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Level 1, 2, 3 educational assistant in New Mexico
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
The New Mexico educational assistant license has three levels under 6.63.9 NMAC. Level 1 needs a high school diploma, age 18 and an orientation. Level 2 adds the PED competencies. Level 3 adds an associate degree, 48 semester hours or a PED-approved test, and Title I programs need Level 3.
Who issues the licence
The New Mexico Public Education Department licenses educational assistants through its Professional Licensure Bureau. The rules are in Part 9 of Chapter 63 of Title 6 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, 6.63.9 NMAC, Licensure for Educational Assistants Pre K-12. Schools often say paraprofessional, teacher aide or EA; the rule says educational assistant.
Your district usually starts the process, because the orientation and the competencies are done with the school.
The three levels side by side
The levels build on each other. Each one keeps the requirements of the one below and adds something.
| Level | What it needs | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | High school diploma or equivalency, age 18, orientation for the assignment | Up to 3 years; cannot be renewed |
| Level 2 | Level 1 items plus the PED educational assistant competencies | 9 years |
| Level 3 | Level 2 items plus an associate degree, 48 semester hours, or a 70 percent PED-approved test | 9 years |
Why Level 3 matters
Section 6.63.9.10 says an educational assistant assigned to a Title I targeted assistance or school-wide program must hold a Level 3 licence, and must meet the Level 3 route before being hired into that program. Level 3 is also needed to stay in a Title I program. Because many New Mexico schools receive Title I funds, Level 3 is often the licence that opens the most jobs.
If your school is not in a Title I program, Level 2 may be enough for your post. Ask your district which level your job needs.
Three routes to Level 3
Level 3 has three routes, and you need one. The associate degree and the 48 hours must come from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university and must include a 15-hour non-remedial core: 3 hours of reading or language arts, 3 of writing, 3 of maths and 6 of education-related study. The test route needs at least 70 percent on a PED-approved test of reading, writing and maths at an 8th grade level.
- An associate degree with the 15-hour core.
- 48 semester hours with the 15-hour core.
- A PED-approved basic skills test, at least 70 percent.
Moving up with college hours
College hours do two jobs. They meet Level 3, and they become the first part of a degree if you later train as a teacher. UPI Study's courses carry ACE or NCCRS credit recommendations. They count toward the 48 hours only once a nationally or regionally accredited college posts the credit on its own transcript. TESU and UoPeople are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit.
Ask the college how it would post each course, and ask the PED or your district in writing whether hours posted that way count. With both replies, you can plan the order: the core courses first, then general hours to reach 48.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask the PED Professional Licensure Bureau, or your district's licensure contact, in writing whether hours posted by a college from ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses count toward the 48 hours and the 15-hour core, and keep the reply.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Can I renew a Level 1 licence?
No. Section 6.63.9.13 NMAC says Level 1 licences are issued for up to three years and may not be continued or renewed. Before your Level 1 ends, you need to reach Level 2 by showing the PED competencies, or Level 3 by a degree, 48 semester hours or the approved test.
What are the PED educational assistant competencies?
They are skills the Public Education Department sets for educational assistants, and a Level 2 licence needs certification that you have shown them. Your district usually handles this, so ask your principal or the district's licensure contact how the competencies are checked in your school and what records they keep.
Do I need Level 3 for every school?
No. The rule requires Level 3 for educational assistants in Title I targeted assistance or school-wide programs. Other posts may need only Level 2. Many New Mexico schools run Title I programs, though, so ask your district which level your post needs before you plan your hours.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
College Algebra
Self-paced online College Algebra course (Math 111). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
Educational Psychology
Self-paced online Educational Psychology course (Psychology 120). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Get a written answer from the PED or your district first, then work through your hours at your own pace and have a college post the credit.
Sources
- 6.63.9 NMAC: Licensure for Educational Assistants Pre K-12 (State Records Center and Archives) (official)6.63.9.8: Level 1 needs a high school diploma or equivalency, age 18 and an orientation; Level 2 adds the PED educational assistant competencies. 6.63.9.10: educational assistants in Title I targeted assistance or school-wide programs must hold Level 3, by an associate degree or 48 semester hours from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university (each with at least 15 non-remedial hours: 3 language arts or reading, 3 writing, 3 maths, 6 readiness, professional education, classroom management, teaching assistance or special education, or pedagogy), or at least 70 percent on a test under 6.63.9.11 (reading, writing and maths at an 8th grade level, PED approved). 6.63.9.13: Level 1 for up to 3 years, not renewable; Levels 2 and 3 for 9 years. History: amended 10-31-07. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- Cornell LII: New Mexico Administrative Code, Title 6, Chapter 63Part 9 of Chapter 63 is Licensure for Educational Assistants Pre K-12. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.