Cosmetologist
New Mexico
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Official website →1,600 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Annual (expires on licensee's birthday each year)
Renewal Cycle
$250
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 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
Basic Requirements
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
Training Requirements
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
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetologists 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.
Examination
Written Exam
Theory Exam and State Jurisprudence Exam
- Administered by
- PSI
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $115
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
- Administered by
- PSI
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $60
Practical exam must be passed before the written/theory exam can be taken. Tests hands-on cosmetology skills.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $50 |
Exam Fee Theory/written exam ($115) + practical exam ($60) | $175 |
License Fee Original license fee | $25 |
Total Government Fees Application ($50) + theory exam ($115) + practical exam ($60) + license ($25) | $250 |
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.
License & Renewal
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
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedNew 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
Related Licenses in New Mexico
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
IncludedHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
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)
Sources
Official New Mexico RLD page for Barbers and Cosmetologists
Accessed 2026-02-24
State requirements listing
Accessed 2026-02-24
PSI testing portal
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official NM RLD fee schedule
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico requires 1,600 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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