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