Library-Media Specialist, PreK-12 Endorsement
Overview: The Library-Media Specialist, PreK-12 endorsement is optional but may be required by local governing boards. This endorsement will automatically renew with the certificate on which it is attached. Requirements for certification are subject to change and fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.
Out-of-State Certificate Holders: If you hold a valid, comparable educator certificate or endorsement in another state, please see the Certification Reciprocity Requirements for information on applying under reciprocity rules.
- Prerequisite Certificate: You must hold valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, or Special Education teaching certificate to add this endorsement.
- Application and Fee: A completed Application for Certification. The fee for this endorsement is $60. Certification fees are non-refundable.
- AZDPS IVP Card: Verify through the ADE Educator Portal that your valid Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) IVP fingerprint clearance card is on file with ADE or include a photocopy of the AZDPS IVP card with your application.
- Teaching Experience: Have your district/school human resources office complete and submit the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form. Note: One year of full-time teaching experience in preschool through grade 12 is required
- Subject Knowledge Proficiency: Submit a copy of the official score report documenting you passed the AEPA/NES School Library Media Specialist (NT502) exam results, or appropriate documentation to meet the subject knowledge requirement.
Applicants must meet all requirements.
- Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Early Childhood, or Special Education Certificate. -AND-
- Teaching Experience: Verification of one year of full-time teaching experience in preschool through grade 12. -AND-
- Subject Knowledge Proficiency: One of the following:
- Arizona Educator Exam: A passing score on the AEPA/NES School Library Media Specialist (NT 502) exam.
- Out-of-State Exam: A passing score on a similar exam from another state or agency.
- Degree in Library Science: Official transcripts documenting a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in Library Science from an accredited institution. If you completed your degree at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the "Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agencies" list for further information.
- Teaching Experience: Verification of three years of full-time experience as a PreK-12 school library-media specialist in any state, including Arizona.
- Experience as a Library-Media Specialist in a foreign country does not meet this requirement.
Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority
- Verification of Teaching Experience: Please forward the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form to your school/district human resources office with a request to verify your experience. The form must be submitted by school/district human resources to [email protected].
- Official transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
- Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected].
- Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490.
- Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
- Out-of-State Exam Score Reports: If you are using out-of-state exams to meet certification requirements, please include a copy of the out-of-state score report with your application and have exams verified as follows:
- Forward the "Verification of Out-of-State Exams" form to the state agency that accepted the exam. This form must be completed and submitted directly by an official with the state agency.
- If you are using Praxis exam(s), please have your scores reported by ETS to the Arizona Department of Education (8517).
Photocopies accepted
- AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
- Arizona Exams: Submit a photocopy of the AEPA/NES exam official score report.
