For a public library to be eligible to receive public funds under the 4.5.2 New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) the current public library director in communities with a population of 3,000 – 15,000+ are required to obtain certification (Grade I or Grade II).
Library directors in communities with a population of fewer than 3,000 are not required to obtain certification.
Certification is mandated by statute in the New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA), Chapter 18, Articles 2-8 through 2-18. To view the statute, visit the the New Mexico Compilation Commission website.
***The Grade I and Grade II certification exam is not designed to be a teaching tool for training library staff. The purpose of administering such exams is to certify that current public library directors serving a community of 3,000 – 15,000 who do not hold a MLS/MLIS have an understanding of basic library foundations and management. If you are not a current library director, but would like to learn more about librarianship, please see #14 in the FAQs about the Exam.***
Types of Certification
- Permanent Professional Certification is required for the chief librarian (aka library director/manager) in communities having populations of more than 15,000, as shown by the last federal decennial census.
- Grade II Certification is required for the chief librarian (aka library director/manager) in communities having populations of 10,000 – 15,000, as shown by the last federal decennial census. Certification without examination is issued with either graduation from an accredited college or university with a minor in library science OR twenty-one (21) semester hours of library science courses beyond the requirements of Grade I Certification (30 hours).
- Grade I Certification is required for the chief librarian (aka library director/manager) in communities having a population of 3,000 – 10,000, as shown by the last federal decennial census. Certification without examination is issued upon completion of two (2) years of undergraduate work plus nine (9) hours of library science courses from an accredited college or university.
- Temporary Certification is issued for a one year period by the State Librarian in special cases upon written recommendation from a library board or the governing body of the community.
18-2-15. Certificates required.
- A permanent professional librarian’s certificate is required for the chief librarian (aka library director/manager) of any library:
- supported in whole or in part by public funds, and serving a municipality or other political subdivision having a population in excess of fifteen thousand persons as shown by the last federal decennial census; or
- of any state agency or state-supported institution.
- A grade I certificate is required for the chief librarian (aka library director/manager) of any library, supported in whole or in part by public funds, serving a municipality or other political subdivision having a population of at least three thousand, but not more than ten thousand persons, as shown by the last federal decennial census.
- A grade II certificate is required for the chief librarian (aka library director/manager) of any library, supported in whole or in part by public funds, serving a municipality or other political subdivision having a population of at least ten thousand and one, but not more than fifteen thousand persons, as shown by the last federal decennial census.
- The provisions of this section do not apply to libraries of public schools or county law libraries.
How to Obtain Permanent Professional Librarian Certification
- Submit a complete application and $10.00 fee to the Development Bureau.
- Request Official Transcripts from the American Library Association accredited college or university you received your MLS/MLIS from. Official transcripts can be sent directly to the Development Bureau from the college or university.
How to Obtain Grade I or Grade II Certification Through Coursework (No Exam)
- Submit a complete application and $10.00 fee to the Development Bureau.
- Request Official Transcripts showing library science courses from the college or university attended. Official transcripts can be sent directly to the Development Bureau from the college or university.
How to Obtain Grade I or Grade II Certification Through Exam
Current public library directors who require certification, prior to submitting an application/fee, contact SL.Development@dca.nm.gov to discuss the possibility of taking the Grade I or Grade II certification exam. The New Mexico librarianship exam is designed and intended to be administered to public library directors. As of January 1, 2017 only current public library directors may apply to take the Grade I or Grade II certification exams (when offered).
- Submit a complete application and $20.00 fee to the Development Bureau.
- If offered, attend a study session (not required, but recommended).
- Take the exam at the New Mexico State Library and complete portfolio component(s).
- Under one application and paid fee, the applicant may take the exam up to three (3) times in order to attain a passing grade.
Grade I
- Completion of certification exam with a passing grade of 70 or above; and submission of one (1) portfolio piece within 30 days of taking the exam, receiving a passing score. Portfolio piece information will be attached to the exam.
Grade II
- Completion of certification exam with a passing grade of 80 or above; and submission of two (2) portfolio pieces within 30 days of taking the exam, receiving a passing score. Portfolio piece(s) information will be attached to the exam.
Exams – Grade I & II Information
- Location: Grade I and Grade II certification exams must be completed at the New Mexico State Library.
- Time Limit: The exam is designed to take the applicant an average of 2 – 4 hours. Applicants will have no more than 5 hours to complete the exam.
- Closed Book: The exam is designed to be “Closed Book.” Outside sources of any kind (flash drives, personal notes, the Library Foundations Guide, and web access of any kind including smartphones, etc.) are not permitted in the testing area while the applicant is taking the exam.
- Portfolio(s): Information regarding the portfolio piece(s) will be attached to the exam. Applicants will have 30 days from the time of taking the exam to complete and electronically submit the piece(s) to the Development Bureau.
How to Obtain Temporary Certification
- Submit a complete application and $20.00 fee to the Development Bureau.
- Include the written recommendation for temporary certification with application and payment.
Librarian and Librarianship Information & Resources
- Librarian and Librarianship Certification Application
- Library Foundations Guide (Version 1.0)
- Professional Development Resource Sheet (updated periodically)
- Online Professional Development Opportunities – FREE (updated monthly)
- Professional Development Resources LibGuide
- Portfolio Grading Rubric
- FAQs about the Exam
- Core Competencies for New Mexico Library Directors and Staff
- Certifications MASTER List – current as of February 6, 2024
For more information, contact: The Library Development Bureau @ 1-800-340-3890 or SL.Development@dca.nm.gov
***School Library Endorsement is available through the New Mexico Public Education Department.