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New Mexico Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NM · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Barber/Cosmetology License (Crossover)

Combined credential issued after crossover training and the applicable examinations; the two directions have different applicant conditions.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Combined license — cosmetologist completing barber crossover

All of the following:

Combination
Complete the online crossover application, pay the initial fee and request combination from the Board.
Existing license
Licensed cosmetologist acquiring barber authority through crossover.
Practical limitation
The applicable practical subjects only are required by 16.34.8.16(E); that reduced obligation is an applicant condition of the registered practical examination.
Same rank scope
The generic three scored licensing segments in 16.34.3.9(B) are retained along with the specific practical-only wording in 16.34.8.16(E).
Training
150 shaving hours or approved equivalent; the Board may approve crossover credits on a case-by-case basis.
Duplicate credential for additional work location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an online duplicate request and required fee; a licensee working in more than one establishment must obtain an official duplicate for each.
Existing license
Hold the applicable Board license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Restoration after expiration — one to five

All of the following:

Eligibility
Submit the examination application and prove original age and secondary-education eligibility and prior New Mexico licensure under 16.34.3.12.
Examinations
Retake applicable national practical, national theory and state law under the Board rules.
Expired license
Previously held the applicable New Mexico credential; expired for one year but less than five years.
Remediation
The one-to-five-year rule requires the applicable examinations; PCS’s implementation describes practical-only reinstatement. The higher-ranked Board rule is retained.
Restoration after expiration — over five

All of the following:

Eligibility
Submit the examination application and prove original age and secondary-education eligibility and prior New Mexico licensure under 16.34.3.12.
Examinations
Retake applicable national practical, national theory and state law under the Board rules.
Expired license
Previously held the applicable New Mexico credential; expired for more than five years.
Remediation
When expired more than five years, re-enter a licensed school, undergo a scholastic evaluation and complete at least 150 remedial hours; any scholastic assessment is an applicant condition.
Restoration within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Request restoration during the year following license expiration.
Fees
Pay the appropriate renewal and late fees and satisfy the online renewal documentation; instructors also provide the required continuing-education evidence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Reinstatement after compliance with support order
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional conditions
The Board may include conditions necessary for reapplication or reinstatement of a lapsed license; if the credential is independently expired, its separate expiration route applies.
Support order
A license or application acted on solely for support-order noncompliance is reinstated on a subsequent statement of compliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew online, pay the applicable renewal fee and upload a recent color front-view headshot before expiration.
Continuing education
No practitioner continuing-education examination is imposed by the complete renewal provisions; a current instructor license may be used as the practitioner renewal evidence under 16.34.2.8(C)(3).
Cycle
Practitioner licenses expire at the end of the birth month within a two-year term; instructor renewal follows the amended two-year March 31 cycle.
Prior license
Hold the current applicable practitioner or instructor credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Barber License

Ordinary New Mexico license to practice barbering, including the services and limitations prescribed by the Act and Board rules.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Licensure by examination — registered barber apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Complete the online application, pay the required fees, upload a recent front-view color headshot and submit the transcript or apprenticeship completion evidence.
Criminal history
Disqualifying convictions are governed by 16.34.2.15 NMAC; the Board may act on conduct that violates the Act.
Education
At least 1,200 barber training hours or equivalent Board-approved credits. PCS additionally states completion of tenth grade or equivalent; school registration evidence is governed by 16.34.8.13 NMAC.
Minimum age
At least 17 years of age.
Passing score
70 for each required examination under the January 13, 2026 amendment.
Score currency
Passing scores are valid for two years from graduation; the 2026 amendment requires remediation if the candidate does not pass both examinations and obtain licensure within 24 months.
Support compliance
The Board denies issuance or renewal when the applicant is not compliant with a judgment and order for support under 16.34.16 NMAC.
Training currency
Complete the school course or registered apprenticeship within the preceding 24 months.
Training path
Complete a barber apprenticeship registered with the state apprenticeship agency and approved by the Board; attach its certificate of completion.
Crossover from licensed cosmetologist to barber

All of the following:

Combination
After crossover, contact the Board to request combination of licenses; submit the online application and initial licensing fee.
Existing license
Hold a cosmetology license.
Limited practical subjects
16.34.8.16(E) states: E. To obtain a license with the crossover credits listed above, the applicant must submit to and pass a practical examination in the applicable subject(s) only. PCS identifies the required NIC shaving portion. The practical examination leaf retains its frozen identity; the applicant condition limits the practical services assessed.
Same rank scope
16.34.3.9(B) states that all non-instructor licensing examinations have national practical, national theory written and state-law segments. Those examinations are retained while the specific crossover provision’s limited practical obligation is displayed for the applicant.
Training
Complete 150 hours or applicable credit in beard trimming and shaving at a licensed school unless the Board approves otherwise.
Licensure by examination — domestic training without another license

All of the following:

Application
Complete the online application, pay the required fees, upload a recent front-view color headshot and submit the transcript or apprenticeship completion evidence.
Criminal history
Disqualifying convictions are governed by 16.34.2.15 NMAC; the Board may act on conduct that violates the Act.
Education
At least 1,200 barber training hours or equivalent Board-approved credits. PCS additionally states completion of tenth grade or equivalent; school registration evidence is governed by 16.34.8.13 NMAC.
Minimum age
At least 17 years of age.
Passing score
70 for each required examination under the January 13, 2026 amendment.
Score currency
Passing scores are valid for two years from graduation; the 2026 amendment requires remediation if the candidate does not pass both examinations and obtain licensure within 24 months.
Support compliance
The Board denies issuance or renewal when the applicant is not compliant with a judgment and order for support under 16.34.16 NMAC.
Training currency
Complete the school course or registered apprenticeship within the preceding 24 months.
Training path
Complete an equivalent United States course of study within the preceding 24 months without having obtained a license elsewhere; all New Mexico examination eligibility requirements apply.
First renewal of expedited civilian license to regular barber license

All of the following:

Equivalent training
When the prior course is not equivalent, notarized employment letters or records may document licensed current verified work: six full months equals 150 training hours; shorter periods are not credited.
Examination condition
16.34.6.12(B) requires the Board practical and written examinations upon renewal. The statutes permit examination requirements where the original licensing jurisdiction did not require the New Mexico examination; Part 6 exercises the Board’s authority.
Military fee waiver
Military licensing fee waiver continues for the first three years when applicable.
Prior credential
Hold the applicable expedited barber license and apply for its first renewal.
First renewal of expedited military license to regular barber license

All of the following:

Equivalent training
When the prior course is not equivalent, notarized employment letters or records may document licensed current verified work: six full months equals 150 training hours; shorter periods are not credited.
Examination condition
16.34.6.12(B) requires the Board practical and written examinations upon renewal. The statutes permit examination requirements where the original licensing jurisdiction did not require the New Mexico examination; Part 6 exercises the Board’s authority.
Military fee waiver
Military licensing fee waiver continues for the first three years when applicable.
Prior credential
Hold the applicable expedited barber license and apply for its first renewal.
Licensure by examination — foreign training

All of the following:

Application
Complete the online application, pay the required fees, upload a recent front-view color headshot and submit the transcript or apprenticeship completion evidence.
Criminal history
Disqualifying convictions are governed by 16.34.2.15 NMAC; the Board may act on conduct that violates the Act.
Education
At least 1,200 barber training hours or equivalent Board-approved credits. PCS additionally states completion of tenth grade or equivalent; school registration evidence is governed by 16.34.8.13 NMAC.
Experience evidence
Submit notarized employment letters or employment records when applicable under the rule; another country’s license and examinations are applicant evidence, not requirement leaves.
Failed exam remediation
After failing any examination part, register at a licensed school, undergo scholastic evaluation and complete at least 150 remedial hours before retaking the failed areas.
Foreign documents
Submit notarized translations of the foreign license or certificate, certified training transcript and other required documents; translation is needed only for non-English documents.
Minimum age
At least 17 years of age.
Passing score
70 for each required examination under the January 13, 2026 amendment.
Score currency
Passing scores are valid for two years from graduation; the 2026 amendment requires remediation if the candidate does not pass both examinations and obtain licensure within 24 months.
Support compliance
The Board denies issuance or renewal when the applicant is not compliant with a judgment and order for support under 16.34.16 NMAC.
Training currency
Complete the school course or registered apprenticeship within the preceding 24 months.
Reinstatement using valid instructor credential

All of the following:

Applicant exemption
The valid-instructor provision offers an alternative to reexamination. Because the same-ranked expired-license rule in 16.34.3.11 requires applicable examinations after a year, those registered examination leaves are retained and this permission is displayed as an applicant condition.
Independent expiration
The applicant must establish the prior practitioner credential and satisfy the applicable restoration documentation and fees.
Instructor status
16.34.2.8(C)(3) permits a valid instructor license held during the preceding 24 months to reinstate the original practitioner license.
Renewal using valid instructor credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew online and provide the applicable fee and photograph.
Instructor status
A licensee with a valid instructor license for the preceding 24 months may use that instructor license to renew the original practitioner license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Licensure from another jurisdiction without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board implementation demand
The Board Barber License Application Manual, page 9, states: c. If you have not passed, you will not be able to continue the application. The Board FAQ also directs reciprocity applicants to submit a jurisprudence exam. This lower-ranked demand is preserved as a condition; § 61-17A-17(B) states "without an examination".
Expedited eligibility
The disapproved-jurisdiction list governs the separate expedited process under § 61-17A-17(C) and 16.34.6 NMAC; the unrestricted-license route stated in § 61-17A-17(B) is preserved on its statutory terms.
Foreign or domestic license
Hold a valid unrestricted license from another licensing jurisdiction and submit the application, documentation and fees required by § 61-17A-17(B).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Duplicate credential for additional work location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an online duplicate request and required fee; a licensee working in more than one establishment must obtain an official duplicate for each.
Existing license
Hold the applicable Board license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Restoration after expiration — one to five

All of the following:

Eligibility
Submit the examination application and prove original age and secondary-education eligibility and prior New Mexico licensure under 16.34.3.12.
Examinations
Retake applicable national practical, national theory and state law under the Board rules.
Expired license
Previously held the applicable New Mexico credential; expired for one year but less than five years.
Remediation
The one-to-five-year rule requires the applicable examinations; PCS’s implementation describes practical-only reinstatement. The higher-ranked Board rule is retained.
Restoration after expiration — over five

All of the following:

Eligibility
Submit the examination application and prove original age and secondary-education eligibility and prior New Mexico licensure under 16.34.3.12.
Examinations
Retake applicable national practical, national theory and state law under the Board rules.
Expired license
Previously held the applicable New Mexico credential; expired for more than five years.
Remediation
When expired more than five years, re-enter a licensed school, undergo a scholastic evaluation and complete at least 150 remedial hours; any scholastic assessment is an applicant condition.
Restoration within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Request restoration during the year following license expiration.
Fees
Pay the appropriate renewal and late fees and satisfy the online renewal documentation; instructors also provide the required continuing-education evidence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Reinstatement after compliance with support order
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional conditions
The Board may include conditions necessary for reapplication or reinstatement of a lapsed license; if the credential is independently expired, its separate expiration route applies.
Support order
A license or application acted on solely for support-order noncompliance is reinstated on a subsequent statement of compliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew online, pay the applicable renewal fee and upload a recent color front-view headshot before expiration.
Continuing education
No practitioner continuing-education examination is imposed by the complete renewal provisions; a current instructor license may be used as the practitioner renewal evidence under 16.34.2.8(C)(3).
Cycle
Practitioner licenses expire at the end of the birth month within a two-year term; instructor renewal follows the amended two-year March 31 cycle.
Prior license
Hold the current applicable practitioner or instructor credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Licensure by examination — approved barber school

All of the following:

Application
Complete the online application, pay the required fees, upload a recent front-view color headshot and submit the transcript or apprenticeship completion evidence.
Criminal history
Disqualifying convictions are governed by 16.34.2.15 NMAC; the Board may act on conduct that violates the Act.
Education
At least 1,200 barber training hours or equivalent Board-approved credits. PCS additionally states completion of tenth grade or equivalent; school registration evidence is governed by 16.34.8.13 NMAC.
Minimum age
At least 17 years of age.
Passing score
70 for each required examination under the January 13, 2026 amendment.
Score currency
Passing scores are valid for two years from graduation; the 2026 amendment requires remediation if the candidate does not pass both examinations and obtain licensure within 24 months.
Support compliance
The Board denies issuance or renewal when the applicant is not compliant with a judgment and order for support under 16.34.16 NMAC.
Training currency
Complete the school course or registered apprenticeship within the preceding 24 months.
Training path
Complete the Board-approved school course in barbering.

Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Format
Open-book multiple-choice written state-law examination, administered in the Board application portal
Passing score
70 under 16.34.3.9 NMAC as amended effective January 13, 2026
Examination outline
  • Barbers and Cosmetologists Act
  • 16.34.1 NMAC — General Provisions
  • 16.34.2 NMAC — Licensing
  • 16.34.3 NMAC — Examinations
  • 16.34.4 NMAC — Special Licenses
  • 16.34.5 NMAC — Regular Licenses
  • 16.34.6 NMAC — Expedited Licensure
  • 16.34.7 NMAC — Establishments and Enterprises
  • 16.34.8 NMAC — Schools
  • 16.34.9 NMAC — Continuing Education
  • 16.34.10 NMAC — Investigations and Confidentiality
  • 16.34.11 NMAC — Violations
  • 16.34.12 NMAC — Record Keeping by the Board Office
  • 16.34.13 NMAC — Administrative Procedures
  • 16.34.15 NMAC — Administrative Penalties and Fines
  • 16.34.16 NMAC — Parental Responsibility Act Compliance
Examination sources

National Barber Styling Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Hands-on practical examination in 9 timed or variably timed core domain sections evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; candidates bring their own supply kit; model or mannequin requirements follow state guidelines; a straight razor must be used
Examination sources

National Barber Styling Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question is followed by four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply principles of infection control: Sanitation/Cleansing; Disinfection; Sterilization; Contamination and cross-contamination
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies (e.g., CDC, OSHA, EPA)
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify bones related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Understand the functions of body systems: Nervous system; Circulatory system; Endocrine system; Integumentary system
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to skin: Types; Treatments
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to hair: Types; Treatments
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand the chemical pH scale
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand purpose and effects of products, ingredients, and their interactions
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand interactions among chemicals
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn, inhalation)
  • Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering (10% of items) (10%)
    • Identify function, purpose, and care of tools used in hair services: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drape, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g. clippers, blow dryers)
    • Understand and apply safety and sanitation practices for use of implements and equipment
  • Hair Care Services (40% of items) (40%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Analyze condition of client’s hair and scalp (i.e., assessment)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Determine hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Document and maintain client records for hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, hair cutting)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for scalp treatments and scalp massage/manipulation
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair cutting: Shaping; Outlining; Neck shave
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures and safety of hair styling: Wet styling; Blowdry styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding, locks)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair enhancements
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of preparation, procedures, and safety for head shaving
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Understand preliminary tests (e.g., purposes, uses, applications): Predisposition; Strand test
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair coloring (including facial hair)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair lightening
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Foiling
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical hair relaxing/restructuring and curl reduction: Hydroxide; Thio; Keratin
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical waving/texturizing: Alkaline; Acid; Non-thio
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15% of items) (15%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Evaluate client’s skin (e.g., type, condition)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Identify contraindications: Disorders; Diseases
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Determine facial hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Document and maintain client records for facial hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Apply knowledge of draping for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Complete shave service with required strokes
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial hair design
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial (e.g., cleansing, steaming, mask)
    • Electrotherapy and light therapy — Apply knowledge of purpose and types of electrotherapy and light therapy
Examination sources