Overseas qualifications - professional recognition

The following information is summarised in the flow chart.

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Route A - Reciprocal recognition

ALIA has International reciprocal recognition agreements with:

If you have completed an academic qualification such as a Bachelor, Post Graduate Diploma or Masters degree in library and information science in one of these countries, then it will be recognised in Australia within the terms of the agreement.

When applying for reciprocal recognition as an ALIA Professional member such as an Associate or Library Technician, you will be required to provide your qualification details and upload certified copies of your Certificate and your Academic Transcript.

If the qualification is from a course previously or currently accredited by CILIP, LAI, or LIANZA, or is an ALA accredited Masters degree, then this will satisfy the requirements for eligibility. 

This reciprocal recognition is not available for Allied Fields.

Join today as a Professional Member.

The Professional Membership fee of AUD$360 is payable on application.

Overseas qualifications - all other countries - professional recognition

Have you completed LIS studies overseas from a country other than those listed above within the last 10 years?

You can apply to ALIA for professional recognition of your overseas library and information science qualifications.

Route B - If you are NOT an Australian resident

  • Firstly, apply to VETASSESS for a general assessment of your qualification by visiting their website:  www.vetassess.com.au

Once your VETASSESS assessment is complete follow the steps in Route C below.

Route C - For Australian residents and Non-Australian residents (with qualifications assessed by VETASSESS)

  1. Join as a General Member of ALIA. Benefits include member discounts, and professional development resources.

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    If your application for General membership is successful, your General Membership fee will be converted to cover your Professional Membership fee for the remaining membership period.

    Non refundable General Membership fee of AUD$360 is payable on application. 

  2. Complete and submit the Overseas Qualification Recognition Application form Parts A, B and C, together with the requested documents listed in Part A.

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    Part A focuses on background information about your qualifications and experience
    Part B Is your response to key sections of the ALIA Foundation knowledge for entry-level library and information professionals. The information you provide will be used to guide the assessment of your application.
    Part C comprises administration and payment details.

    Non refundable Application fee of AUD$200 is payable on application.

How long does the assessment take?

The assessment period can take up to 10-12 weeks if all sections and required documentation are provided with the application.

What is the next stage?

If your initial application is either successful or unsuccessful, we will let you know by email.

The assessment may recommend that you additionally complete professional development in identified areas, in the form of courses or related activities.

Once the assessment and any additional requirements have been successfully completed, you will be eligible to upgrade to a professional level of ALIA membership.

Financial difficulties

Please contact us if you are experiencing financial difficulties.

What about continuing professional development?

All new professional members are automatically signed up to the ALIA Continuing Professional Development (CPD)  scheme  with access to professional resources and updates to help you drive your professional performance.

Further information

For more information and assistance, please email the ALIA Education Team at [email protected].