Skip to content

Certification

Ohio Public Librarian Certification

The Ohio Public Librarian Certification Program recognizes individual librarians who have met minimum standards established by the Ohio Library Council. An individual who meets these standards and has successfully completed the certification process is recognized as a Certified Public Librarian in Ohio.

The minimum standards for initial Ohio Public Librarian Certification are:

  • A master’s degree in library and information studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association
  • Two years of experience working in a library

Renewal of the certification requires:

  • 75 continuing education contact hours*
    *Contact hours must be earned during the five-year period immediately preceding renewal of the certificate.

The cost of certification is:

  • Initial Certification
    • $40 for OLC individual members
    • $80 for Non-members
  • Recertification
    • $40 for OLC individual members
    • $80 for Non-members

To apply or renew:
Complete application, provide payment and evidence of educational achievement and professional experience (initial) or Record of Professional Development Activities (renewal)

Ohio Public Librarian Certification Program (PDF, 8 pages)

Record of Professional Development Activities (PDF, 2 pages)

CPL Application Form (PDF, 1 page)

Ohio Public Library Staff Certification

The Ohio Public Library Staff Certification recognizes non-MLIS library staff members for their commitment to continuing education, the library profession and the Ohio library community.

The minimum standards for initial Ohio Public Library Staff Certification are:

  • a high school diploma, or equivalency;
  • two years of experience working in a library*; and
  • ten credit hours of approved continuing education experience within the past two years.

*Please note: A formal job description should be submitted with your Ohio Public Library Staff Certification application.

Renewal of the certification requires:

  • 50 continuing education contact hours*
    *Contact hours must be earned during the five-year period immediately preceding renewal of the certificate.

The cost of certification is:

  • Initial Certification
    • $30 for OLC individual members
    • $60 for Non-members
  • Recertification
    • $30 for OLC individual members
    • $60 for Non-members

To apply or renew:
Complete application, provide payment and evidence of educational achievement and professional experience (initial) or Record of Professional Development Activities (renewal)

Ohio Public Library Staff Certification Program (PDF, 8 pages)

Record of Professional Development Activities (PDF, 2 pages)

CPLS Application Form (PDF, 1 page)

If you have questions, contact OLC at olc@olc.org or (614) 410-8092.