Professional Certification Information 

"The board shall issue a certificate certifying as a professional librarian any person who requests certification upon a form prescribed by the board and who fulfills one or both of the following requirements:

1. Graduation from a library school accredited by the American Library Association...which, with due consideration of education, professional training, practical experience and demonstrated ability, shall satisfy the board that the candidate has the qualifications required for the satisfactory practice of library work.
2. The holding of an unexpired certificate issued by the proper authority in any state other than this commonwealth in which the requirements for certification are satisfactory to the board."

M.G.L., chapter 78, s. 29

"Certification is required of the library director, chief librarian, or librarian-in-charge in a city or town as a prerequisite to receive direct state aid to public libraries under M.G.L. c. 78, s. 19A."

605 CMR 3.01(3)

To receive a professional certificate of librarianship an applicant must submit:

1. A completed application (PDF) for certificate of librarianship. The application must be printed on bond paper.
2. A photocopy of either a certified statement of graduation with an MLS degree from an ALA- accredited library school, or a diploma awarding the applicant an MLS degree from an ALA- accredited library school.
3. A check for $45.00 made out to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Certification application fees are non-refundable.

When these items are received by the State Aid and Data Coordination Unit, a certificate will be signed by the Chair and Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and issued to the applicant. Please expect your certificate four to six weeks after we have received your application.