StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in New Mexico

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
400 hrs
Upfront cost
$313
Exam
NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination, NIC Practical Examination, New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 1 year
Issuing board
New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old. The board does not require background checks. High school education prerequisites were removed by state legislation in 2022. [5]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 400 hours of training at a state-approved program. Rule 16.34.8.15 NMAC requires 400 course hours or equivalent credit for the manicurist/pedicurist curriculum (75 theory, 75 sterilization/sanitation/bacteriology, 175 manicuring/pedicuring, 50 salon business/retail, 25 miscellaneous). A prior version of this record incorrectly claimed a January 2026 increase to 600 hours; no such rule change exists as of this verification, and 16.34.5.11 NMAC confirms the 400-hour requirement remains current. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination

    Pass the NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination (fee: $115). written National theory examination administered by PCS. [2]

  4. 4

    NIC Practical Examination

    Pass the NIC Practical Examination (fee: $60). practical National practical examination administered by PCS. [2]

  5. 5

    New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination

    Pass the New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (fee: $28). written Open-book state law exam testing knowledge of New Mexico rules and regulations. [2]

  6. 6

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists with the $10 application fee. Typical processing time: 3-5 business days. [7]

  7. 7

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists issues your Manicurist-Pedicurist for New Mexico.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $10
License fee [3] $100
Renewal fee [3] $100
NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination [2] $115
NIC Practical Examination [2] $60
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination [2] $28
Student Permit Fee [3] $25
Reciprocity Application Fee [3] $150
Late Renewal Fee [3] $40

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 1 year. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.

The board's fee schedule lists these as "Annual Renewal Fees" ($100/year for Manicurist/Pedicurist); a two-year cycle was not confirmed on re-verification and has been corrected to annual. Practitioners are exempt from continuing education requirements for license renewals -- the CE page is titled for instructors only.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Licensure by reciprocity is available to out-of-state applicants holding an active license in a state with similar or greater requirements. New Mexico is not a member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.

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

Cost calculator

  • $10
  • $100
  • $115
  • $60
  • $28
Total$313

Frequently asked questions

Does the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists require background checks?

No, the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists does not require background checks for licensure.

How long do I have to take my examinations after completing training?

You must take and pass all required examinations (practical, theory, and State Law) within 12 months of completing your training.

How long does it take for my licensure application to be approved?

Applications are generally processed and approved within 3 to 5 business days once all required documentation is complete.

How do out-of-state applicants obtain a license in New Mexico?

Out-of-state applicants can apply for a license by reciprocity through the online portal, which requires submitting a reciprocity application, paying the $150 reciprocity fee, and passing the open-book state law exam.

Sources

  1. [1] srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0008.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] pcshq.com — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/fees/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/instructors-training-requirements-and-continuing-education/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0005.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  6. [6] rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/faqs/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  7. [7] rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/ — accessed 2026-07-12