K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification Program

The K-12 LIS Certification Program is designed for students who wish to work as a school Library Information Specialist in Illinois but DO NOT currently hold a teaching certificate. Students enrolled in the program will complete the requirements for certification concurrent with their M.S. or C.A.S. degree program.

Admission to the K-12 Library Information Specialist Certification Program requires the completion of a supplemental application that prospective students may submit at the same time as the application to the M.S. or C.A.S. in LIS programs or after acceptance as an M.S. or C.A.S. student.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Individuals applying to the K-12 LIS Certification Program must first meet the requirements for the degree program to which they are applying. Refer to the appropriate link, below:

• Minimum admission requirements for the M.S. in LIS program
• Minimum admission requirements for the C.A.S. in LIS program

In addition to those outlined on M.S. or C.A.S. admission pages, applicants to the K-12 LIS Certification Program must also submit the following materials to GSLIS:

• Original score report showing a passing score on the Illinois Basic Skills Test. More information about this test, including test dates, locations, registration fees and content can be found on the ICTS Web site.
• K-12 LIS Certification Program Application Form
• One- to two-page interview essay (with a school librarian)
• One- to two-page "commitment to education" essay

Submitting K-12 LIS Certification Program with Degree Program Application Materials

Individuals applying to the K-12 LIS Certification program at the same time as applying to the M.S. or students applying to the C.A.S. who have an M.S. from a school other than GSLIS should:

1. Complete the online Graduate College application in accordance with the directions provided in the M.S. and C.A.S. admission pages.
   • When prompted to upload the required supporting documents, follow the instructions provided by GSLIS for uploading a resume and personal statement.
   • In the third available space, upload the one- to two-page interview essay and the one- to two-page "commitment to education" essay.
2. Mail the following documents to GSLIS Admissions, 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211:
   • K-12 LIS Certification Program Application
   • Basic Skills Test original score report
3. Contact all colleges and universities attended prior to applying to GSLIS and request that official transcript(s) be sent directly to:
   
   Graduate School of Library and Information Science
   501 East Daniel Street
   Champaign, IL 61820-6211

Information about resources to assist domestic underrepresented applicants in available here.

Individuals applying to the CAS/K-12 LIS Certification program who have an M.S. from GSLIS should:

1. Refer to the Admission Deadlines page for dates documents are due to the GSLIS Admissions Office.
2. Print and fill out the Web-based application form. Do not submit application online or pay application fee. Instead, mail this form, along with the following documents, to the GSLIS Admissions Office:
• A current resume
• A one- to two-page personal statement indicating a commitment to advanced study, your reasons for seeking the C.A.S. and an outline of a proposed program of study, including possible C.A.S. project areas.
• Letters of reference from three individuals: at least one from a GSLIS core faculty member who would be the person supporting your C.A.S. project, and the remainder from employers or LIS professionals.
• Transcripts (Contact the GSLIS Admissions Office for transcripts required).
• K-12 LIS Certification Program Application
• Basic Skills Test original score report
• A new interview essay, if the original M.S. admissions interview was not conducted with a school librarian
• The one- to two-page "commitment to education" essay.
3. If accepted to the C.A.S. program you will be instructed to complete a Graduate Petition for Re-entry and Change of Curriculum Code and a Graduate Student Re-entry Data Form.

Submitting Admission Materials After Acceptance Into A Degree Program

Current M.S. or C.A.S. students who wish to apply to the K-12 LIS Certification program should:

1. Mail the following materials to GSLIS Admissions, 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211:
   • A new one- to two-page interview essay, if the original admissions interview was not conducted with a school librarian
   • The one- to two-page "commitment to education" essay
   • K-12 LIS Certification Program Application
   • Basic Skills Test original score report
2. Adhere to the deadlines for current students to apply to the K-12 program:
   • October 15 for spring semester admission
   • January 15 for fall semester admission

(NOTE: current students must be accepted into the program the semester before registering for the required school practicum course.)

SEARCH