StateLicensed

Barber License Requirements in New Mexico

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1200 hrs
Upfront cost
$303
Exam
NIC Barber Theory Examination, NIC Barber Practical Examination, New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Regulation and Licensing Department)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old. 16.34.5.8 NMAC requires applicants to be at least 17, to have completed the course of study (or a registered barber apprenticeship) within the preceding 12 months, and to pass the board's practical and written exams. The former education prerequisite (completion of the second year of high school) was struck from the rule. No criminal background check requirement for barber applicants appears in the Act or the board's rules. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1200 hours of training at a state-approved program. Barber license requires 1,200 hours or equivalent credit at a licensed school (16.34.5.9 NMAC). Alternatively, barbering is the only NM beauty license with an apprenticeship path: completion of a barber apprenticeship program registered by the state apprenticeship agency within the preceding 12 months qualifies an applicant for examination (16.34.5.8 NMAC; the rules do not state a fixed apprenticeship hour count). Verified, current work experience can also be credited at 150 hours per full six months. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Barber Theory Examination

    Pass the NIC Barber Theory Examination (fee: $130). Written/computer-based NIC national exam; minimum passing score 70 The Board contracts with PCS, which exclusively uses NIC examinations. Combined theory + practical registration is $203; theory only is $130. Exam fees are non-refundable and valid one year. [2]

  4. 4

    NIC Barber Practical Examination

    Pass the NIC Barber Practical Examination (fee: $73). In-person practical demonstration; minimum passing score 70 Practical-only registration is $73; combined theory + practical is $203. [2]

  5. 5

    New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination

    Pass the New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination. Open-book, multiple-choice exam on the NM Barbers and Cosmetologists statutes and rules No separate jurisprudence exam fee is listed on the PCS New Mexico fee schedule or the board's pages; PCS lists only the theory/practical registration fees. [3]

  6. 6

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Regulation and Licensing Department). Typical processing time: 3-5 business days from date of completed application (per board FAQ). [3]

  7. 7

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Regulation and Licensing Department) issues your Barber License for New Mexico.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [4] None specified
License fee [4] $100
Renewal fee [4] $100
NIC Barber Theory Examination [2] $130
NIC Barber Practical Examination [2] $73
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination [3] None specified
Student permit [4] $25
Barber apprentice license [4] $25
Late renewal fee [4] $40
Expedited license (original) [4] $150

The official fee rule (16.34.14.8 NMAC, amended through 8/29/2023) lists no standalone application fee for practitioners — the barber license fee of $100 covers both original issuance and renewal. Exam administrative fees are capped at $100 per the rule; actual exam registration is paid to PCS. Fee rule accessed via the NM Commission of Public Records (srca.nm.gov) official NMAC publication.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

Per the board's FAQ, original licenses are issued for a period of two years or less, expiring on the last day of the licensee's birth month; renewal is $100 for the 2-year period with a $40 late fee after expiration. No continuing-education requirement for barber practitioners appears in the board's rules or FAQ (CE rules exist for instructors).

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Out-of-state licensees apply for reciprocity through the NM-PLUS online portal with a jurisprudence exam and fee; training hours/qualifications must be equivalent to or exceed New Mexico's. Expedited licensure is also available (16.34.6 NMAC), but barbers licensed in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are excluded from the expedited path because those jurisdictions' education/training requirements are not consistent with New Mexico's minimums. No interstate compact covers barbering.

10 state-approved training providers in New Mexico — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $100
  • $130
  • $73
Total$303

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of barber school does New Mexico require?

1,200 hours (or equivalent credit) at a licensed school. Barbering is also the only New Mexico beauty profession with an apprenticeship path — completing a barber apprenticeship program registered with the state apprenticeship agency also qualifies you for the exams.

Who gives the barber exams in New Mexico?

Professional Credential Services (PCS) administers the NIC Barber Theory and Practical exams for the board ($203 combined registration), plus an open-book New Mexico jurisprudence exam on the state's statutes and rules. Passing score is 70 on each.

How long do I have to take my exams after finishing school?

Per the board's FAQ, you have 12 months after completing training to take your exams before applying for licensure.

How much does the license cost and how often is it renewed?

Initial licensure is $100 and renewal is $100 for a 2-year period; licenses expire on the last day of your birth month, with a $40 late fee after expiration. No continuing education is required for barber practitioners.

Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license?

Yes — submit a reciprocity application, the jurisprudence exam, and fee through the NM-PLUS portal, with training equivalent to or exceeding New Mexico's. Note the expedited-licensure rule excludes barbers licensed in FL, NJ, NY, OR, and the USVI because their hour requirements fall below New Mexico's.

Sources

  1. [1] rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/16.34.5-NMAC.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] pcshq.com/cosmetology-barbering-new-mexico/ — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/faqs/ — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0014.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  5. [5] srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0006.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11