16 Occupational and Professional Licensing - Chapter 63 Social Workers - Part 6 Licensure by Credentials; Reciprocity

Sep 21, 2026

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Presents the New Mexico licensing requirements for social workers seeking licensure by credentials through reciprocity. Specifies the issuing agency, scope covering baccalaureate, master, and independent social workers, statutory authority under the Social Work Practice Act, permanent duration, and key effective date and objective. Defines eligibility criteria for holding an out-of-state or foreign license, maintaining good standing, possessing required degrees, passing the ASWB examination, completing New Mexico cultures requirements, and submitting required reciprocity documentation and fees.

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16 Occupational and Professional Licensing

Chapter 63 Social Workers

Part 6 Licensure by Credentials; Reciprocity

Issuing Agency

Scope

Statutory Authority

Duration

Effective Date

Objective

Definitions

Qualification for Licensure

Application for Licensure

History of 16.63.6 NMAC

TITLE 16 OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING CHAPTER 63 SOCIAL WORKERS PART 6 LICENSURE BY CREDENTIALS; RECIPROCITY [16.63.6.1](16.63.6.1) ISSUING AGENCY: Regulation and Licensing Department, Board of Social Work Examiners P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM 87504 [9/8/1996; [16.63.6.1](16.63.6.1) NMAC-Rn, 16 NMAC 63 .6. 1, 6/19/2002] [16.63.6.2](16.63.6.2) SCOPE: All baccalaureate social workers, master social workers, and independent social workers. [9/8/1996; [16.63.6.2](16.63.6.2) NMAC-Rn, 16 NMAC 63 .6.2, 6/19/2002] [16.63.6.3](16.63.6.3) STATUTORY AUTHORITY: These parts are promulgated pursuant to the Social Work Practice Act, Section 61-31-8A, 14-2-1, 61-31-19 NMSA 1978. [9/8/1996; [16.63.6.3](16.63.6.3) NMAC-Rn, 16 NMAC 63 .6.3, 6/19/2002] [16.63.6.4](16.63.6.4) DURATION: Permanent [9/8/1996; [16.63.6.4](16.63.6.4) NMAC-Rn, 16 NMAC 63.6.4, 6/19/2002] [16.63.6.5](16.63.6.5) EFFECTIVE DATE: June 22, 1992, unless a different date is cited at the end ofa section.[9/8/1996; [16.63.6.5](16.63.6.5) NMAC-Rn & A, 16 NMAC 63 .6.5, 6/19/2002] [16.63.6.6](16.63.6.6) OBJECTIVE: To state the minimum requirements for licensure by credentials. [9/8/1996; [16.63.6.6](16.63.6.6) NMAC-Rn, 16 NMAC 63 .6.6, 6/19/2002] [16.63.6.7](16.63.6.7) DEFINITIONS: [Reserved] [16.63.6.8](16.63.6.8) QUALIFICATION FOR LICENSURE: A person seeking reciprocity in the state of New Mexico shall [~~meet the minimum requirements necessary for licensure in our state~~.~~ The board shall have the discretion to license individuals who seek licensure by reciprocity based on their credentials~~.~~ Applicants forlicensure by credentials should possess the following:]~~ A. [~~a current valid social work license issued by an appropriate examining board under the laws o~~f ~~any other state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia or any sovereign nation at the level of licensure being sought for a minimum of five years~~] possess a valid social worker license issued by the appropriate examining board under the laws of any other state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or any foreign nation, which license has been held for a minimum of two and one-half years; B. [~~passing test score from the association of social work boards for licensure level sought ~~ ] be in good standing with no disciplinary action pending or brought against the applicant within the past two and one-half years; C. [~~a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program~~,~~ if applying for the LBSW~~CSWE~~]~~; possess a bachelor's or master's degree in social work from a program of social work accredited by the D. [~~a master~~'~~s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program~~,~~ if applying for the LMSW or LISW or LCSW]~~ verify that the applicant has taken and passed the ASWB examination ; E. [~~verification]~~ verify the applicant has completed one of the following: (1) a three credit hour course in New Mexico cultures listed on the applicants transcripts; (2) a board approved course, workshop or seminar in New Mexico cultures; (3) proof of previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; F. [~~have presented to the New Mexico board documentation as required by the New Mexico board that any other license granted to the applicant by any other state has not been suspended~~,~~ revoked~~,~~ voluntarily surrendered or otherwise restricted for any reason except non-renewal or for the failure to obtain the required continuing education credits~~] The applicant will not have to further verify the applicant's experience, schooling or degrees if the criteria pursuant to this section are met ; ~~ G~~.~~ ~~ [~~proof of passing the jurisprudence examination with a grade of no less than 70%~~] 16.63.6 NMAC 1 [1/1/1990, 5/15/1991, 6/22/1992, 5/1/1999; [16.63.6.8](16.63.6.8) NMAC-Rn & A, 16 NMAC 63 .6. 8, 6/19/2002; A, 11/30/2006; A, 1/17/2008; A, 12/31/2008; A, 9/1/2014; A, xx/x

FAQs

Which social workers are covered by the reciprocity licensure-by-credentials requirements?

All baccalaureate social workers, master social workers, and independent social workers are covered.

What general qualifications must applicants meet for licensure by credentials via reciprocity?

Applicants must hold a valid social work license from another state, territory, U.S. District of Columbia, or foreign nation for at least two and one-half years and be in good standing without pending or recent disciplinary action. They must also hold the appropriate degree in social work and verify required examinations and New Mexico cultures coursework or proof.

What documentation is required to apply for licensure by credentials and reciprocity?

Applicants must submit a completed application, two personal character references, a 2" x 2" photograph taken within the preceding six months, a statement form sent directly from the conferring agency, ASWB test scores, proof of disqualifying criminal convictions if applicable, and the non-refundable license fee set forth in Part 7.

Sep 21, 2026

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