Athletic Coach (7-12)

Athletic services in grades 7-12 performed by a head coach or assistant coach, paid or volunteer, for any athletic sport, including cheer, dance, or drill. An athletic coaching license is not needed for an elementary coach. Contact your school district regarding an elementary coaching policy.

Initial License

  • $35 (non-refundable) fee; and
  • Initial application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
  • Copy of verification of completion of the (NFHS) First Aid, Health and Safety through the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA); and
  • Copy of verification of completion of the (NFHS) Fundamentals of Coaching through the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA); and
  • Copy of verification of completion of the CPR/AED certification.
  • Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure.”

Renewal License

  • $35 (non-refundable) application fee; and
  • Renewal Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
  • Superintendent’s Recommendation for Continuing Licensure (Must be on School District Letterhead).
    • Note: If you have not completed the (NFHS) First Aid, Health and Safety through the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA), and the CPR/AED certification, you will need to complete these certifications.
    • The earliest you can renew coaching license is January of expiring year.
    • If educator does not have additional valid licenses on file, then must register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.

CPR/AED Training Resources

Athletic Coach applicants must provide verification of CPR/AED certification that includes a hands-on/in-person CPR and AED skills component. Online-only CPR/AED training that does not include a hands-on skills component does not satisfy the licensure requirement.

The following are examples of nationally recognized CPR/AED training resources:

Other CPR/AED training providers may also be used when the training meets the hands-on/in-person requirement. This list is provided as a resource and does not constitute an exclusive list of PED-approved or endorsed providers.

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