I already have a college degree
Gain the credentials you need

• Traditional Route 1: New Mexico Teaching Certification


The following are the steps that must be taken in order to earn your initial teaching certification in New Mexico the traditional way (ie. completing a teacher preparation program prior to entering the classroom).


• Step 1:
  
  
  You must have completed a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution. Teacher Preparation Programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  
  
  You must pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessments (NMTA) for Basic Skills and Teacher Competency as well as a content knowledge exam. New Mexico Teacher Assessments Website.


• Step 3:
  
  
  You must complete a criminal history background check and fingerprinting process.
  
  Call (505) 827-6104 or (505) 827-6649 to have two fingerprint cards sent to you by regular mail.


• Step 4:
  
  
  You must have the following in your application packet in order for your application to be processed:
  • You will need to download and complete the New Mexico Teacher Certification Application.
  • You will need to include a cashier's check or money order in the amount of $34 for fingerprint processing and $65 for application processing made payable to the "New Mexico Public Education Department"
  • Include Official Transcripts of all college credit you have earned. Copies will not be accepted.


Send materials to this address:
New Mexico Public Education Department
Professional Ethics Bureau
300 Don Gaspar
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501-2786


Or request more information by contacting a representative at the New Mexico Department of Education at (505) 827-6104 or (505) 827-6649


• Step 5:


Sit back and relax!
• Route 2: New Mexico Alternative Teacher Certification


An alternative certification allows the candidate to enter the classroom as a teacher prior to the completion of a teacher preparation program.

Candidates will receive a New Mexico Intern Certification.

There are two alternative routes to certification:


• Route 1: Fast Track to Alternative Certification
The fast track provides accelerated schooling and training courses that allow the candidate to earn his or her initial certification quickly.


• Route 2: Portfolio Route
With the Portfolio Route to Certification, the candidate must satisfy knowledge assessment requirements and verification of enrollment within an institution offering alternative teacher preparation training. Find more information on the New Mexico Portfolio Route to Certification.


• Further Information:
Gather more information on alternative routes and procedures to certification.




Back to New Mexico Teacher Certification/Credentialing
Or, Steps to become a teacher in New Mexico

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.