A school counseling license authorizes a qualified individual to provide a school-level guidance program based on the American school counseling association national standards and focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student.
Initial License
- $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
- Initial Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
- Pathway 1
- Official sealed transcripts Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university must have 36-42 graduate hours in school counseling to include a practicum in a school setting; and
- Passage of the following PRAXIS exams: Professional School Counselor 5421 (accepted through 8/31/23) OR School Counselor 5422 (required beginning 9/1/23); or
- Pathway 2
- Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) or licensed professional clinical mental health counselor (LPCC) issued by the New Mexico Counseling & Therapy Practice Board and a minimum of 6 semester hours of graduate credit in school counseling course work; and
- Passage of the following PRAXIS exams: Professional School Counselor 5421 (accepted through 8/31/23) OR School Counselor 5422 (required beginning 9/1/23); or
- Pathway 3
- National Certified School Counselor credential issued by the National Board for certified counselors; and
- Passage of the following PRAXIS exams: Professional School Counselor 5421 (accepted through 8/31/23) OR School Counselor 5422 (required beginning 9/1/23); or
- Pathway 1
- 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 the 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 the 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.
All fees submitted are non-refundable