New Mexico Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step New Mexico Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

New Mexico’s cosmetology licensing process is detailed, structured, and rooted in the state’s dedication to professionalism and public safety. The New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists oversees licensing requirements and assures that customers receive quality services across salons, spas, and beauty establishments statewide.

From practical exam standards to the discontinuation of booth establishment licensing, New Mexico's regulations are updated regularly to support licensed professionals and streamline compliance. Unlike some states, continuing education requirements are not mandated for all licensees, though instructors must meet annual training expectations.

This guide outlines each step to become a licensed cosmetologist in New Mexico, including details on required hours, examinations, reciprocity, and important notices, like the announcement of the discontinuation of booth establishment licensing. Whether you're studying in a licensed school in Albuquerque or Taos or applying from out of state, you'll find everything you need to get started.

New Mexico Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In New Mexico, becoming a licensed cosmetologist means following a clear, regulated process under the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. These guidelines are designed to confirm that customers receive quality services and that each professional meets state standards for education, skill, and safety.

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice cosmetology in New Mexico, applicants must meet the licensing requirements set by the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists and follow the procedures outlined by the Regulation and Licensing Department. The basic qualifications are:

• Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
• They must have completed the second year of high school or its equivalent.
• Completion of a cosmetology program at a licensed school approved by the New Mexico Board is required.
• Applicants must pass a board-approved licensing examination.
• A complete application, with all supporting documents, must be submitted.
• All required fees must be paid to the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

Examination Requirements

To sit for the licensing examination, applicants must:

• Complete 1,600 hours of education at a licensed school.
• Pass a three-part exam:
  • A practical section,
  • A written theory exam,
  • A New Mexico State law section.
• Earn a minimum score of 75 on each portion.
• Pay the licensing fees after passing.

The examination is administered through a state-approved provider and reflects the standards set by the Board of Barber and Cosmetology, Overview and Contact Unit.

Continuing Education

New Mexico does not require continuing education for general cosmetologists. However, licensed instructors must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually. All licenses expire each year on the licensee’s birthday, not at the end of the calendar year.

Apprenticeship Programs

New Mexico requires that cosmetology education be completed at a licensed school; apprenticeship programs are not available for cosmetology training in the state.

License Reciprocity

To qualify for license reciprocity in New Mexico:

• The applicant must hold a valid license from substantially equivalent training in another state.
• If training hours are insufficient, six full months of work experience may substitute for 150 training hours.
• Work experience may not exceed 50% of the required training hours for New Mexico applicants.
• Foreign-trained applicants must take the full examination.
• Work experience can substitute up to 50% of required hours.
• All applicants must take and pass a board-approved jurisprudence exam with a score of 75% or higher.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed instructor in New Mexico, an individual must:

• Hold a cosmetology license for two years.
• Complete 1,000 hours of instructor training at a licensed school.
• Pass the New Mexico board-approved examination.

Instructors must hold a valid license and meet all training and examination requirements set by the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. For questions regarding instructor licensure or application procedures, contact the Professional Licensing and Support Office at the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Anyone wishing to perform skin care services in New Mexico must have an esthetician license in accordance with the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Have completed the second year of high school or equivalent education.
• Graduate from a Board-approved esthetics program at a licensed school.
• Pass both the written theory and practical examinations.
• Submit a complete application, including all supporting documentation and required fees.

Licensed estheticians in New Mexico are allowed to use the initials “R.F.” as a professional designation.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for the licensing examination, candidates must:

• Complete 600 hours of training at a licensed esthetician school.
• Pass three examination components:
  • A practical section,
  • A written theory section,
  • A State law section based on New Mexico regulations.
• Score at least 75% on each part.
• Pay all applicable exam and licensing fees after successful completion.

License Reciprocity

New Mexico allows license reciprocity for estheticians from other states under specific conditions:

• The applicant must hold a valid esthetics license obtained through substantially equivalent training.
• If education hours are insufficient, six months of documented work experience equals 150 training hours.
• No more than 50% of the required hours can be fulfilled through experience.
• Applicants with foreign training must pass the full New Mexico examination.
• All reciprocity candidates must pass a jurisprudence exam with at least 75% to qualify for licensure.

For assistance with reciprocity applications, candidates can contact the Professional Licensing and Support team through the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Overview and Contact page at the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In New Mexico, hairstylists and barbers are licensed under the authority of the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. To legally practice hairstyling or barbering, individuals must meet the following licensing requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Complete the second year of high school or its equivalent.
• Graduate from a Board-approved barbering program at a licensed school, or complete a registered apprenticeship.
• Pass the New Mexico state licensing examinations.
• Submit a complete application with all supporting documentation.
• Pay all required licensure fees.

Licensed cosmetologists may take a crossover course to become licensed barbers, provided they meet the additional requirements set by the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for the barbering examination, applicants must:

• Complete 1,200 hours of education at a licensed school or a barbering apprenticeship.
• Pass three exams:
  • A practical skills assessment,
  • A theory-based written test,
  • A State law section on New Mexico barber regulations.
• Score at least 75% on each section.
• Pay all associated exam and licensing fees upon passing.

The New Mexico Board standardizes the exams to provide consistency across the profession statewide.

Apprenticeship Programs

In New Mexico, barbering apprenticeships are permitted, offering an alternative path to classroom education. Requirements include:

• Must be at least 17 years old.
• Complete 1,200 hours of supervised instruction.
• Register as a barber apprentice through a licensed shop under the supervision of a licensed instructor.
• Complete all training within 36 months, with no extensions allowed.
• Apprentices must be registered and monitored by the New Mexico Board.

License Reciprocity

To apply for a New Mexico barber license through reciprocity:

• Applicants must have a valid license obtained through substantially equivalent education and experience.
• If education hours are lacking, six months of documented experience = 150 training hours.
• A maximum of 50% of the required training hours may be fulfilled through experience.
• Applicants trained outside the U.S. must complete the full New Mexico examination.
• A jurisprudence exam must be passed with at least 75%.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed instructor in barbering in New Mexico, individuals must:

• Hold a valid barbering license for at least two years.
• Complete 1,000 hours of instructor training at a licensed school.
• Pass a Board-approved examination.

Instructors who meet all licensing requirements may contact the Professional Licensing and Support team at the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department in Santa Fe, New Mexico for assistance with applications, renewals, or board procedures.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

In New Mexico, individuals wishing to perform nail care services must have a manicurist license through the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Have completed the second year of high school or an equivalent level of education.
• Graduate from a licensed school with a Board-approved training program.
• Pass both written and practical examinations.
• Submit a complete application along with all supporting documentation and required fees.

Once licensed, manicurists may use the designation “R.M.” as a right and privilege of licensure in the state of New Mexico.

Examination Requirements

To take the manicurist licensing exam, applicants must:

• Complete 350 hours of training at a licensed nail tech school.
• Pass a three-part examination consisting of:
  • A practical hands-on skills test,
  • A written theory exam,
  • A New Mexico state law section.
• Score at least 75% on each section.
• Pay the licensing and exam fees after passing.

All exams are approved by the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, Overview and Contact, and align with state regulations.

License Reciprocity

Applicants from out of state may apply for license reciprocity under the following conditions:

• The applicant holds a valid nail technician license acquired through substantially equivalent training.
• If education hours are lacking, six months of full-time work equals 150 hours of credit.
• A maximum of 50% of the required hours may come from work experience.
• Foreign-trained applicants must take the full licensing exam in New Mexico.
• All reciprocity applicants must take and pass the New Mexico jurisprudence exam with a score of 75% or higher.

Support for reciprocity applications is available through the Professional Licensing and Support team at the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, which oversees all inquiries related to license transfers, qualifications, and examination requirements.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed instructor in nail technology in New Mexico, applicants must:

• Hold a valid manicurist license for at least two years.
• Complete 1,000 hours of instructor training at a licensed school.
• Pass a Board-approved exam administered by the New Mexico Board.

For questions about instructor licensure, including application status or examination procedures, contact the Professional Licensing and Support team at the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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Makeup Artists

In New Mexico, makeup artists are licensed under either cosmetology or esthetics, depending on the scope of services provided. Individuals offering makeup application, skin care, or facial services must comply with the appropriate licensing requirements set by the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

To legally perform makeup services, professionals must complete a program at a licensed school, pass the required licensing examination, and maintain an active license under either esthetics or cosmetology. Licensure assures that customers receive quality services in accordance with board regulations.

For more detailed licensing information or guidance on which license is appropriate for your career path, contact the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Overview and Contact team or reach out directly to the Professional Licensing and Support office located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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