TLIS FAQ

TLIS FAQ

Below are answers to common questions. The TLIS Candidate Handbook is a comprehensive resource explaining all aspects of the TLIS certification.

What is the purpose of the TLIS?

The role of the technology leader is constantly evolving, and ATLIS answered the call of its members and school administrators to help define the role, establish its core requirements, and produce a way for people to demonstrate they are a strong candidate for the role.

Who is a candidate for the TLIS?

Anyone who is currently (or desires to be) a well-rounded, competent, and successful technology leader at an independent school.

Prerequisites include experience working in an independent school environment and demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.

Specifically:

• At least five years of experience working in an independent school setting;

• At least two years of experience working in roles related to IT, educational technology, and leadership;

• 60 hours of qualifying professional development credit earned over the three-year period leading up to the application (see the TLIS Candidate Handbook for further explanation)
  
  

What does it cost to earn the TLIS?

The exam fee is $599 for ATLIS members; $1099 for nonmembers.

In the case a candidate does not pass, they may re-take the exam in the next available window for a $99 re-take fee. Complete details about this scenario are in the handbook.

How do candidates earn the TLIS?

Eligible candidates apply for, prepare for, and ultimately take an exam to test their knowledge and experience. Exam windows will open twice per year, once in late fall and again in early spring.

What aspects of the technology leader role does the TLIS exam cover?

Questions on the exam each fall under one of four key areas of being a technology leader at an independent school:

• Independent School Governance and Leadership

• Operations

• Professional Development

• Technology for Teaching and Learning
  
  

How do candidates prepare for the exam?

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.

That said, the candidate handbook includes a list of related resources as well as sample exam questions with detailed explanations for why each answer option is correct or incorrect.

Typically, ATLIS offers a 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. See complete details about the most recent program.

A TLIS Study Guide - more than 80 pages of TLIS-related content - is also available for download (free to ATLIS members; $49 for nonmembers).

What is the TLIS exam experience like?

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.

Can a candidate re-take the exam if they do not pass?

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.

How do certificants maintain the certification?

People who have earned the TLIS certification must re-certify every three years. The process includes a short application and evidence of 30 CEUs since they last certified.

Complete details regarding all the above and more are available in the TLIS Candidate Handbook.