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Alternative-Student Success Advisor (7-12)

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The nonrenewable, 5-year alternative license is granted to allow time for completion of a School Counseling graduate program while assisting a school district as a Student Success Advisor (SSA).

A Student Success Advisor (SSA) license authorizes an individual to provide school-to-career guidance, interpreting standardized test scores, developing master class scheduling, monitoring GPA and course mapping, and providing student success resources. This license is not a guidance counseling certification and does not allow a Student Success Advisor to provide mental health counseling.

Initial License

  • $150 (non-refundable) fee,  and
  • Alternative Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
  • Official sealed transcripts reflecting completion of a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and
  • A signed ethical statement stating that the licensee shall not provide mental health services while employed as a student success advisor and
  • Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.

Post-Secondary Experience NMAC Code

Common questions

  1. If someone receives an SSA license but is unable to find a job, does the license still expire in 5 years? This license is non-renewable. The ideal candidate will have to be employed with a school district. Anyone applying for a SSA will need to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and Confidentiality Agreement with the school district.
  2. Is a school required to identify a school counselor as a mentor for the SSA licensee? Yes, the school should determine a mentor for the SSA licensee.

Upon completion of the 5-year program:

  • $150 (non-refundable) fee,  and
  • Initial Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
  • Submit official transcripts of a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university 36-42 hours in School Counseling, including a practicum; and
  • Copy of official score report of passing score the Content Knowledge Assessment (CKA) in School Counseling.

Delay of application

  • Your application is lacking supporting documents listed in the above check list.
  • If your license(s) has expired (and you do not have additional valid licenses on file), and your background was completed 24 months or more, you will need to complete a new background for Teacher Licensure. School Employment backgrounds will not be accepted.

NMPED Correspondence with Educators

  • Consultants correspond by email; please check your spam/junk folder.

All fees submitted are non-refundable