School Library Media Specialist (SLMS) Certification

Prior to September 2019
Students who completed the Master of Information degree with the School Librarianship concentration and fulfilled the NJDOE’s education requirement qualify for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) as a School Library Media Specialist.

After September 2019
Students who complete the Master of Information degree with the School Librarianship concentration automatically qualify for the CEAS. No additional education coursework is required.

What to Expect
Once your diploma application is processed, the Office of Student Services will contact you with next steps. Rutgers will also submit your certification application and credentials directly to the New Jersey Department of Education on your behalf.

If You Earned Your Library Degree at Another Institution

If your library degree (MI, MLS, or MLIS) did not focus on school library media, you’ll likely need to complete additional coursework to meet New Jersey certification requirements.

How to Determine your Eligibility

1. Create an account at NJEdCert.
2. Apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS).
3. Pay the evaluation fee ($170 plus a small service fee). The NJDOE will:
   • Apply $70 to your transcript review/evaluation
   • Credit $100 to your NJEdCert account for future use when you officially apply for your when you officially apply for the CE or CEAS after completing any required coursework

Please note: Rutgers cannot evaluate transcripts or coursework from other institutions. The NJDOE will make that determination.

For Evaluation Questions, Contact the NJDOE

• 609-292-2070
• Use your NJEdCert account to submit questions
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

If the NJDOE determines that coursework is needed, you may apply to Rutgers as a non-degree student. [link non-degree student to Accordion Four)

Next Steps After Finishing the MI Program or Required Courses

Before submitting your certification application, first confirm with Student Services that you’ve met all requirements:

848-932-7500 | mi@comminfo.rutgers.edu 

How to Apply

1. Confirm completion with Student Services.
2. Complete the NJDOE Certification Application.
3. Email your application to: mi@comminfo.rutgers.edu.

What to Expect

• Rutgers will submit your nomination directly to the NJDOE.
• You’ll receive an email from NJEdCert prompting you to:
  • Accept the nomination
  • Answer oath questions
  • Submit the $170 certification fee (plus a small service fee)
• Your certification will be issued electronically via your NJEdCert account (paper copies are no longer mailed).

Note: If it has been more than two weeks since your application was submitted, please contact Student Services for follow-up support.

You may apply as a non-degree student if:

1. You earned your Master of Information at Rutgers but didn’t complete the School Librarianship concentration or education coursework.
2. You hold an MI, MLS, or MLIS degree from another institution and need to complete additional coursework for SLMS certification in New Jersey.

Recently graduated from Rutgers? Contact mi@comminfo.rutgers.edu before submitting your application.

Steps for NJDOE Evaluation

Before applying to Rutgers, you must get an official evaluation from the NJDOE:

• Create an account at NJEdCert
• Apply for your CE or CEAS
• Pay the $170 evaluation fee (includes $70 evaluation and $100 future credit)

Non-Degree Application Process

1. Submit the Rutgers Graduate Application by the appropriate deadline:
   • Choose “Non-Degree Application”
   • Select “Professional Credit Programs”
   • Choose “SC&I Professional Development” as the program
2. Upload the following:
   • Official transcript showing degree conferral
   • NJDOE certification evaluation
   • $70 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines

• Fall (September start): August 1
• Spring (January start): December 1
• Summer (May start): April 15

Once admission, you’ll receive registration instructions. You’ll also need to request special permission numbers from Student Services to register for courses.