Frequently Asked Questions

The requirements are determined by the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) and are listed in the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.), specifically in sections 6A:9-13.14 and 6A:9-13.15. Significant revisions to the Code for school library certifications were enacted in 2004, 2006 and 2015. If you would like to read the official language, visit the DOE website.

No, these two certifications are Educational Services certifications, not instructional certifications. It is important to note, however, that certified teachers and individuals who are not certified as teachers may hold school library certifications, as the state allows individuals to fulfill the education requirements for ASLMS and SLMS certification in several different ways.

Certificate of Eligibility (CE) is a credential with lifetime validity that can be issued if a student has completed the library studies requirements for certification (either School Library Media Specialist or Associate School Library Media Specialist), or if the student has a MI but still needs some additional library studies courses.

Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) is a credential with lifetime validity that can be issued if a student has completed the library studies requirements for certification (either School Library Media Specialist or Associate School Library Media Specialist) and has also fulfilled one of the options for the education coursework (i.e., are a certified teacher, completed a teacher prep program, or completed a sequence in education for school librarians, as outlined in the education requirements tab).

Either credential allows students to seek and accept employment in positions requiring certification. If a school district is seeking an Associate School Library Media Specialist, candidates can apply with possession of a CE or CEAS for Associate School Library Media Specialist, and the district can make a job offer.

The American Association of School Librarians maintains a website with information about what school librarians do, job outlook, and other interesting information. Other relevant information is available on the website of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians.

A school library focus within a Master of Education program will provide library employment options within the K-12 school environment. Of the New Jersey colleges and universities that offer programs for school librarianship, seven are within schools of education. On the other hand, a school library focus within a Master of Library and Information Science program qualifies students for school library positions and for positions in public libraries, college libraries, and other environments should a person wish to move out of K-12. These other types of libraries do not accept either a master’s in education or the Associate School Library Media certification for positions designated as “librarian.”

There is some general reciprocity, but the best answer is “it depends.” Different states have different state requirements. A state-by-state search at Libraries Unlimited is the best resource. The website outlines the requirements for state licensing for School Library Media Specialist.