Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools Logo

TLIS Certification Program

The Technology Leader in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification is a nationally recognized credential that validates the leadership, technical expertise, and strategic judgment required to lead technology in an independent school environment.

Earning TLIS signals that you bring not only technical skill, but also the professional maturity, vision, and commitment needed to guide school-wide technology strategy with confidence.

Why the TLIS matters

Technology leadership in independent schools has never been more complex. Schools depend on technology leaders to set direction, protect systems, support teaching and learning, and responsibly advance innovation, all while remaining aligned with mission and culture.

The TLIS certification identifies leaders who demonstrate the full scope of expertise required to succeed in this unique role. It provides a trusted way to:

  • Validate your professional experience and leadership capabilities

  • Elevate your credibility with heads of school, boards, and peers

  • Signal that your school’s technology program is in capable, strategic hands

TLIS is more than a credential. It is a marker of readiness and trust.

What the TLIS certification measures

The TLIS certification evaluates well-rounded competence across four essential domains of independent school technology leadership.

  1. Leading the Technology Department - Demonstrates the ability to manage teams, develop strategy, communicate effectively, and steward resources in a mission aligned way.
  2. Understanding Educational Technology - Shows an understanding of how technology enhances teaching and learning, supports faculty growth, and aligns with school culture and pedagogy.
  3. Managing the Technology Ecosystem - Validates skill in designing, maintaining, and securing infrastructure across networks, systems, data, and devices.
  4. Implementing Technology - Confirms the ability to execute systems, projects, and improvements that strengthen school operations and advance innovation.

Who should pursue the TLIS certification

The certification is designed for experienced technology leaders in independent schools, including:

  • Directors of Technology
  • Chief Technology Officers
  • Network and Systems Leaders who oversee school wide operations
  • Assistant Directors preparing for top level roles

If you guide strategy, manage technology systems, and support the full school community, this certification is built for you.

Lane Worrall, TLIS

Middle and Upper School Educational Technologist Greenhill School

Dallas, TX

Earning the TLIS certification is a significant milestone for me. It highlights the skills and knowledge I've developed over the past 17 years in education and underscores my commitment to creating innovative, modern learning environments. I'm thrilled and honored to join a community of educational technology leaders who share this vision.

How the certification process works

  1. Submit your application

  2. Enroll in a preparation program (optional)

  3. Complete the TLIS assessment

  4. Receive your credential

  5. Maintain your certification through ongoing professional development

Why schools value the TLIS credential

Schools benefit from TLIS-certified leaders because the credential:

  • Provides confidence that technology is guided by comprehensive, validated expertise
  • Helps heads of school assess and develop technology leadership
  • Supports succession planning and long-term program stability
  • Signals alignment with best practices in independent school technology management

Exam application window

There are two exam windows in 2026. The spring exam window is March 4 through March 17th. The fall exam window will be announced later this year.

Apply Now

Pricing

The exam fee is as follows:

  • $599 for ATLIS members
  • $1099 for Nonmembers
  • If a candidate does not pass, the exam may be retaken during the next available testing window for a $99 retake fee. 

*Not a member yet? Before paying, contact the ATLIS membership team to join ATLIS and pay the member rate. Our team can provide an invoice for both fees at once. 

Resources

TLIS Candidate Handbook
TLIS Study Guide

FREE 

 

$49
(or FREE as part of the TLIS Prep Program)

The TLIS Candidate Handbook is your comprehensive guide to the certification process. It includes eligibility requirements, application instructions, required forms, program policies, and everything you need to know before applying.

The TLIS Study Guide is your essential companion for exam preparation. Designed to optimize your study efforts, this 80+ page document includes thorough review of the four TLIS domains, guidance how to take the exam, and more.

DOWNLOAD NOW

BUY NOW

 TLIS Prep Program
TLIS Podcast Episode

$104 ATLIS members
$167 Nonmembers

 

FREE

This is your guided path to certification. The TLIS Prep Program is a four-session, expert-led online program designed to expand your understanding of the certification requirements and demystify the exam.

Three TLIS recipients discuss their journey to becoming certified and what it has meant for their career. 

REGISTER NOW

LISTEN NOW

FAQs

Candidates seeking the TLIS certification must have:

  • 5+ years of experience working in an independent school setting
  • 2+ years of experience working roles related to IT, educational technology or leaders
  • 60 hours of qualifying professional development credits earned over the 3 year period leading up to the application.

Additionally, the candidate must:

  • Take and pass the TLIS examination
  • Attest to the ATLIS TLIS code of conduct

Download the TLIS Candidate Handbook to see what qualifies as professional development credits. 
The TLIS exam is given twice a year. Once an application is approved, the TLIS candidate may select their desired exam window. Typically, the TLIS exam is given in the winter and in the fall. 
The TLIS certification is valid for three years. At that time they must recertify. 

All individuals seeking recertification must complete an application for recertification and provide documentation showing a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education. 

If a person has the appropriate experience and remains aware of contemporary best practices for technology in the independent school community, they should capably pass this exam.

However, there are resources available for those preparing for the exam:

TLIS Candidate Handbook - In addition to information about eligibility, the handbook includes sample exam questions with detailed explanations for why each answer option is correct or incorrect.

TLIS Study Guide - This guide includes over 80 pages of TLIS-related content. This is available for download (free to ATLIS members; $49 for nonmembers).

TLIS Prep Program - TLIS Prep Program, presented by members of the ATLIS Certification Council and focusing on specific aspects of technology leadership as defined by the TLIS certification domains and objectives.

All resources are optional and are not required for certification.

The exam is a 100-question, multiple choice exam administered online via a web browser.

The exam is proctored, meaning candidates must allow access to their webcam and a second camera so that their environment can be monitored throughout the exam. This requirement is primarily in the interest of protecting the exam contents from bad actors who profit from acquiring and selling intellectual content – a problem that is unfortunately common.

Candidates have four hours to complete the exam. Results are presented immediately upon completion of the exam.

Candidates can re-take the exam in the next available exam window for a nominal re-test fee. If a candidate chooses to take longer to re-test, they must re-apply and pay the exam fee.

Click to watch a recent TLIS information session:

adfasdfa