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Certification Renewal Process for New Mexico School Counselors
In the field of educational counseling, it’s crucial to keep licensure up-to-date to maintain professional standards and effectiveness. The renewal process for School Counselors in New Mexico involves specific criteria for each licensure level, ranging from Level 1 to Level 3, each with its requirements (see New Mexico’s renewal overview). For all licenses, renewal applications can be submitted within six (6) months of their expiration date.
Level-1 license holders need to commit to five (5) years of teaching, while progression to Level-2 and Level-3 licenses entails navigating through different employment durations and administrative endorsements. Moreover, there are provisions for extensions, taking into account circumstances like breaks in teaching or support from employing districts or charters.
Level 1 License:
- Requirement for Renewal: Completion of five (5) years of teaching.
- Application Process:
- Submit a renewal application – online portal.
- Pay a $120 renewal fee.
- Provide a notarized statement indicating the years you have not taught on your NM level license (if applicable).
- Background Check: Not required for renewal.
- Documentation: Not required to resend transcripts if already on the file.
Level 2 License:
- Requirement for Renewal: Advance to Level 2, after three (3) full school years of licensure on a Level-1 license. Renewal is valid for nine (9) years.
- Application Process:
- Submit a renewal application – online portal.
- Pay a $120 renewal fee.
- Provide the Superintendent’s Recommendation Form (if employed during the life of that license).
- Background Check: If lapsed less than a year, complete a new background check for “Teacher Licensure.” – see background check overview.
- Documentation: Not required to resend transcripts if already on the file.
Level 3 License:
- Requirement for Renewal: Advance to Level 3, after three (3) full school years of licensure on a Level-2 license. Renewal is valid for nine (9) years.
- Application Process:
- Submit a renewal application – online portal.
- Pay a $120 renewal fee.
- Provide the Superintendent’s Recommendation Form (if employed during the life of that license).
- Background Check: If lapsed less than a year, complete a new background check for “Teacher Licensure.”
- Documentation: Not required to resend transcripts if already on the file.
For any questions about renewal applications, contact the licensure department at (505)-827-5821 during normal business hours.