Licensed Professional Counselor / New Mexico
2026 data New Mexico board official source

New Mexico Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the New Mexico data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

New Mexico's path to licensed professional counselor licensure runs through 3,270 hours of approved instruction, 2 years of supervised work experience, and a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. New Mexico folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $206, and renewal costs $168 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For licensed professional counselors, the reciprocity picture is: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in New Mexico

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,270 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$206
Renewal Fee
$168
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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Compare all states for Licensed Professional Counselor All New Mexico licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New Mexico licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in New Mexico? ▼
New Mexico requires 3270 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE), and an initial fee of $206. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Mexico? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in New Mexico means clearing the state's checklist: 3270 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The New Mexico licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to New Mexico from another state? ▼
Licensed Professional Counselor licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The New Mexico licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does New Mexico require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
New Mexico does require a background check before issuing a licensed professional counselor license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in New Mexico? ▼
New Mexico ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $168 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.