OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

New Mexico Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NM · License preparation

250 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Practice is unavailable for State law written examination. Available questions cover only examinations with mounted question banks.

Loading selected examination banks…

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.

Cosmetologist license

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

Duplicate cosmetologist license issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Existing valid Board license; online request and fee; one official duplicate for every additional establishment at which licensee works.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Reinstatement after child support compliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Discipline solely for support noncompliance: present subsequent statement of compliance; Board may add other conditions necessary for ordinary reapplication or lapsed-license reinstatement.
Other Conditions
If separate lapse requirements apply, follow the corresponding expiration route; this support-specific order adds no identified examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

First renewal of expedited license — conversion to regular cosmetologist license

All of the following:

Exam Discretion
§ 61-1-31.1(C) permits exams not required at original outside licensure; 16.34.6.12(B) expressly requires practical and written Board exams at conversion.
Expedited License
Hold the expedited cosmetologist license and apply through renewal before its term ends.
Training Equivalency
If training is not equivalent, licensed current verified employment may count: six full months equals 150 hours; less than six months is not credited.
Restoration after expiration — more than five years

All of the following:

Contractor Instruction
PCS March 2022 handbook page 7 directs one-to-five-year applicants to practical only and longer-expired applicants to theory and practical; the higher-ranked Board rules retain applicable examinations and the written state-law examination.
Expiration
more than five years
Prior License
Previously licensed by this Board; satisfy original age and secondary education requirements stated in 16.34.3.12.
Remediation
For more than five years expired, re-enter a licensed school, scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before the full theory, applicable practical and state-law examination.
Restoration after expiration — one year but less than five years

All of the following:

Contractor Instruction
PCS March 2022 handbook page 7 directs one-to-five-year applicants to practical only and longer-expired applicants to theory and practical; the higher-ranked Board rules retain applicable examinations and the written state-law examination.
Expiration
one year but less than five years
Prior License
Previously licensed by this Board; satisfy original age and secondary education requirements stated in 16.34.3.12.
Remediation
For more than five years expired, re-enter a licensed school, scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before the full theory, applicable practical and state-law examination.
Licensure by examination — equivalent United States training without an outside license

All of the following:

Application
Complete online application, required fee, current color headshot and transcript; applications valid one year.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years.
Older Handbook Window
March 2022 handbook states a 12-month training window; January 13, 2026 rule uses 24 months.
Passing Scores
70 scaled score in each examination; only failed examinations are retaken.
Prior License
No license obtained in another licensing jurisdiction; equivalent US course completed within preceding 24 months.
School Education
PCS March 2022 handbook states completion of tenth grade or equivalent; current statute § 61-17A-9 no longer lists secondary education.
Training
1600 cosmetology hours at a Board-approved school.
Training Currency
Complete training within the preceding 24 months; passing scores valid for two years from graduation.
Licensure by examination — foreign trained applicant

All of the following:

Application
Complete online application, required fee, current color headshot and transcript; applications valid one year.
Board FAQ
{"source":{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-01","locator":"Foreign-trained applicants","name":"New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — faq","quote":"Can I obtain a license if I am foreign trained? If the requirements are similar or exceed New Mexico requirements, please complete a reciprocity application, jurisprudence. Please submit application, jurisprudence exam, and fee to the board office. Upon completion, please contact the testing center, Professional Credentialing Services (PCS), to schedule your exams.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"fbc4ed823b02f400e5b44b22bc4af8f2b281f3d955b236a4b7dc21ed8dd0dcca"},"url":"https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/barbers-and-cosmetologists/faqs/","version":"Board current official page, verified October 1, 2026"},"value":"Board FAQ additionally directs foreign-trained applicants to submit reciprocity application, jurisprudence examination and fee, then contact PCS for examinations."}
Failed Foreign Examination
After failing any part, scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours at a licensed school before reexamination.
Foreign Documentation
Valid foreign license or certificate and certified transcript; notarized English translations when not in English; additional Board-required documents and work evidence if applicable.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years.
Older Handbook Window
March 2022 handbook states a 12-month training window; January 13, 2026 rule uses 24 months.
Passing Scores
70 scaled score in each examination; only failed examinations are retaken.
School Education
PCS March 2022 handbook states completion of tenth grade or equivalent; current statute § 61-17A-9 no longer lists secondary education.
Training
1600 cosmetology hours at a Board-approved school.
Training Currency
Complete training within the preceding 24 months; passing scores valid for two years from graduation.
Licensure by examination — training window remediation

All of the following:

Application
Complete online application, required fee, current color headshot and transcript; applications valid one year.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years.
Older Handbook Window
March 2022 handbook states a 12-month training window; January 13, 2026 rule uses 24 months.
Passing Scores
70 scaled score in each examination; only failed examinations are retaken.
Remediation
If both exams and licensure are not completed within 24 months, register at a licensed school, undergo scholastic evaluation and complete at least 150 remedial hours; may then submit to applicable examinations.
School Education
PCS March 2022 handbook states completion of tenth grade or equivalent; current statute § 61-17A-9 no longer lists secondary education.
Training
1600 cosmetology hours at a Board-approved school.
Training Currency
Complete training within the preceding 24 months; passing scores valid for two years from graduation.
Licensure by examination — New Mexico school

All of the following:

Application
Complete online application, required fee, current color headshot and transcript; applications valid one year.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years.
Older Handbook Window
March 2022 handbook states a 12-month training window; January 13, 2026 rule uses 24 months.
Passing Scores
70 scaled score in each examination; only failed examinations are retaken.
School Education
PCS March 2022 handbook states completion of tenth grade or equivalent; current statute § 61-17A-9 no longer lists secondary education.
Training
1600 cosmetology hours at a Board-approved school.
Training Currency
Complete training within the preceding 24 months; passing scores valid for two years from graduation.
Restoration within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
License expired no more than one year; pay appropriate renewal and late fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Renewal or reinstatement using a current instructor license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Instructor License
Valid cosmetologist instructor license for preceding 24 months may be used to renew or reinstate original cosmetologist license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Regular cosmetologist license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Timing
Renew by birth-month expiration, term at most 24 months; upload current color headshot and pay renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

National Cosmetology 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 timed sections performed on a model or mannequin according to state guidelines, with more than one client represented; candidates bring their own supply kit and are evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; NIC also offers additional practical sections that states may require
Examination sources

National Cosmetology 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 has 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 cause/transmission of diseases and infections
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify the purpose and differentiate among the categories of infection control: Sanitation; Disinfection; Sterilization
    • Infection control and safety practices — Recognize how cross-contamination occurs and how it can be prevented (e.g., single use and multi-use items)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies: OSHA; EPA
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Recognize signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Arms and hands; Legs and feet
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify functions of: Nervous system; Circulatory system
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize purpose and effects of ingredients
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize interactions between chemicals
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn)
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize the values of the pH scale
  • Hair Care and Services (45% of items) (45%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s hair and scalp
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Utilize preliminary tests (e.g., predisposition and strand tests)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drapes, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g., irons, blow dryers, clippers)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Demonstrate safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate scalp treatments and scalp massage
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, cutting, styling)
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair care principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair cutting and shaping
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair styling: Wet styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove hair enhancements: Wigs and hairpieces; Hair additions (e.g., taping, bonding, fusion, linking)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply principles of balance and hair design (e.g., facial shape, physical structure)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair design principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform hair color services (e.g., virgin, retouch, lightening, foiling, balayage, color formulation, color correction)
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical hair relaxer/restructurizer and curl reduction (e.g., hydroxide, thio, keratin) service
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical waving/texturizing (e.g., alkaline, acid, non-thio) services
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Understand the chemical products used for the various hair texture types
  • Skin Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate client’s skin: Type; Condition
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, steamer); Implements (e.g., tweezers, brushes, extractors); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., creams, masks, towels, wax, head coverings)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic facial
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of hair removal
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of makeup application
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of electrical equipment
  • Nail Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s nails
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., workstation, pedicure basin); Implements (e.g., nippers, file); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., towels, creams, polish)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic manicure and pedicure
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove nail enhancements
Examination sources

State law written examination

Format
Written state-law examination
Passing score
70 scaled score, effective January 13, 2026
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an 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