Licensure Frequently Asked Questions

Licensure Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact the Professional Licensure Bureau (PLB)?

Phone: 505-827-1436

Fax: 505-827-1449

Email: licensureunit@state.nm.us

Webpage:

ETHICS (INVESTIGATIONS)

1. How do I report improper or illegal behavior on the part of a school district employee?

Complete a complaint form and submit it to our Investigations Department. The form can be found on the General Counsel Webpage at .

1a. My license shows that it is pending on your database. What does this mean?

It could mean one of the following: o Your background check has not been received by our office; o Your background was received and your file is under review in our Background department Background Unit

2. When registering for my Background Check through Cogent what ORI number do I use?

You would register using Reason Code: Teacher Licensure, ORI# NM920140Z

3. I did a background check for the school can I use it for licensure?

PED does not accept background checks done for any other reason than "Teacher Licensure" using PED's ORI #.

ALL INITIAL LICENSURE APPLICANTS MUST USE ORI# NM920140Z & Reason Code: TEACHER LICENSURE

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4. Do I need to pay the $75 processing fee for the background check?

The $75 processing fee is an old processing fee. The current processing fee is $44 and that is paid to Cogent when registering online.

5. How do I get fingerprint cards?

Fingerprint cards are only for out of state applicants and can be obtained by sending an email to ethics@state.nm.us including a complete name and mailing address.

6. How long does it take for a background check to come back?

If you have been fingerprinted via Live Scan process PED will receive results usually within 72 hours after you have been fingerprinted. Out-of-state hard card submissions take 12-14 weeks to process; this does not include mailing time.

7. How long are background check reports valid for?

Background check reports are valid for 2 years from the date the FBI processes them.

8. I received a reprint notice, what do I need to do?

You will need to return to an approved fingerprint location and let them know that you need to be re-fingerprinted. There is not a fee for reprinting.

9. What documents are required to clear my background and where do I get them?

Each arrest listed on the FBI report requires court documents to clear them. Based on the individuals charges, documents can come from district or metro court depending on the city/state the arrest took place. That is the first place to ask for documents for each arrest. Acceptable court documents are: Order of Dismissal of Charges, Completion of Sentencing, A letter from the court of record(on court letterhead), stating the file no longer exists or has been purged per court retention rules.

10. What is a narrative?

It is a written explanation, stating in your words what occurred that result in your being arrested. Outline the details that resulted in the charges and the outcome after the arrest. Narrative must have your written signature (no electronic) to be valid for acceptance.

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11. Fingerprints were taken 10 day/weeks ago why isn't it showing in the database?

To ensure all educators meet the required standards for licensure and employment,

NM PED Licensure Bureau has been diligently enforcing existing licensure rules and regulations.

Due to the increased diligence, NM PED Licensure has stopped opening licensure database files with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) results. Database files will now only be opened with an application. While we attempt to match background reports with new files daily, it is not always feasible. However, all new files will be matched no later than Friday afternoon of each week. Unmatched files will be held for 2 years.

12. Request for copy of background was sent __ days ago and we still have not received a copy, why?

We have not received the FBI report or they have not applied for licensure and the results are in the unmatched files awaiting an application. AS of April 1st we are no longer sending background copies until they have applied for licensure and have a file opened.

13. How do I get a copy of my background check report?

Requests need to be made in writing and the form can be accessed from the PED licensure background page. If the applicant is requesting that the copy be sent back to them directly, applicant will also need to provide a copy of their photo id. (We can provide you with the form as well).

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LICENSURE QUESTIONS

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKET FOR LICENSURE

14. What is a file number?

Your file number is the 6-digit number, which is the same as your license number.

15. What is a complete application packet?

A complete application packet is the application completely filled out and signed. It includes official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, and any supporting documentation as listed in the instructions on the application. Please use the check off list included in the application packet to ensure completeness. Incomplete packets will be accepted, but no license will be issued until all required documents are received and reviewed.

16. What are the fees?

Click the following for the most up to date fee information:

17. What forms of payment are accepted?

Money Order or Cashier's Check made payable to NMPED.

18. Are the fees refundable if I am not eligible for a license?

No, the fee is an application-processing fee. It does not pay for a license.

19. What address do I send my application packet to? Mailing: Professional Licensure Bureau 300 Don Gaspar Santa Fe, NM 87501 Physical-Walk-ins: 120 S. Federal Place Room 105 Santa Fe NM 87501. *For walkin submittal of applications or appointments for consults, please come to our physical address. Please bring a valid government issued ID, passport, or military ID for entrance into the Federal building.

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20. What if my application packet is not complete?

One of our consultants will reach out to you via email requesting the missing items. Incomplete applications will delay processing time so make sure to review your packet before sending it to us.

21. What is the process once my application has been received?

An intake specialist will ensure that fees are accurate and process the money order/ cashier's check and create a file, once that is completed the application packet is scanned into an imaging system (database), and once the file is uploaded to an online data base, the application is assigned to a consultant workflow for review. Turn-around time will depend on the applications on queue for review and the time of the year.

22. How long will it take for my application to be reviewed?

Typically 2-4 weeks. We frequently update our homepage with our processing timeline.

23. How can I expedite the process?

There is not an option for expediting initial licensure applications except for Military/spouse personnel and veterans; however if a packet is received complete it will not delay the process further.

24. What if there is an Error on Your License: What should I do if I receive the wrong license or there is something wrong with the license?

Report it to our office immediately by emailing: LicensureUnit@state.nm.us or by sending it back to our office with a letter. Please do not call us to report changes, as we need proper documentation for our database file.

25. If I check "yes" to any of the "fitness" legal questions on the applications, what happens?

Your application is referred to the Background Bureau for further review, and you must provide all pertinent documentation to move the clearance process along; a signed narrative explaining each arrest, and certified court documents for each arrest listed on the FBI Report.

26. Do I need a Social Security Number in order to be issued a license?

Yes, your license will stay pending until a valid social security card is provided.

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