; and
- An approved preparation program.
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): Applicants must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours, including at least three semester hours in each of the following areas:
- Human development and learning (birth through adolescence);
- Curriculum and instruction;
- Assessment of and for learning;
- Foundations of education and the teaching profession;
- Classroom and behavior management; and
- Language and literacy.
Field Experience Requirement(s): Supervised school library media practicum. This must include at least 150 clock hours spent in direct teaching at the level of endorsement in a public or accredited nonpublic school.
Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.
State Regulation(s): Virginia – Regulations
State Board: Virginia – Department of Education – Teaching in Virginia
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Washington
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Library Media
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Must hold teaching certificate to add endorsement
Curriculum Requirement(s): Complete related methods coursework in the desired endorsement area
Field Experience Requirement(s): Complete a supervised practicum which includes teaching in the specific endorsement area
Examination(s): Content testing
State Regulation(s): Washington – Regulations
State Board: Washington – Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
West Virginia
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: School Library/Media K-12
Accreditation Requirements: While it’s not specified by the state, it’s standard that a program must possess regional accreditation at minimum
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: Applicants must hold a valid Professional Teaching certificate.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s): Praxis II – 5312: School Librarian.
State Regulation(s): West Virginia – Regulations – Policy 5202; West Virginia – Licensure Testing Directory
State Board: West Virginia – Department of Education – Office of Certification
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Wisconsin
What is Issued: License
Name of Credential: Instructional Library Media Specialist
Accreditation Requirements: Must complete an approved program in the subject area
Is Reciprocity Required: No
Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Examination(s):
- Content Knowledge; and
- Pedagogical Assessment.
State Regulation(s): Wisconsin – Regulations
State Board: Wisconsin – Department of Public Instruction – Educator Licensing
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement
Wyoming
What is Issued: Endorsement
Name of Credential: Library Media
Accreditation Requirements:
- Regionally accredited college or university; and
- An approved educator preparation program.
Is Reciprocity Required: No – However, applicants must be eligible for licensure in the state where the university is located.
Professional Experience: Must hold a current, valid Wyoming license
Curriculum Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.
Field Experience Requirement(s): The program must include student teaching.
Examination(s): Must meet the testing requirements for the state where the educator preparation program is located
State Regulation(s): Wyoming – Regulations; Wyoming – Out-of-State Applicants
State Board: Wyoming – Professional Teaching Standards Board
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement