Rehabilitation Counselor (Pre K-12)

Initial License – Requirements for a Level One License

• $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
• Initial Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
  • Pathway 1
    • Attainment of a baccalaureate degree and demonstration of experience as follows: Baccalaureate degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, that demonstrates basic preparation in a field of study, such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, supported employment, customized employment, economics, or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with consumers and employers; and

    • Paid or unpaid work experience, for not less than one year, consisting of:

                                                      (a)           Direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center;

                                                      (b)           Direct service or advocacy activities that provide experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities; or

                                                      (c)           Direct experience in competitive and integrated employment environments as an employer, a small business owner or operator, as self-employed, or in other capacities that provide experience in human resources or recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities.

  • Pathway 2
    • Attainment of a master’s or doctoral degree in a field of study, such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, law, social work, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, management, public administration, or another field that reasonably provides competence in the employment sector, in a disability field, or in both business-related and rehabilitation-related fields.
  • Pathway 3 
    • Attainment of a certificate as a rehabilitation counselor issued by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
• Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.

Initial License – Requirements for a One-Year Certificate

• $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
• Initial Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
• An ancillary provider certificate may be issued to an individual who:

                                (1)           is at least 18 years of age;

                                (2)           holds at least a baccalaureate degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling or a related field; and

                                (3)           possesses a one-year individualized mentorship plan approved by the department and signed by the individual’s direct supervisor or program manager as well as the employing agency’s human resources division.

• Upon successful completion of a department-approved mentorship plan, an individual holding an ancillary provider certificate shall be eligible for a level 1 license in rehabilitation counseling.
• Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.

Renewal License

• $120 (non-refundable) fee will be valid for a one-year grace period for level 2 or 3 (from time of expiration). If the expiration date exceeds the grace period a $150.00 would apply; and
• Renewal Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
• Superintendent ‘s Recommendation for Continuing Licensure (Must be on School District Letterhead).
  • Note: If educator does not have additional valid licenses on file, then must register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure

Renewal of Licensure Level

Level 1 → 3 year license

Level 2 → 9 year license, advancement to a level 2 can be obtained after 3 full school years of licensure on a level 1 license

Level 3 → 9 year license, advancement to a level 3 can be obtained after 3 full school years of licensure on a level 2 license

Delay of application:

• Your application is lacking supporting documents listed in the above check list;
• If your license(s) has expired (and you do not have additional valid licenses on file), and your background was completed 24 months or more, you will need to complete a new background for Teacher Licensure. School Employment backgrounds will not be accepted.

NMPED Correspondence with Educators:

• Consultants correspond by email. Please check your spam/junk folder.