School Counselor / New Mexico
2026 data New Mexico board official source

New Mexico School Counselor License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Provides academic and social-emotional counseling to students.

What the New Mexico data shows for School Counselors

To practice as a school counselor in New Mexico, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on the State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent) examination, and 1 year of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under New Mexico's professional licensing framework, which classifies training as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

Upfront cost is $239, with renewal running $162 on a 5-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity is available: State-specific reciprocity varies. Compared to the profession-wide pattern, the numbers above should be cross-checked against other states before relocating — licensing cost, training hours, and exam requirements vary enough that a different state may cut thousands of dollars and months of training from the path. The state board, not this page, is the final authority; verify every field below with the official regulator before you pay fees or enroll in training.

Licensing Requirements in New Mexico

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$239
Renewal Fee
$162
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

License Reciprocity

State-specific reciprocity varies

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 School Counselor in New Mexico?
New Mexico requires, passing an exam (State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $239. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in New Mexico?
To become a licensed school counselor in New Mexico, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the New Mexico licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to New Mexico from another state?
New Mexico has reciprocity provisions: State-specific reciprocity varies. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the New Mexico licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does New Mexico require a background check for School Counselor licensing?
Yes, New Mexico requires a criminal background check as part of the school counselor licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for School Counselor in New Mexico?
Licensed school counselors in New Mexico must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $162.

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

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