Verified October 8, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What OTs miss in New Mexico
- New Mexico renews every year, and all licenses expire September 30 regardless of issue date.
- Supervision of OTAs must be documented contact by contact, including frequency, method and content.
Can I practice in New Mexico on an OT Compact privilege?
New Mexico is not an OT Compact member, so practicing here takes a New Mexico license.
- Not a compact member
Can an OT licensed in another state get a New Mexico license by endorsement?
OTs and OTAs with a current, unrestricted license in good standing can apply for an expedited license, which the board issues within 30 days of a complete application unless a conviction or other issue sends it to the full board. The expedited license lasts one year and becomes a regular license at renewal.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: NMSA 61-1-31.1; 16.15.7.10 and 16.15.7.11 NMAC; 16.15.2.12 NMAC
Which exams does New Mexico require for a license?
Every applicant must pass the NBCOT exam and the New Mexico jurisprudence exam on state laws and rules, with a score of at least 80 percent. The board also wants license verification sent directly from every state where you have been licensed.
- NBCOT exam
- State jurisprudence exam
Does New Mexico offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A provisional permit is only for graduates who have applied for the NBCOT exam and have never failed it. It allows supervised practice for up to six months and ends on an exam failure. Permit holders cannot supervise anyone.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: 16.15.2.10 NMAC
What OTAs need to know in New Mexico
An OTA must file a signed statement of supervision naming the supervising OT and confirm it at every renewal. The OT and OTA must document a supervision plan and each supervision contact. An OT in their first year of licensure may supervise no more than three OTAs.
How often does a New Mexico OT license renew?
Every license expires September 30 and renews each year. Licensees need 15 contact hours of continuing education per year, starting with the first full October-to-September year after licensure.
- Renews every year
- 15 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in New Mexico?
For a license, we send your NBCOT score and verifications, file the application and carry the board correspondence. License by endorsement is $599 for an OT and $499 for an OTA.