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New Mexico barber license — 1,200 training hours, exam details, fees ($303), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
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68% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,200 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$303
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
1 year (annual — expires on birthday)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
10th grade education or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,200 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
1,200 hours required
1,200 hours apprenticeship available — same hours as school, must complete within 36 months.
Online Hours Allowed
Theory hours only; practical hours must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
NM Barber Theory Examination (NIC)
Theory and practical exams must be passed within 12 months of completing 1,200 hours of training.
New Mexico Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and sanitation procedures.
Shave or trim beards; cut and style hair by hand or mechanical/electrical apparatus; curl, wave, permanent wave or chemically relax the hair; give facial and scalp massage or treatments with oils, creams, lotions or other preparations; shampoo, bleach, dye, or apply tonics to the hair; apply cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, powders, oils, clays or lotions to the scalp, face, neck or upper parts of the body; care for and service wigs and hairpieces; remove superfluous or unwanted hair by any means except electrolysis.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee for barber license | $150 |
Exam Fee Written ($130) + practical ($73) | $203 |
License Fee Initial license | $100 |
Total Government Fees Written ($130) + practical ($73) + license ($100) | $303 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school and program; NOT a government fee
Title: Master Barber
Master barber license available; requires additional experience and examination beyond standard barber license.
Reciprocity: $150 fee. Applicants with fewer than 1,200 hours can substitute 150 hours credit per 6 months of licensed experience (max 50% of required hours).
Additional Requirements: Must submit reciprocity application with proof of out-of-state license in good standing.
Licensed barbers can obtain cosmetology license with 175 additional hours in manicuring + 1 year work experience. Same applies in reverse.
Initial License Term
1 year
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual — expires on birthday)
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $200 (Enterprise/establishment license fee)
To open an enterprise or establishment, an application must be filed with the Board fifteen days prior to the anticipated opening date with owner signatures witnessed by a notary public. Owner must obtain a city business license prior to applying.
New Mexico is one of the few states that offers a formal barber/cosmetology combined crossover license. The state also uses a birthday-based annual renewal system rather than a fixed renewal date. With only 1,200 required training hours, New Mexico's requirements are moderate compared to other states.
Three separate exams: NIC written theory + NIC practical + NM state law exam.
Annual renewal — expires on birthday.
Training expiration: 12 months to pass exams after training (post-12/17/2015). After 24 months: 150 hrs remedial.
Uses PCS (Professional Credential Services) as exam administrator.
Reciprocity: $150; can substitute 150 hrs per 6 months experience (max 50%).
Crossover: barber → cosmetology with 175 hrs manicuring + 1 year experience.
Total fees: $303 (written $130 + practical $73 + license $100).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Mexico.
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-23
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1,200-hour training requirement confirmed
Accessed 2026-02-26
Exam scheduling through NM RLD online portal
Accessed 2026-02-26
Annual, birthday
Accessed 2026-03-23
Reciprocity application form
Accessed 2026-02-26
Official crossover regulation from NM Administrative Code
Accessed 2026-02-26
New Mexico requires 1,200 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.