School Librarian / Media Specialist / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington School Librarian / Media Specialist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Manages school library resources. Requires teaching cert in most states.

What the Washington data shows for School Librarian / Media Specialists

Becoming a licensed school librarian / media specialist in Washington means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,000 training hours, a passing score on a state-approved exam, plus a background history check. Washington regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Degree".

Upfront cost is $100 on a 5-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Washington, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

Washington evaluates out-of-state credentials case-by-case rather than through a published reciprocity list.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Degree
2,000 hours
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

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Compare all states for School Librarian / Media Specialist All Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Librarian / Media Specialist in Washington? ▼
Washington requires 2000 education/training hours, passing an exam, and an initial fee of $100. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a School Librarian / Media Specialist in Washington? ▼
Certification as a school librarian / media specialist in Washington means clearing the state's checklist: 2000 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Washington licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my School Librarian / Media Specialist license to Washington from another state? ▼
Washington evaluates out-of-state school librarian / media specialist licenses on a case-by-case basis. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Washington licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Washington require a background check for School Librarian / Media Specialist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the school librarian / media specialist licensing process in Washington. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.