New Mexico State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

New Mexico Board of Cosmetology License Information

Last Updated: December 27, 2012

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of New Mexico, students must complete the requirements listed below from the New Mexico State Board of Cosmetology. When getting a New Mexico cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of New Mexico's minimum required training hours and then take the state's cosmetology board exams.

After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the New Mexico State Board of Cosmetology. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your New Mexico cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of New Mexico. Keep in mind, even though New Mexico may not require continuing education to renew some licenses, you may wish to consider taking cosmetology continuing education hours in New Mexico annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the NM Board of Cosmetology directly for more information. The state of NM does not allow apprenticeship to get your training hours. NM uses PSI to administer the exam and allows you to take the boards in the English and Spanish languages.

Find New Mexico beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions in the State of New Mexico.

New Mexico Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1600 Hours
• BARBER LICENSE: 1200 Hours
• ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
• NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 350 Hours
• ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 600 Hours
• PERMANENT MAKEUP LICENSE: Contact the Body Art Board
• COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 1000 Hours
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 650 Hours

New Mexico Cosmetology License Renewal

Cosmetology license renewal in New Mexico happens every year during the licensee's birth month. The cost to renew your beauty practitioner's license is $50. 12 hours of cosmetology continuing education is required every year for instructors. All others do not require continuing education at this time, but cosmetology CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry.

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in New Mexico

In order to transfer your cosmetology license to New Mexico, you must furnish an affidavit from your home state's regulatory agency where you are currently and actively licensed. You must have a current license in good standing with your home state, and have completed equal or comparable training hours. If you have fewer than NM's required training hours, you may substitute up to 150 hours of verified work experience in lieu of the minimum hours. The rest you would need to take in a school.

NM State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
2550 Cerillos Road, 2nd Floor Toney Anaya Building
PO Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone Number: 505-476-4690
Fax Number: 505-476-4545
E-mail Address: barberscosmetologists@state.nm.us

The New Mexico State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining a New Mexico state cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• Texas
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Oklahoma
• Utah