About the Certified Public Library Administrator Program
The Certified Public Library Administrator program is a voluntary post-MLS certification program for public librarians with three years or more of supervisory experience.
The Process
- Complete the application at http://ala-apa.org/certification/
- Submit the fee of $250 for ALA members
- Become a candidate (application reviews are quarterly)
- Complete four core and three electives within 5 years – CPLA Cources
- Submit Course Completion Forms with fee of $60 per competency for ALA members
- Complete the final review
- Enjoy the CPLA designation (for 5 years until you…
- Re-certify
Candidates complete seven courses – four core and three electives of their choice.
CPLA certification will enable public librarians to:
- Further their professional education and development.
- Move to a higher level of practical professional experience.
- Improve career opportunities through professional expertise.
- Demonstrate to colleagues, trustees and board of directors, patrons and the wider information community that the certified person has acquired a nationally and professionally recognized body of knowledge and expertise in public library administration.
- Improve the quality of library service through the provision of practical knowledge and skills essential to successful library management.
Focus: The Point of CPLA, an article by CPLA graduate Ceci Marlow