Loading...
Loading...
New Mexico cosmetology license — 1,600 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($250), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
71% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get your personalized New Mexico Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$50
Initial application fee
Exam Fee
$175
Theory/written exam ($115) + practical exam ($60)
License Fee
$25
Original license fee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. New Mexico has programs at both community colleges (UNM Gallup, CNM) and private schools.
Renewal Fee
$25
Every Annual (expires on licensee's birthday each year)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
Annual (expires on licensee's birthday each year)
Renewal Fee
$25
Complete 1,600 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-approved school
Submit application with $50 fee to the NM Regulation and Licensing Department
Schedule and pass the practical exam through PSI ($60, score 75% or higher)
After passing the practical exam, schedule and pass the theory/written and jurisprudence exams through PSI ($115, score 75% or higher)
Pay $25 license fee upon passing all exams
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of the second year of high school (10th grade) or equivalent
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,600 hours
Board-approved cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in New Mexico or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in New Mexico.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Cosmetologists in New Mexico may perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments (perming, relaxing), nail care (manicures, pedicures), skin care, facial treatments, makeup application, and waxing. The full scope of practice is defined by the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.
Theory Exam and State Jurisprudence Exam
National theory exam plus state jurisprudence exam. Must pass the practical exam before taking the written exam. Schedule written test after passing practical test.
Practical Exam
Practical exam must be passed before the written/theory exam can be taken. Tests hands-on cosmetology skills.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Cosmetologist licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 39/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
Partner links — 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 Cosmetology State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | |
Exam Fee Theory/written exam ($115) + practical exam ($60) | |
License Fee Original license fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($50) + theory exam ($115) + practical exam ($60) + license ($25) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. New Mexico has programs at both community colleges (UNM Gallup, CNM) and private schools.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
1 year (expires on licensee's birthday)
Renewal Cycle
Annual (expires on licensee's birthday each year)
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$40
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
New Mexico offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensed cosmetologists. Applicants must hold a current license in another state.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity license fee is $125
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
New Mexico is unusual in requiring candidates to pass the practical exam BEFORE they can take the written/theory exam -- most states allow either order or written first. Licenses renew annually on the licensee's birthday rather than biennially. The reciprocity license fee ($125) is 5x the original license fee ($25).
New Mexico requires passing the practical exam BEFORE the written exam can be taken, which is the opposite order of most states
License renewal is annual, not biennial, which is less common among states
No apprenticeship available for cosmetology, but barbering apprenticeships are permitted
Reciprocity license costs $125 (significantly more than the $25 original license fee)
Cosmetologist Schools in New Mexico
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how New Mexico compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare cosmetologist requirements across all states →
Cosmetologist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure cosmetologist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does New Mexico compare to other states for cosmetologist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your cosmetologist license →
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology 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.
Moving to New Mexico? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to New Mexico →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from New Mexico to: Arizona → | Colorado → | Oklahoma → | Texas → | Utah →