Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Education
Librarian Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for librarian in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Librarian in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources • Division of State Library • Public Librarian Certification Commission
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,860 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Librarian licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources~Division of State Library~Public Librarian Certification Commission and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $59,860, Librarians in North Carolina earn 7% below the national median of $64,320. North Carolina ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$59,860Hourly estimate
$28.787% below national median
Difference: -$4,460
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLibrarian Salary Ranking
#32 of 50 statesfor Librarian median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $94,400 |
| #2 | California | $86,590 |
| #3 | Maryland | $81,690 |
| #4 | Nevada | $79,710 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $79,380 |
Nearby States Comparison
Librarian licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $59,860 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $74,320 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $59,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $73,500 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $60,050 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources • Division of State Library • Public Librarian Certification Commission
109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Phone: 9198146784
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $67,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,160 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,860 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,340 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Librarian in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Librarians in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Librarians.
What education do you need to become a Librarian in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Librarian licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Librarian salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Librarians in North Carolina is $59,860. Salaries range from $43,340 (10th percentile) to $80,270 (90th percentile).
How does the Librarian salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Librarians in North Carolina earn 7% below the national median of $64,320, with a state median of $59,860.
How many Librarians work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 3,990 Librarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Librarian license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Librarians in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources / Division of State Library / Public Librarian Certification Commission. Review agency details at https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/ld/resources/public-librarian-certification.
How often do you renew a Librarian license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.