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Certification Reciprocity Process for New Mexico School Counselors
If you’re seeking certification as an Instructional Support Provider in New Mexico and you’re coming from another state, there isn’t a straightforward interstate reciprocity agreement in place. However, there are alternative pathways available to obtain certification.
Requirements:
- Completion of a master’s degree in school counseling from a school outside of New Mexico that meets the New Mexico Board of Education (BOE) standards.
- Meeting specific educational and experience requirements set by the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Documentation:
- Complete an application for initial licensure on the online portal.
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- Proof of completion for alternative credentialing programs.
- Verification of experience from employing authority.
- Copies of current school counseling credentials and examination scores.
- Additional documentation for veteran, military member, or military spouse status (if applicable).
Background Checks:
- Background checks may be required as part of the application process. Specific details would be provided by the licensing authority upon application.
Fees:
- $150 initial application fee.
Application Process:
- Obtain and complete the application for initial licensure.
- Gather official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits leading to the earned degree.
- Provide official documentation/proof of completion for any alternative credentialing program not included on official transcripts.
- Obtain verification of experience from your employing authority, including details such as employment dates and number of days employed per calendar year.
- Submit copies of your current, valid school counseling credential and examination scores taken for out-of-state licensure requirements, or a notarized statement from your employing authority stating that no exams are required for your current credential.
- Include the initial application fee.
- If applicable, provide documentation for veteran, military member, or military spouse status.
- Mail the complete application packet to the New Mexico Public Education Department, Professional Licensure Bureau, 300 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe NM 87501.
You can explore the provided link for a variety of reciprocity forms.
If you need further assistance with the reciprocity process or have specific questions, you can contact a licensure specialist at licensureunit@state.nm.us or call the licensure department at (505)-827-5821 during normal business hours.