Library and Information Science: School Media Licensure Notice

This information is provided in good faith to applicants as of April 30, 2025.

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.

Students are expected to complete their own due diligence when researching licensure requirements.

Please confirm if the state you intend to practice in requires a teaching credential and/or prior professional experience before pursuing a career as a school media specialist by reaching out to your state licensing board.

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).
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):

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.

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 showcase subject knowledge proficiency through one of the following:

A passing score on the AEPA/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.
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: 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 the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education, or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Is Reciprocity Required: Yes – reciprocity shall be granted 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 – Educator 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): Basic Skills Requirement.

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.
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 Colorado initial or professional teacher license.

Curriculum Requirement(s): The program must be in library science or the equivalent.

Field Experience Requirement(s): Supervised practicum or internship which includes both elementary and secondary school library experience in a diverse K-12 setting.

Examination(s): This is not specified by the state.

Additional Requirement(s): The applicant must demonstrate knowledge and performance competency.

State Regulation(s): Colorado – Regulations

State Board: Colorado – Department of Education – Educator Talent Licensing Office

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: 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): This is not specified by the state.

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

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): 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 DC 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: Must be approved by one of the following:

A regional accreditation association; or
A non-accredited approved institution of higher learning shall be identified as having a quality program resulting in a bachelor’s or higher degree.

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 Requirements.

Georgia

What is Issued: Certificate.

Name of Credential: School Librarian P-12.

Accreditation Requirements: State-approved certification program.

Is Reciprocity Required: No.

Professional Experience: This is not specified by the state.

Curriculum Requirement(s):

Complete a Media Specialist program at the master’s degree level.
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.
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 Affiliation Agreement in order to place students at sites for field experiences.

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 twenty (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 (1) field of teaching, preparation must consist of completion of at least forty-five (45) semester credit hours in a single subject area.

Field Experience Requirement(s): Complete a minimum of six (6) graduate semester credit hours of student teaching. on the state board approved content area and pedagogy assessments.

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 – Certification

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement.

Federal Disclosure Reasoning: The program does not meet state-required credit hours.

Illinois

What is Issued: Endorsement.

Name of Credential: Library Information Specialist.

Accreditation Requirements: Regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Is Reciprocity Required: No – however, Illinois offers full reciprocity for all endorsements listed on a valid, comparable out-of-state license.

Professional Experience: Must hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations endorsed in a teaching field.

Curriculum Requirement(s): Must complete 18 semester hours.

Field Experience Requirement(s): This is not specified by the state.

Examination(s): Library Information Specialist test.

State Regulation(s): Illinois – Regulations

State Board: Illinois – State Board of Education – Educator Licensure

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet 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 a 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: 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 – How Do I Add 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: 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 professional teaching license.

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.

Additional Requirement(s): Verification of at least one year of recent accredited experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit.

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 Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test for appropriate grade range.

Additional Information: The state requires the program to complete multiple steps in order to be approved by the Education Professionals Standards Board 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 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 ALA/AASL/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 applicant must present 3 semester hours or state-approved 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.

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.
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.

Additional Requirements: Applicants must complete a program in a state with which Massachusetts has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner.

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): This is not specified by the state.

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: Regionally accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Colleges and Secondary 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):

100 hours prior to student teaching;
12 continuous weeks student teaching period; and
Experience must be at three different levels.

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: Must complete a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board preparation program.

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.
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):

Montana – Regulations

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): Passing score for the applicable content test as set forth by the Board.

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): 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): 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: Endorsement.

Name of Credential: 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.
Content Specialty Test for Library Media Specialists.

Additional Requirements: Complete the following workshops:

Dignity for All Students Act.
Child Abuse Detection.
School Violence Prevention.

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: An approved 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): This is not specified by the state.

Examination(s): NTE/Praxis Library Media Specialist.

State Regulation(s): North Carolina – Regulations

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.

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.
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: School 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): Must pass state competency exams.

State Regulation(s): Oklahoma – Regulations; Oklahoma – Traditional Path for Oklahoma Teacher Certification

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 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 – though the applicant should obtain a photocopy of the current and valid state certificate comparable to the Pennsylvania certificate, if available.

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).

Additional Requirements: Complete an Education Preparation Program Verification Form.

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.
An approved program in this certification area.

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: Approved by the State Board of Education.

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): Area examination(s) required by the State Board of Education.

State Regulation(s): South Carolina – Regulations

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 – 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 TN Literacy Success Act requirements as evidenced by completion of a qualifying training or assessment.

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: Two years of classroom experience required.

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): Must meet the following requirement areas:

The Learner and Learning.
Planning for Instruction.
Knowledge and Application of Content.
Organization and Access.
Leadership, Advocacy, and Professional Responsibility.
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.
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.
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 in the following:

Human development and learning (birth through adolescence): Three semester hours.
Curriculum and instruction: Three semester hours.
Assessment of and for learning: Three semester hours.
Foundations of education and the teaching profession: Three semester hours.
Classroom and behavior management: Three semester hours.
Language and literacy: Three semester hours.

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 – Teacher Certificate

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 educator preparation 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): 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.
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): If the educator does not already hold a teaching endorsement at the grade level(s) of the added endorsement, the program must include student teaching and/or a practicum at the grade level(s) of the added-endorsement.

Examination(s): Required state test in state where license is held.

State Regulation(s): Wyoming – Regulations; Wyoming – Out-of-State Applicants

State Board: Wyoming – Professional Teaching Standards Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirement.