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New Mexico Nail Technology — 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.

Manicurist/Esthetician License

Combined nail and esthetics practitioner license; the profession-specific examinations from outside nail remain applicant conditions.

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

Initial licensure by examination after New Mexico training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Combined training
16.34.8.15(F) NMAC, amended January 13, 2026, prescribes a 950-hour combined course. The unchanged 16.34.4.10 heading still states 900 hours; the applicant must meet the current approved curriculum.
Esthetics assessment
The license also authorizes esthetics under 16.34.4.10 NMAC. Esthetics examinations are examinations of another profession and are applicant conditions rather than nail requirement leaves; the Board determines applicable national practical and theory testing for that portion.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Initial expedited licensure by another licensing jurisdiction credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed application, official license verification and required fee; qualified complete applications are processed within 30 days. Military service members and veterans receive the first-three-years fee exemption stated in 16.34.6.11(E).
Board application exam demand
Despite NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-17(B) granting the license "without an examination", the Board FAQ says: "Please complete the reciprocity application, submit the application, jurisprudence exam, and fee." The July 2026 license manual also directs applicants to launch and pass the Jurisprudence Exam. This lower-ranked implementing demand is an applicant condition, not a leaf overriding the statute.
Eligibility
No disqualifying criminal conviction and no pending New Mexico disciplinary action (16.34.6.7 NMAC).
Existing license
Hold a valid, unrestricted license in good standing in the same field. For ordinary expedited applications the issuing jurisdiction must be eligible under 16.34.6 NMAC; military-associated applicants supply the specified service, family or veteran documentation.
First renewal
16.34.6.12 NMAC requires practical and written examinations at the first renewal and conversion to a regular license; that renewal pathway is recorded separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

First renewal and conversion of expedited license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Combined training
16.34.8.15(F) NMAC, amended January 13, 2026, prescribes a 950-hour combined course. The unchanged 16.34.4.10 heading still states 900 hours; the applicant must meet the current approved curriculum.
Esthetics assessment
The license also authorizes esthetics under 16.34.4.10 NMAC. Esthetics examinations are examinations of another profession and are applicant conditions rather than nail requirement leaves; the Board determines applicable national practical and theory testing for that portion.
Existing license
Hold an expedited license; renewal produces a regular license under 16.34.6.12(B)-(C) NMAC.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training equivalence
Current verified licensed work documented by notarized employer letters or records may supplement education; six full months equals 150 training hours, and shorter periods do not count (16.34.6.12(D) NMAC).
Initial licensure by examination after foreign training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Combined training
16.34.8.15(F) NMAC, amended January 13, 2026, prescribes a 950-hour combined course. The unchanged 16.34.4.10 heading still states 900 hours; the applicant must meet the current approved curriculum.
Esthetics assessment
The license also authorizes esthetics under 16.34.4.10 NMAC. Esthetics examinations are examinations of another profession and are applicant conditions rather than nail requirement leaves; the Board determines applicable national practical and theory testing for that portion.
Foreign documents
Supply notarized translations of the foreign license/certificate, training transcript and any other required documents; translation is needed only for non-English documents. Employment documentation may establish experience. Failure in any part requires scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before retaking the failed areas (16.34.3.13 NMAC).
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Renewal or reinstatement using a valid instructor license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Instructor license
A valid instructor license for the preceding 24 months may be used to renew or reinstate the original practitioner license (16.34.2.8(C)(3) NMAC).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Initial expedited licensure for military associated applicants
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed application, official license verification and required fee; qualified complete applications are processed within 30 days. Military service members and veterans receive the first-three-years fee exemption stated in 16.34.6.11(E).
Board application exam demand
Despite NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-17(B) granting the license "without an examination", the Board FAQ says: "Please complete the reciprocity application, submit the application, jurisprudence exam, and fee." The July 2026 license manual also directs applicants to launch and pass the Jurisprudence Exam. This lower-ranked implementing demand is an applicant condition, not a leaf overriding the statute.
Eligibility
No disqualifying criminal conviction and no pending New Mexico disciplinary action (16.34.6.7 NMAC).
Existing license
Hold a valid, unrestricted license in good standing in the same field. For ordinary expedited applications the issuing jurisdiction must be eligible under 16.34.6 NMAC; military-associated applicants supply the specified service, family or veteran documentation.
First renewal
16.34.6.12 NMAC requires practical and written examinations at the first renewal and conversion to a regular license; that renewal pathway is recorded separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Restoration after one year but less than five years of expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Combined training
16.34.8.15(F) NMAC, amended January 13, 2026, prescribes a 950-hour combined course. The unchanged 16.34.4.10 heading still states 900 hours; the applicant must meet the current approved curriculum.
Esthetics assessment
The license also authorizes esthetics under 16.34.4.10 NMAC. Esthetics examinations are examinations of another profession and are applicant conditions rather than nail requirement leaves; the Board determines applicable national practical and theory testing for that portion.
Expiration
Expired for one year but less than five years; retake applicable examinations under 16.34.3.11(B) NMAC.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Prior license
Provide proof of prior New Mexico licensure and original age and secondary education qualifications (16.34.3.12 NMAC).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Restoration after more than five years of expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Combined training
16.34.8.15(F) NMAC, amended January 13, 2026, prescribes a 950-hour combined course. The unchanged 16.34.4.10 heading still states 900 hours; the applicant must meet the current approved curriculum.
Esthetics assessment
The license also authorizes esthetics under 16.34.4.10 NMAC. Esthetics examinations are examinations of another profession and are applicant conditions rather than nail requirement leaves; the Board determines applicable national practical and theory testing for that portion.
Expiration
Expired for more than five years; re-enter a licensed school, undergo scholastic evaluation and complete at least 150 remedial hours before examinations.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Prior license
Provide proof of prior New Mexico licensure and original age and secondary education qualifications (16.34.3.12 NMAC).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Restoration within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Restore during the year following expiration upon payment of the renewal and late fees prescribed by NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-20(A).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew online, pay applicable fees and upload a recent headshot before expiration; practitioner licenses expire at the end of the birth month, not beyond 24 months (NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-20; 16.34.2.8(C)-(D) NMAC).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Initial examination after equivalent United States training without another license

All of the following:

Applicant category
Completed an equivalent United States course within 24 months but has not obtained another license (16.34.3.14 NMAC).
Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Combined training
16.34.8.15(F) NMAC, amended January 13, 2026, prescribes a 950-hour combined course. The unchanged 16.34.4.10 heading still states 900 hours; the applicant must meet the current approved curriculum.
Esthetics assessment
The license also authorizes esthetics under 16.34.4.10 NMAC. Esthetics examinations are examinations of another profession and are applicant conditions rather than nail requirement leaves; the Board determines applicable national practical and theory testing for that portion.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Reinstatement after support noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Present a subsequent statement of compliance; the Board may impose other applicable reapplication or lapsed-license conditions (16.34.16.13). This finding covers the support-compliance reinstatement basis; any separate expired-license examination route remains recorded.
Scope
Disciplinary action must have been imposed solely for noncompliance with a support judgment/order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Manicurist/Pedicurist License

License for manicuring and pedicuring, including ordinary and expedited issuance.

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

Initial licensure by examination after New Mexico training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training hours
Complete a 600-hour manicurist/pedicurist course or equivalent credit (16.34.5.11 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Initial expedited licensure by another licensing jurisdiction credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed application, official license verification and required fee; qualified complete applications are processed within 30 days. Military service members and veterans receive the first-three-years fee exemption stated in 16.34.6.11(E).
Board application exam demand
Despite NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-17(B) granting the license "without an examination", the Board FAQ says: "Please complete the reciprocity application, submit the application, jurisprudence exam, and fee." The July 2026 license manual also directs applicants to launch and pass the Jurisprudence Exam. This lower-ranked implementing demand is an applicant condition, not a leaf overriding the statute.
Eligibility
No disqualifying criminal conviction and no pending New Mexico disciplinary action (16.34.6.7 NMAC).
Existing license
Hold a valid, unrestricted license in good standing in the same field. For ordinary expedited applications the issuing jurisdiction must be eligible under 16.34.6 NMAC; military-associated applicants supply the specified service, family or veteran documentation.
First renewal
16.34.6.12 NMAC requires practical and written examinations at the first renewal and conversion to a regular license; that renewal pathway is recorded separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

First renewal and conversion of expedited license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Existing license
Hold an expedited license; renewal produces a regular license under 16.34.6.12(B)-(C) NMAC.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training equivalence
Current verified licensed work documented by notarized employer letters or records may supplement education; six full months equals 150 training hours, and shorter periods do not count (16.34.6.12(D) NMAC).
Training hours
Complete a 600-hour manicurist/pedicurist course or equivalent credit (16.34.5.11 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Initial licensure by examination after foreign training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Foreign documents
Supply notarized translations of the foreign license/certificate, training transcript and any other required documents; translation is needed only for non-English documents. Employment documentation may establish experience. Failure in any part requires scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before retaking the failed areas (16.34.3.13 NMAC).
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training hours
Complete a 600-hour manicurist/pedicurist course or equivalent credit (16.34.5.11 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Renewal or reinstatement using a valid instructor license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Instructor license
A valid instructor license for the preceding 24 months may be used to renew or reinstate the original practitioner license (16.34.2.8(C)(3) NMAC).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Initial expedited licensure for military associated applicants
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed application, official license verification and required fee; qualified complete applications are processed within 30 days. Military service members and veterans receive the first-three-years fee exemption stated in 16.34.6.11(E).
Board application exam demand
Despite NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-17(B) granting the license "without an examination", the Board FAQ says: "Please complete the reciprocity application, submit the application, jurisprudence exam, and fee." The July 2026 license manual also directs applicants to launch and pass the Jurisprudence Exam. This lower-ranked implementing demand is an applicant condition, not a leaf overriding the statute.
Eligibility
No disqualifying criminal conviction and no pending New Mexico disciplinary action (16.34.6.7 NMAC).
Existing license
Hold a valid, unrestricted license in good standing in the same field. For ordinary expedited applications the issuing jurisdiction must be eligible under 16.34.6 NMAC; military-associated applicants supply the specified service, family or veteran documentation.
First renewal
16.34.6.12 NMAC requires practical and written examinations at the first renewal and conversion to a regular license; that renewal pathway is recorded separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Reinstatement after support noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Present a subsequent statement of compliance; the Board may impose other applicable reapplication or lapsed-license conditions (16.34.16.13). This finding covers the support-compliance reinstatement basis; any separate expired-license examination route remains recorded.
Scope
Disciplinary action must have been imposed solely for noncompliance with a support judgment/order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Restoration after one year but less than five years of expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Expiration
Expired for one year but less than five years; retake applicable examinations under 16.34.3.11(B) NMAC.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Prior license
Provide proof of prior New Mexico licensure and original age and secondary education qualifications (16.34.3.12 NMAC).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training hours
Complete a 600-hour manicurist/pedicurist course or equivalent credit (16.34.5.11 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Restoration after more than five years of expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Expiration
Expired for more than five years; re-enter a licensed school, undergo scholastic evaluation and complete at least 150 remedial hours before examinations.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Prior license
Provide proof of prior New Mexico licensure and original age and secondary education qualifications (16.34.3.12 NMAC).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training hours
Complete a 600-hour manicurist/pedicurist course or equivalent credit (16.34.5.11 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Restoration within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Restore during the year following expiration upon payment of the renewal and late fees prescribed by NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-20(A).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew online, pay applicable fees and upload a recent headshot before expiration; practitioner licenses expire at the end of the birth month, not beyond 24 months (NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-20; 16.34.2.8(C)-(D) NMAC).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-13.

Initial examination after equivalent United States training without another license

All of the following:

Applicant category
Completed an equivalent United States course within 24 months but has not obtained another license (16.34.3.14 NMAC).
Application
Submit the online application, required fees, recent color front-view headshot and training transcript (16.34.2.8 NMAC); applications remain valid for one year.
Minimum age
At least 17 years old (16.34.5.8(A)(1) NMAC).
Parental support
An applicant or licensee must comply with support judgments and orders; 16.34.16.8 and .13 NMAC govern denial and reinstatement.
Passing score
Each applicable examination segment requires a minimum scaled score of 70 (16.34.3.9 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).
Remediation
Failure to pass and obtain licensure within 24 months requires a school scholastic evaluation and at least 150 remedial hours before reapplication (16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training currency
Complete the licensed course within the preceding 24 months; passing scores are valid for two years from graduation (16.34.5.8(A), 16.34.3.9(D) NMAC).
Training hours
Complete a 600-hour manicurist/pedicurist course or equivalent credit (16.34.5.11 NMAC, effective January 13, 2026).

National Nail Technology 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 seven core domain sections (six timed sections and an individually examined blood exposure procedure) evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; more than one client set up is required; model or mannequin requirements follow state guidelines; NIC also offers additional practical sections that a state may require
Examination sources

National Nail Technology 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
  • I. Scientific Concepts - Infection Control and Safety Practices (15%) (15%)
    • A. Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • B. Recognize and utilize infection control principles — 1. Levels of infection control
    • B. Recognize and utilize infection control principles — 2. Process of infection control (e.g., dispensing products, disposal of materials, use of single- or multi-use implements)
    • C. Apply blood exposure procedures
    • D. Identify adverse reactions to products or services
    • E. Recognize safe handling and storage of chemicals
    • F. Utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
    • G. Identify ways to prevent work injuries (e.g., ventilation, ergonomics)
  • II. Scientific Concepts - Anatomy and Physiology (15%) (15%)
    • A. Identify functions, parts, and structure of the: 1. nails
    • A. Identify functions, parts, and structure of the: 2. skin
    • B. Identify functions and structure (e.g., bones, muscles, and joints) of the: 1. arms and hands
    • B. Identify functions and structure (e.g., bones, muscles, and joints) of the: 2. legs and feet
    • C. Recognize signs, symptoms, and cause of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the: 1. nails
    • C. Recognize signs, symptoms, and cause of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the: 2. skin
  • III. Scientific Concepts - Chemistry of Nail Products (10%) (10%)
    • A. Explain purpose and effects of product ingredients
    • B. Recognize interaction between chemicals
    • C. Recognize physical changes
    • D. Recognize chemical reactions
    • E. Identify common ingredients that may cause harm
  • IV. Nail Technology Procedures- Pre-service process (5%) (5%)
    • A. Client consultation — 1. Identify elements of a client consultation and documentation
    • A. Client consultation — 2. Analyze condition of client’s nails and skin
    • A. Client consultation — 3. Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (contraindications)
    • A. Client consultation — 4. Determine services or products
    • B. Work area preparation — 1. Perform set-up of work station service area
    • B. Work area preparation — 2. Perform client and practitioner sanitation
  • V. Nail Technology Procedures - Nail Service Tools (13%) (13%)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 1. Nail equipment (e.g., electric file, pedicure basin)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 2. Nail implements (e.g., nail clippers, cuticle pusher)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 3. Nail supplies and materials (e.g., cotton, buffer)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 4. Nail products (e.g., polish, lotion)
    • B. Follow practices for safe use of tools, supplies, and equipment
  • VI. Nail Technology Procedures - Manicure and Pedicure Services (18%) (18%)
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 1. Trim and shape nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 2. Soak
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 3. Cuticle maintenance
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 4. Cleanse nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 5. Buff nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — a. Knowledge of safe application of massage manipulation
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — i. Effleurage
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — ii. Petrissage
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — iii. Friction
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — iv. Tapotement
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 7. Remove massage product
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 8. Polish nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 9. Completion of service
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 1. Paraffin
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 2. Exfoliate
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 3. Thermal (e.g., stone, towel)
  • VII. Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Application Maintenance and Removal Procedures for Nail Enhancement Services (20%) (20%)
    • A. Nail tip
    • B. Acrylics
    • C. Soft, hard, hybrid gels
    • D. Powder dip
  • VIII. Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Post-Service Procedures (4%) (4%)
    • A. After care and client education
    • B. Cleaning and disinfection
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