Loading...
Loading...
Barber
Exam: Yes
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
1,200 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$303
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
Annual renewal; licenses renew in birthday month
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of the second year of high school or its equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.
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
Browse Barber study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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.
Ready to pass the Barber State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Barber licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overall licensing difficulty: 45/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
Barber State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Barber Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Barber State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Title: Master Barber
Master barber license available; requires additional experience and examination beyond standard barber license.
$150 reciprocity fee; 150 hours credit per 6 full months of licensed experience for applicants below NM hourly requirements
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New Mexico with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Initial License Term
1 year
Renewal Cycle
Annual renewal; licenses renew in birthday month
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $200 (Enterprise or Establishment License original) (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).
Barber Schools in New Mexico
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
See how New Mexico compares: Barber License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare barber requirements across all states →
Barber licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure barber is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does New Mexico compare to other states for barber? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your barber license →
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Other professional licenses in New Mexico
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Mexico.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Barber requirements in New Mexico verified against New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, April 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
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
Moving to New Mexico? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to New Mexico →
Transfer your Barber license from New Mexico to: Arizona → | Colorado → | Oklahoma → | Texas → | Utah →