# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in New Mexico

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 22, 2026
**Updated:** January 22, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in New Mexico requires doctoral-level education, supervised experience, and passage of required examinations. Separate credentials exist for school psychologists, master’s-level psychological associates, and prescribing psychologists. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners] (https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/psychologist-examiners/) , under the Regulation & Licensing Department (RLD), is responsible for psychologist licensure in New Mexico. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- A doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from an APA-accredited or board-approved equivalent program is required.
    
- Non–APA-accredited programs must meet equivalency standards established by the Board.
    
- Continuing education of 40 hours every two years is required for license renewal.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must complete two years (approximately 3,000 hours) of supervised professional experience.
  
-- This includes a combination of pre-doctoral practicum or internship experience (up to 1,500 hours) and at least 1,500 hours of post-doctoral supervised practice.
      
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also pass a state jurisprudence examination covering New Mexico psychology statutes, regulations, and ethics.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in New Mexico**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 Certification is managed by the [New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED)] (https://web.ped.nm.gov/)  through its Licensure Bureau. 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Must hold a master’s or higher degree in school psychology or a closely related field from an approved program meeting [NASP] (https://www.nasponline.org/)  standards.
    
- Must complete a supervised internship of at least 1,200 hours, with at least 600 hours completed in a school setting.
    
- Must achieve a passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) exam.
    
- Must complete a fingerprint-based background check and submit verification materials through the NMPED online portal.
    
- Two license levels are available:
  
-- **Level 1 School Psychologist License:**  For new graduates with fewer than 3 years of experience (valid 9 years).
    
-- **Level 2 School Psychologist License:**  For those with at least 3 years of experience and ongoing professional development (renewable every 9 years).
      
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- Licensed school psychologists are authorized to provide psychological services within PreK–12 educational settings only.
    
- Independent or clinical practice outside schools requires separate licensure through the Board of Psychologist Examiners.
    
 ### **Psychological Associate**  
    
- New Mexico offers a master’s-level psychology license for individuals with a qualifying degree.
    
- These licensees practice under supervision and are distinct from fully licensed doctoral-level psychologists.
    
 ### **Other Roles**  
    
- The Board also regulates Prescribing Psychologists, who, after meeting additional education and training requirements in psychopharmacology, may prescribe medications in accordance with New Mexico law.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Psychologists licensed by the Board may practice independently in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and applied psychological research and supervision.
    
- School psychologists are limited to providing services within educational settings unless separately licensed by the Board.
    
- Psychological Associates may practice only under supervision.
    
- Prescribing Psychologists must meet additional requirements and may prescribe medications as permitted by New Mexico law.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in New Mexico**  
  
 At the time of this writing, New Mexico is **not a participating PSYPACT state** . [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/)  is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person psychological services across state lines among participating states. 
  
 ## **Key Takeaways**  
    
- New Mexico psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state jurisprudence exam.
    
- Forty hours of continuing education are required every two years.
    
- School psychologist, psychological associate, and prescribing psychologist credentials are administered separately, with distinct scopes of practice.
    
- New Mexico does not participate in PSYPACT.
    
- The New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners and the Public Education Department are the authorities for psychologist and school psychologist credentialing. Consult these agencies for current requirements.    
 **Important Note:**  Licensure requirements can change over time and may vary based on individual circumstances. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and current information, prospective psychologists should always consult the appropriate state licensing board and education agency for the most up-to-date licensure and certification requirements.