The Praxis Library Media Specialist Exam is designed to ensure individuals are prepared to serve as a library media specialist in schools, K-12.
This exam lasts for 2 hours. There are 120 questions. Some of these questions may not count toward your score. The format used for this exam is selected-response questions. Selected-response can be multiple-choice questions. They could also require you to type the correct answer into the field.
The exam is administered via the computer.
For examinees requiring special accommodations, this request must be made in writing. If approved, some of the accommodations that can be made include extended testing time, additional rest breaks, Perkins Brailler, braille slate and stylus, and audio test. Other accommodations include braille test, large print test book, and large print answer sheet.
What are the categories and topics covered on this exam?
The five areas that will be tested on this exam are:
- Program Administration – 18% of questions
- Collection Development – 21% of questions
- Information Access and Delivery – 21% of questions
- Learning and Teaching – 28% of questions
- Professional Development, Leadership, and Advocacy – 12% of questions
The Program Administration category covers the topics of organization, administration, & evaluation, management, and policies and procedures of the library media center (LMC).
The Collection Development category covers the topics of acquiring, selecting, organizing maintaining, and circulating resources.
The Information Access and Delivery category covers the knowledge of information resources and their uses.
The Learning and Teaching category covers knowledge of literature, curriculum development and integration, and instructional design.
The Professional Development, Leadership, and Advocacy category is broken down into two sub-categories:
- Professional Development
- Leadership and Advocacy
The Professional Development sub-category covers organizations related to school library media, professional development activities, and reflective practice.
The Leadership and Advocacy sub-category covers the needs and characteristics of the adult learner, and the library media specialist and his/her role in collaborations with students, staff, and the community. It also focuses on legislation and major court cases related to school library media and advocacy strategies.
What is the most convenient way to register for the exam?
Register online and pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Make sure you print your admission ticket. You will need it on the day of the exam.
What is the cost of the exam?
The cost of the Praxis Library Media Specialist Exam is $120.
What are the testing dates and locations?
Unlike the continuous testing of some other Praxis exams, this particular exam is administered during specific windows.
This exam is administered at various, world-wide sites.
What should I do the day of the exam?
Bring a valid photo ID. For this exam, a calculator is not necessary or allowed in the testing area.
You are not allowed to bring personal items such as a water bottle or books. Cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited as well.
What happens after I take the exam?
Once testing is complete, the computer screen will show your unofficial score report. Approximately 2-3 weeks after the testing window closes, you will have online access to your official score report.
What happens if I don’t pass the exam?
Do not fret. You are allowed to re-take the exam once every 21 days. This time period does not include the day you initially took the exam.
How Can I Prepare for the Praxis Library Media Specialist Exam?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by
- tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see
- links to both!