Licensure/Certification

Licensure is what is commonly referred to as Certification in other states. Licensure allows its holders to teach in public schools in the State of New Mexico. If you are planning to teach in a public school, grades K-12, you will not be able to obtain a job (except in rare instances where no licensed teachers are available and then temporarily) unless you first obtain a teaching license, which always requires admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and student teaching. New Mexico State University offers licensure and Master's plus licensure programs.

Our teacher education program provides an approved educator preparation program as required under Options for Licensure on the New Mexico Dept. of Education website. (Option 1--Possess a bachelor's and/or master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university AND have completed an approved educator preparation program that includes student teaching, and pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessments (NMTA) for Basic Skills, Teacher Competency and the content area.)

Alternative Licensure

The College of Education at New Mexico State University has also developed an alternative licensure process for persons who hold at least a baccalaureate degree, but have not completed a traditional educator preparation program. (Option 4 on the Options for Licensure on the New Mexico Dept of Education website.)

• Elementary Alternative Licensure Program at NMSU
• Secondary Alternative Licensure Program at NMSU

For additional information about Licensure in the State of New Mexico see State of New Mexico Department of Education Licensure Information Program.