Certifications for MLS holders

NCCU School of Library and Information Sciences

Certification Requirements for Students Already Holding the MLS

Certification only candidates must:

  1. Meet the University’s teacher education program’s professional knowledge requirements or their equivalents (as determined through transcript evaluation by the Dean of the School of Library and Information Sciences).
  2. Provide evidence of having the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) K-12 competencies for School Media Coordinators (as determined through transcript evaluation by the Dean of the School of Library and Information Sciences).
  3. Complete at least 12 semester hours of course work at North Carolina Central University.
  4. Pass the Praxis II (5311) test. Unofficial copies of Praxis II scores must be sent to your faculty advisor and the Executive Assistant to the Dean.

If LSIS 5620, Practicum, is not taken at this University, the School’s Exit Criteria Form (click here) for School Media Coordinator (076) Competency must be completed satisfactorily by a certified media coordinator, principal, asst. principal, or a library media supervisor who has supervised the applicant’s work in a school media center.   All practicums must be completed at state-accredited institutions.

Distance learning students: Please consult your advisor regarding the Practicum.

To apply for licensure (after you have completed the MLS, passed Praxis II,  and met the additional requirements above), apply through the NCDPI Licensure Portal (click here); directions for the NCDPI Licensure Portal can be found here.  The NCCU Licensure officer is Dr. Clarence. E. Davis, Associate Professor and Elementary Education Coordinator /Licensure Officer (phone: 919-530-7910).

As part of the NCDPI licensing process you will be required to upload degree-dated transcripts and copies of passing Praxis II tests.

Please complete the SOE Verification Form.  This form must be signed by the MLS program coordinator. Mail or Fax the form to the program coordinator at 919-530-6402, and the coordinator will verify, sign, and forward it to Dr. Davis in the School of Education or back to the student. The mailing address for SLIS follows:

School of Library and Information Sciences
North Carolina Central University
P.O. Box 19586
1801 Fayetteville St
Durham, NC 27707

  • For individuals completing the recommendation through their school system please complete the SOE Verification Form and Form A (application form). These items should be sent to the program coordinator.
  • For individuals completing a recommendation for another state, please complete the SOE Verification Form and provide the other state’s licensing forms and information. These items should be sent to the program coordinator.  Note:  NCCU makes no guarantee on how another state recognizes our recommendation for licensure. The student is responsible for ensuring that out-of-state licensure requirements are met.

Important Points to Remember:

  • Use the Form A (application form) as a cover sheet.
  • There is one form that your advisor has to sign for you; please complete it (the SOE Verification Form) and mail or Fax it to the program coordinator and have it verified or signed.  Do not send any information over the Internet or by e-mail. Note: there is an NCDPI licensure application fee that is required.