Alaska School Librarian Certification Guide - 2024

Initial School Librarian Licensure

In Alaska, you don’t have to have a regular (Type A) teaching certification to become a librarian. However, this does mean that you can’t work in a classroom! You are only certified to work as a Library Media Specialist. 

Librarians get a Type C Special Services Certification. If you’ve never received a license in the state of Alaska, you’ll begin with an Initial Type C Special Services Certification and then graduate to a traditional Regular Type C Special Services Certification.

Education Requirements

You must have a Bachelor’s Degree or better in Library Media Science or similar from a regionally accredited university. When you fill in your application, your institution will be required to fill out this form. You’ll also need to send copies of your applicable transcripts; have them as part of your application packet. Don’t send them directly to the Certification offices.

Find Library and Information Sciences degree programs in Alaska.

If you completed your degree outside of the United States, a complete, original Foreign Evaluation must be submitted with your application. 

As well as the degree, you’re required to participate in a selection of mandatory trainings to teach you to recognize warning signs of possible serious issues in the lives of your students. If you have done any of these in the past five years for another position, they may count towards the requirement.

Due to the rich cultural heritage of the state of Alaska, you’re also required to have at least 3 semester hours of approved Alaska studies coursework, and at least 3 semester hours of approved Alaska Multicultural coursework. This is usually one course for each requirement, and you can choose from a number of topics for each requirement. You may NOT choose a single course to get the credit for both. You must take a total of 6 credit hours.

If you do not already have the Alaska studies and multicultural coursework completed, you can apply for a shortened version of the Initial Type C Special Services Certification. This will last 2 years (instead of 5) and will allow you to finish the cultural education requirements while you’re working. 

Experience Requirements

To receive this certification, you do not need to have any previous experience. 

Testing Requirements

You do not need to take any Praxis tests or other tests for this certification. 

Background Checks

Part of your application includes a professionally completed fingerprint card that will be used to get a criminal background check both through the Alaska Department of Public Safety(DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Make sure to include the $60 background check fee with the application.

This background check ensures the safety of the students and the other employees.

Also, on the standard employment application, there are a series of questions asked about any criminal record you may have (and a spot to explain the situation).

Application Process

For licensure in the state of Alaska, licensure applications are paper only. For the Initial Type C License, you’ll need to include the following:

• The Standard Application
• The Initial Type C Special Services Application (this must be notarized)
• Your professionally taken fingerprints
• Official copies of your college transcripts
• State Approved Program Verification Form (filled out by your university)
• Certificates of completion for your four Mandatory trainings
• A total of $260 for licensing and the background check

Once you gather that information, send it in a packet to:

Adding A Library Media Endorsement as a Current Teacher

You do have the option of adding a library media endorsement to an existing Type A License for the state of Alaska if you’re already a certified teacher.

There are two ways to add a library science endorsement to your existing license: 

1. Complete An Endorsement Program: Complete a state-approved endorsement program and passing scores on the endorsement-related content area exam. If an endorsement is completed outside of Alaska, the applicant must be eligible to gain a comparable endorsement or certificate, including any required testing, for that state.
2. Get a Degree: Get a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Library Media or Library Science. 

Application Process

In the state of Alaska, this application is paper only. For the endorsement, you’ll need to include the following:

• A completed Add/Remove Special Services Endorsement Form
• Official copies of your college transcripts
• The $100 fee

Once you gather that information, send it in a packet to: