Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) Certification 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. 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.

Online courses for CPLA are offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate School of Library and Information Science and the University of North Texas LE@D program.  Face-to-face courses are offered by the Public Library Association.

Learning Outcomes

Candidates take courses (many offered online) in seven of nine competency areas.  The learning outcomes are different for each competency.  Please see the Competencies/Standards page for more information.

Who Should Attend

Public library managers and supervisors.

Instructor(s)

Instructors are practitioners and experts in the competency areas.

Registration

How to Register

Certified Public Library Administrator Program Application

Tech Requirements

Please see the Courses Offered page for this information.

Credits &/or CEUs

Some course providers may offer CEUs.

Contact

CPLA Program Office, 800-545-2433, x2424