6.33 New Mexico Requirements
Key Takeaways
- New Mexico cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- New Mexico requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the New Mexico licensing board before scheduling.
New Mexico Cosmetology License Requirements
New Mexico requires 1,600 training hours and uses NIC examinations.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,600 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $105 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Examination Details
New Mexico uses NIC (National Interstate Council) examinations for both written theory and practical skills testing.
Reciprocity
New Mexico offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists from states with equivalent requirements.
State Board Contact
New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Website: rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists
- Phone: (505) 476-4622
Exam Focus
For New Mexico, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license.
Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.