Transferring your teaching license from New Mexico to Arizona
✓ Streamlined — Arizona offers full reciprocity to licensed teachers
Arizona offers full reciprocity: a fully-licensed New Mexico teacher is generally eligible for a standard Arizona license with few or no added requirements.
See 2,981 open teaching jobs in Arizona →License transfer finder
Your current credential (New Mexico)
- Issuing authority
- New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED)
- License type
- Level 1 License (3 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- New Mexico participates in NASDTEC. Out-of-state teachers with valid licenses may receive a Level 1 NM license; content exams may be required.
Arizona certification
- Issuing authority
- Arizona Department of Education
- License you'll earn
- Standard Teaching Certificate (6 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; Arizona Alternative routes allow classroom teaching within weeks
- Arizona reciprocity policy
- Arizona participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may receive an Arizona certificate; AEPA exams may still be required for some subject areas.
Exams typically required in Arizona
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on Arizona's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Professional KnowledgePedagogy and professional knowledge
- AEPA Subject Knowledge AssessmentContent knowledge for your certification area
- NES (National Evaluation Series) examsUsed for some subject areas as an alternative to AEPA
Pass the NES exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the NES — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your New Mexico credential is current. Arizona will request a verification of your active Level 1 License from New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED).
- Apply through Arizona Department of Education. The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any Arizona-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but Arizona may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to Arizona districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 2,981 active openings — browse Arizona teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in Arizona with a New Mexico teaching license?
Arizona offers full reciprocity: a fully-licensed New Mexico teacher is generally eligible for a standard Arizona license with few or no added requirements.
What exams are required to teach in Arizona?
Arizona typically requires the AEPA exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to Arizona take?
Typically 12–18 months traditional; Arizona Alternative routes allow classroom teaching within weeks.
Who issues teaching licenses in Arizona?
Teaching licenses in Arizona are issued by Arizona Department of Education.