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New Mexico Real Estate Broker — 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.

Associate Broker License

Individual associate broker license, with active or inactive status.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Real Estate Commission · Application information

License or brokerage affiliation transfer
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Return
The qualifying broker or broker in charge must return the license within 48 hours; when a qualifying broker transfers their own license, affiliated licenses and any necessary successor applications are also submitted.
Transfer
Submit transfer form, transfer fee, current wall license and errors and omissions certificate; the transfer becomes effective when received and stamped by the Commission.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Apply on the Commission-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; § 61-29-10(A) also states recommendations from two reputable real-property owners in the applicant’s county.
Application window
Apply within six months of passing the applicable examination portions. The Commission licensing page says a reasonable written explanation may excuse the deadline; the pinned 16.61.3.9(C)(2) text states a retake requirement.
Education window
Initial examination applicants must have completed the prelicensing courses within three years. Current New Mexico associate brokers upgrading to qualifying broker are exempt from that course-completion time limit.
Examination window
Rule 16.61.3.9(B)(8) requires both applicable portions to be passed with a minimum score of 75 within 90 calendar days after the first attempt; the PSI bulletin states 90 days after passing the first portion. The rule’s higher-ranked time trigger controls; the bulletin’s differing instruction remains visible here.
Fingerprints
Submit the required criminal background check and fingerprint documentation with a new application, including qualifying-broker upgrades.
Fitness
Commission must find the applicant of good repute and competent to safeguard the public; it may require information to determine honesty, trustworthiness and competency under § 61-29-9(A), (E).
Insurance
Provide current errors and omissions insurance for an active license under 16.61.5 NMAC; inactive status does not require current coverage.
Prelicensing
Supply 90 hours of Commission-approved courses: 30 hours each in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law and Broker Basics, unless an applicable official waiver applies.
Residency conflict
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B) was amended effective June 18, 2021 to remove United States legal residency. Older Commission instructions still state: "An applicant shall be a legal resident of the United States and have reached the age of majority." That lower-ranked statement is retained as the Commission’s stated application demand, not an examination requirement.
Late renewal or reinstatement within one year of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cycle
Renew every three years by the last day of the month after the broker’s birth month.
Education
Complete 36 hours for associate brokers or 42 hours for qualifying brokers, including annual four-hour core classes, four hours of ethics, and required core electives; qualifying brokers also complete the six-hour refresher and documented Commission-meeting attendance.
Education exemption
The continuing-education exemption applies to brokers who had both attained age 65 and accrued at least 20 years continuous licensure before July 1, 2011.
Expiration
Apply within one year after expiration and pay three times the normal renewal fee; do not practice until reinstated.
Insurance
Maintain current errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Supervision
Qualifying brokers submit the applicable responsibility affidavit and renewed supervisory plan; the rules exempt those supervised by another qualifying broker.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by written license recognition agreement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Submit the Commission application, fingerprint/background-check information, and current errors and omissions insurance for active practice; pay applicable fees.
Eligibility
Hold a current broker license from a jurisdiction covered by a written Commission license-recognition agreement, and provide the certified license history. The Commission’s pinned page names three agreement jurisdictions; this survey does not investigate their credentials or laws.
Recognition
16.61.3.9(B)(4) expressly exempts these applicants from prescribed prelicensing courses and both portions of the broker examination. Prior examination evidence associated with licensure elsewhere is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Medical or military statutory reinstatement exception
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cycle
Renew every three years by the last day of the month after the broker’s birth month.
Education
Complete 36 hours for associate brokers or 42 hours for qualifying brokers, including annual four-hour core classes, four hours of ethics, and required core electives; qualifying brokers also complete the six-hour refresher and documented Commission-meeting attendance.
Education exemption
The continuing-education exemption applies to brokers who had both attained age 65 and accrued at least 20 years continuous licensure before July 1, 2011.
Exception
The applicant or spouse was absent on active military duty, or the applicant was sufficiently incapacitated by illness or injury during the year after expiration; apply within three months after permanent return or sufficient recovery with orders or physician certification. The statute exempts the late fee and reexamination.
Insurance
Maintain current errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Rule conflict
16.61.11.8(C) states a one-year application period and additional documentation procedures; the statute’s express three-month return/recovery provision controls where its conditions apply.
Supervision
Qualifying brokers submit the applicable responsibility affidavit and renewed supervisory plan; the rules exempt those supervised by another qualifying broker.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure with prior out of state licensure and possible waiver

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Apply on the Commission-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; § 61-29-10(A) also states recommendations from two reputable real-property owners in the applicant’s county.
Application window
Apply within six months of passing the applicable examination portions. The Commission licensing page says a reasonable written explanation may excuse the deadline; the pinned 16.61.3.9(C)(2) text states a retake requirement.
Board waiver demand
The Commission FAQs state: "Waivers will not be provided to licensed real estate salespeople, only brokers." This narrower implementation statement is retained alongside 16.61.3.9(B)(2), which permits waiver applications from exam candidates originally licensed as salespersons, brokers or other licensees.
Education window
Initial examination applicants must have completed the prelicensing courses within three years. Current New Mexico associate brokers upgrading to qualifying broker are exempt from that course-completion time limit.
Examination window
Rule 16.61.3.9(B)(8) requires both applicable portions to be passed with a minimum score of 75 within 90 calendar days after the first attempt; the PSI bulletin states 90 days after passing the first portion. The rule’s higher-ranked time trigger controls; the bulletin’s differing instruction remains visible here.
Fingerprints
Submit the required criminal background check and fingerprint documentation with a new application, including qualifying-broker upgrades.
Fitness
Commission must find the applicant of good repute and competent to safeguard the public; it may require information to determine honesty, trustworthiness and competency under § 61-29-9(A), (E).
Insurance
Provide current errors and omissions insurance for an active license under 16.61.5 NMAC; inactive status does not require current coverage.
Prelicensing
Supply 90 hours of Commission-approved courses: 30 hours each in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law and Broker Basics, unless an applicable official waiver applies.
Prior license
Provide a certified current or historical out-of-state broker license history and equivalent Principles and Practice and Real Estate Law education. The Commission decides the waiver.
Residency conflict
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B) was amended effective June 18, 2021 to remove United States legal residency. Older Commission instructions still state: "An applicant shall be a legal resident of the United States and have reached the age of majority." That lower-ranked statement is retained as the Commission’s stated application demand, not an examination requirement.
Waiver
A waiver may excuse 60 hours of prelicensing education and sitting the national broker examination. Broker Basics and the New Mexico state examination remain required unless a recognition agreement applies.
Conversion of general provisional license to regular license

All of the following:

Examination discretion
Where the prior jurisdiction did not require an examination that New Mexico requires, the Commission may require its registered national and state broker examinations before regular renewal. The named examinations are leaves; the individual applicant’s excuse or discretionary requirement is a condition.
Other profession or jurisdiction exam
Prior examinations of another licensing jurisdiction are applicant evidence, not leaves of this New Mexico route.
Prior provisional license
Hold the corresponding provisional broker license and apply for conversion through renewal before the provisional term ends.
Renewal education
Meet the applicable associate or qualifying broker continuing education and renewal requirements.
Conversion of military provisional license to regular license

All of the following:

Examination discretion
Where the prior jurisdiction did not require an examination that New Mexico requires, the Commission may require its registered national and state broker examinations before regular renewal. The named examinations are leaves; the individual applicant’s excuse or discretionary requirement is a condition.
Other profession or jurisdiction exam
Prior examinations of another licensing jurisdiction are applicant evidence, not leaves of this New Mexico route.
Prior provisional license
Hold the corresponding provisional broker license and apply for conversion through renewal before the provisional term ends.
Renewal education
Meet the applicable associate or qualifying broker continuing education and renewal requirements.
Activation or reactivation of an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Insurance
Produce proof of current errors and omissions insurance before activation.
License
Keep the inactive license current through fees and continuing education.
Postlicensing
An associate broker inactive since initial issuance must complete New Broker Business Practices or CCIM 101 before activation; these are training conditions, with no separately identified examination in the cited activation text.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after expiration beyond reinstatement period

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Apply on the Commission-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; § 61-29-10(A) also states recommendations from two reputable real-property owners in the applicant’s county.
Application window
Apply within six months of passing the applicable examination portions. The Commission licensing page says a reasonable written explanation may excuse the deadline; the pinned 16.61.3.9(C)(2) text states a retake requirement.
Education window
Initial examination applicants must have completed the prelicensing courses within three years. Current New Mexico associate brokers upgrading to qualifying broker are exempt from that course-completion time limit.
Examination window
Rule 16.61.3.9(B)(8) requires both applicable portions to be passed with a minimum score of 75 within 90 calendar days after the first attempt; the PSI bulletin states 90 days after passing the first portion. The rule’s higher-ranked time trigger controls; the bulletin’s differing instruction remains visible here.
Fingerprints
Submit the required criminal background check and fingerprint documentation with a new application, including qualifying-broker upgrades.
Fitness
Commission must find the applicant of good repute and competent to safeguard the public; it may require information to determine honesty, trustworthiness and competency under § 61-29-9(A), (E).
Forfeiture
After more than one year from expiration, ordinary renewal or reinstatement is forfeited and all prelicensure requirements apply again, except an independently applicable statutory exception.
Insurance
Provide current errors and omissions insurance for an active license under 16.61.5 NMAC; inactive status does not require current coverage.
Prelicensing
Supply 90 hours of Commission-approved courses: 30 hours each in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law and Broker Basics, unless an applicable official waiver applies.
Residency conflict
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B) was amended effective June 18, 2021 to remove United States legal residency. Older Commission instructions still state: "An applicant shall be a legal resident of the United States and have reached the age of majority." That lower-ranked statement is retained as the Commission’s stated application demand, not an examination requirement.
Regular active or inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cycle
Renew every three years by the last day of the month after the broker’s birth month.
Education
Complete 36 hours for associate brokers or 42 hours for qualifying brokers, including annual four-hour core classes, four hours of ethics, and required core electives; qualifying brokers also complete the six-hour refresher and documented Commission-meeting attendance.
Education exemption
The continuing-education exemption applies to brokers who had both attained age 65 and accrued at least 20 years continuous licensure before July 1, 2011.
Insurance
Maintain current errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Supervision
Qualifying brokers submit the applicable responsibility affidavit and renewed supervisory plan; the rules exempt those supervised by another qualifying broker.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal or reinstatement requiring Broker Basics for missing core education
Broker Basics Course Written Examination (practice unavailable)
Cycle
Renew every three years by the last day of the month after the broker’s birth month.
Education
Complete 36 hours for associate brokers or 42 hours for qualifying brokers, including annual four-hour core classes, four hours of ethics, and required core electives; qualifying brokers also complete the six-hour refresher and documented Commission-meeting attendance.
Education exemption
The continuing-education exemption applies to brokers who had both attained age 65 and accrued at least 20 years continuous licensure before July 1, 2011.
Insurance
Maintain current errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Makeup
A first- or second-year annual core course was missed and cannot be made up before expiration; complete Broker Basics as required by 16.61.13.8(E)(2). The completed course earns no continuing education credit.
Supervision
Qualifying brokers submit the applicable responsibility affidavit and renewed supervisory plan; the rules exempt those supervised by another qualifying broker.

Qualifying Broker License

Individual qualifying broker license; supervisory authority depends on statutory experience.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Real Estate Commission · Application information

License or brokerage affiliation transfer
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Return
The qualifying broker or broker in charge must return the license within 48 hours; when a qualifying broker transfers their own license, affiliated licenses and any necessary successor applications are also submitted.
Transfer
Submit transfer form, transfer fee, current wall license and errors and omissions certificate; the transfer becomes effective when received and stamped by the Commission.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement within one year of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cycle
Renew every three years by the last day of the month after the broker’s birth month.
Education
Complete 36 hours for associate brokers or 42 hours for qualifying brokers, including annual four-hour core classes, four hours of ethics, and required core electives; qualifying brokers also complete the six-hour refresher and documented Commission-meeting attendance.
Education exemption
The continuing-education exemption applies to brokers who had both attained age 65 and accrued at least 20 years continuous licensure before July 1, 2011.
Expiration
Apply within one year after expiration and pay three times the normal renewal fee; do not practice until reinstated.
Insurance
Maintain current errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Supervision
Qualifying brokers submit the applicable responsibility affidavit and renewed supervisory plan; the rules exempt those supervised by another qualifying broker.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Qualifying licensure with written license recognition

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Submit the Commission application, fingerprint/background-check information, and current errors and omissions insurance for active practice; pay applicable fees.
Commission waiver
16.61.3.9(B)(4) states: "License applicants currently licensed by state or jurisdiction with which the commission has a written license recognition agreement are not required to take any of the prescribed pre-licensing courses or take either portion of the brokers examination to be eligible to apply for a New Mexico brokers license." The Commission’s lower-ranked exemption is retained as a condition.
Eligibility
Hold a current broker license from a jurisdiction covered by a written Commission license-recognition agreement, and provide the certified license history. The Commission’s pinned page names three agreement jurisdictions; this survey does not investigate their credentials or laws.
Qualifying education
Complete the 30-hour Brokerage Office Administration course and its instructor-created final exam, eight hours of Understanding and Using RANM Forms or approved contracts courses, and eight hours of core electives.
Qualifying experience
For nonsupervisory practice, at least two years of active associate or equivalent broker experience in the immediately preceding 60 months. For supervision, at least four years are required, subject to the statutory January 1, 2018 grandfather exemption.
Recognition
16.61.3.9(B)(4) expressly exempts these applicants from prescribed prelicensing courses and both portions of the broker examination. Prior examination evidence associated with licensure elsewhere is an applicant condition.
Statutory exam
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(C) expressly requires having passed the New Mexico broker examination and completion of Brokerage Office Administration. Those current examinations remain leaves under the contract’s source-ranking rule.
Medical or military statutory reinstatement exception
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cycle
Renew every three years by the last day of the month after the broker’s birth month.
Education
Complete 36 hours for associate brokers or 42 hours for qualifying brokers, including annual four-hour core classes, four hours of ethics, and required core electives; qualifying brokers also complete the six-hour refresher and documented Commission-meeting attendance.
Education exemption
The continuing-education exemption applies to brokers who had both attained age 65 and accrued at least 20 years continuous licensure before July 1, 2011.
Exception
The applicant or spouse was absent on active military duty, or the applicant was sufficiently incapacitated by illness or injury during the year after expiration; apply within three months after permanent return or sufficient recovery with orders or physician certification. The statute exempts the late fee and reexamination.
Insurance
Maintain current errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Rule conflict
16.61.11.8(C) states a one-year application period and additional documentation procedures; the statute’s express three-month return/recovery provision controls where its conditions apply.
Supervision
Qualifying brokers submit the applicable responsibility affidavit and renewed supervisory plan; the rules exempt those supervised by another qualifying broker.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure with equivalent out of state broker experience — nonsupervisory

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Apply on the Commission-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; § 61-29-10(A) also states recommendations from two reputable real-property owners in the applicant’s county.
Application window
Apply within six months of passing the applicable examination portions. The Commission licensing page says a reasonable written explanation may excuse the deadline; the pinned 16.61.3.9(C)(2) text states a retake requirement.
Education window
Initial examination applicants must have completed the prelicensing courses within three years. Current New Mexico associate brokers upgrading to qualifying broker are exempt from that course-completion time limit.
Examination window
Rule 16.61.3.9(B)(8) requires both applicable portions to be passed with a minimum score of 75 within 90 calendar days after the first attempt; the PSI bulletin states 90 days after passing the first portion. The rule’s higher-ranked time trigger controls; the bulletin’s differing instruction remains visible here.
Experience
For nonsupervisory practice, at least two years of active associate or equivalent broker experience in the immediately preceding 60 months. For supervision, at least four years are required, subject to the statutory January 1, 2018 grandfather exemption.
Fingerprints
Submit the required criminal background check and fingerprint documentation with a new application, including qualifying-broker upgrades.
Fitness
Commission must find the applicant of good repute and competent to safeguard the public; it may require information to determine honesty, trustworthiness and competency under § 61-29-9(A), (E).
Grandfather
Former salespersons converted to associate broker status on January 1, 2006 must satisfy the broker-examination requirement before upgrading. Current licensees who were qualifying brokers on or before December 31, 2005 have a separate restoration route.
Insurance
Provide current errors and omissions insurance for an active license under 16.61.5 NMAC; inactive status does not require current coverage.
Meeting
Document attendance at a Commission meeting, rule hearing or disciplinary hearing for three hours or until executive session or adjournment; approved hardship equivalents are permitted.
Prelicensing
Supply 90 hours of Commission-approved courses: 30 hours each in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law and Broker Basics, unless an applicable official waiver applies.
Prior associate
Current New Mexico associate brokers are expressly exempt from sitting the national portion on upgrade under 16.61.3.9(B)(2). Previously passed currently offered examinations expressly required by § 61-29-9(B), (C) remain leaves; the exemption from sitting is a condition.
Prior license
Provide certified equivalent out-of-state license history and written experience verification; qualifying brokers from another jurisdiction must satisfy the remaining education, experience and responsibility requirements.
Qualifying courses
Complete the 30-hour Brokerage Office Administration course and its instructor-created final exam, eight hours of Understanding and Using RANM Forms or approved contracts courses, and eight hours of core electives.
Requested authority
No supervision or management of other brokers.
Residency conflict
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B) was amended effective June 18, 2021 to remove United States legal residency. Older Commission instructions still state: "An applicant shall be a legal resident of the United States and have reached the age of majority." That lower-ranked statement is retained as the Commission’s stated application demand, not an examination requirement.
Supervision
Submit the notarized responsibility affidavit and supervisory plan unless practicing under another qualifying broker.
Transactions
Document 100 qualifying transactional points with at least one transaction in each of the preceding four years, verified by the qualifying broker; transactions involving applicant-owned property do not count. The Commission may waive up to 30 points and the annual-transaction requirement on documented grounds.
Waiver
A waiver may excuse 60 hours of prelicensing education and sitting the national broker examination. Broker Basics and the New Mexico state examination remain required unless a recognition agreement applies.
Licensure with equivalent out of state broker experience — supervisory

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Apply on the Commission-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; § 61-29-10(A) also states recommendations from two reputable real-property owners in the applicant’s county.
Application window
Apply within six months of passing the applicable examination portions. The Commission licensing page says a reasonable written explanation may excuse the deadline; the pinned 16.61.3.9(C)(2) text states a retake requirement.
Education window
Initial examination applicants must have completed the prelicensing courses within three years. Current New Mexico associate brokers upgrading to qualifying broker are exempt from that course-completion time limit.
Examination window
Rule 16.61.3.9(B)(8) requires both applicable portions to be passed with a minimum score of 75 within 90 calendar days after the first attempt; the PSI bulletin states 90 days after passing the first portion. The rule’s higher-ranked time trigger controls; the bulletin’s differing instruction remains visible here.
Experience
For nonsupervisory practice, at least two years of active associate or equivalent broker experience in the immediately preceding 60 months. For supervision, at least four years are required, subject to the statutory January 1, 2018 grandfather exemption.
Fingerprints
Submit the required criminal background check and fingerprint documentation with a new application, including qualifying-broker upgrades.
Fitness
Commission must find the applicant of good repute and competent to safeguard the public; it may require information to determine honesty, trustworthiness and competency under § 61-29-9(A), (E).
Grandfather
Former salespersons converted to associate broker status on January 1, 2006 must satisfy the broker-examination requirement before upgrading. Current licensees who were qualifying brokers on or before December 31, 2005 have a separate restoration route.
Insurance
Provide current errors and omissions insurance for an active license under 16.61.5 NMAC; inactive status does not require current coverage.
Meeting
Document attendance at a Commission meeting, rule hearing or disciplinary hearing for three hours or until executive session or adjournment; approved hardship equivalents are permitted.
Prelicensing
Supply 90 hours of Commission-approved courses: 30 hours each in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law and Broker Basics, unless an applicable official waiver applies.
Prior associate
Current New Mexico associate brokers are expressly exempt from sitting the national portion on upgrade under 16.61.3.9(B)(2). Previously passed currently offered examinations expressly required by § 61-29-9(B), (C) remain leaves; the exemption from sitting is a condition.
Prior license
Provide certified equivalent out-of-state license history and written experience verification; qualifying brokers from another jurisdiction must satisfy the remaining education, experience and responsibility requirements.
Qualifying courses
Complete the 30-hour Brokerage Office Administration course and its instructor-created final exam, eight hours of Understanding and Using RANM Forms or approved contracts courses, and eight hours of core electives.
Requested authority
Supervision or management of other brokers; document four years of active licensure, subject to the statutory grandfather exemption.
Residency conflict
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B) was amended effective June 18, 2021 to remove United States legal residency. Older Commission instructions still state: "An applicant shall be a legal resident of the United States and have reached the age of majority." That lower-ranked statement is retained as the Commission’s stated application demand, not an examination requirement.
Supervision
Submit the notarized responsibility affidavit and supervisory plan unless practicing under another qualifying broker.
Transactions
Document 100 qualifying transactional points with at least one transaction in each of the preceding four years, verified by the qualifying broker; transactions involving applicant-owned property do not count. The Commission may waive up to 30 points and the annual-transaction requirement on documented grounds.
Waiver
A waiver may excuse 60 hours of prelicensing education and sitting the national broker examination. Broker Basics and the New Mexico state examination remain required unless a recognition agreement applies.
Restoration of pre 2006 qualifying broker status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Have a current license and document qualifying broker status on or before December 31, 2005.
Refresher
Complete the qualifying broker refresher in the current renewal cycle; the trade-name rule specifies a minimum four-hour course while current renewal rules identify the six-hour refresher.
Registration
File the trade-name registration form and pay the required fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of general provisional license to regular license

All of the following:

Examination discretion
Where the prior jurisdiction did not require an examination that New Mexico requires, the Commission may require its registered national and state broker examinations before regular renewal. The named examinations are leaves; the individual applicant’s excuse or discretionary requirement is a condition.
Other profession or jurisdiction exam
Prior examinations of another licensing jurisdiction are applicant evidence, not leaves of this New Mexico route.
Prior provisional license
Hold the corresponding provisional broker license and apply for conversion through renewal before the provisional term ends.
Renewal education
Meet the applicable associate or qualifying broker continuing education and renewal requirements.
Conversion of military provisional license to regular license

All of the following:

Examination discretion
Where the prior jurisdiction did not require an examination that New Mexico requires, the Commission may require its registered national and state broker examinations before regular renewal. The named examinations are leaves; the individual applicant’s excuse or discretionary requirement is a condition.
Other profession or jurisdiction exam
Prior examinations of another licensing jurisdiction are applicant evidence, not leaves of this New Mexico route.
Prior provisional license
Hold the corresponding provisional broker license and apply for conversion through renewal before the provisional term ends.
Renewal education
Meet the applicable associate or qualifying broker continuing education and renewal requirements.
Activation or reactivation of an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Insurance
Produce proof of current errors and omissions insurance before activation.
License
Keep the inactive license current through fees and continuing education.
Postlicensing
An associate broker inactive since initial issuance must complete New Broker Business Practices or CCIM 101 before activation; these are training conditions, with no separately identified examination in the cited activation text.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after expiration beyond reinstatement period

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Apply on the Commission-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; § 61-29-10(A) also states recommendations from two reputable real-property owners in the applicant’s county.
Application window
Apply within six months of passing the applicable examination portions. The Commission licensing page says a reasonable written explanation may excuse the deadline; the pinned 16.61.3.9(C)(2) text states a retake requirement.
Education window
Initial examination applicants must have completed the prelicensing courses within three years. Current New Mexico associate brokers upgrading to qualifying broker are exempt from that course-completion time limit.
Examination window
Rule 16.61.3.9(B)(8) requires both applicable portions to be passed with a minimum score of 75 within 90 calendar days after the first attempt; the PSI bulletin states 90 days after passing the first portion. The rule’s higher-ranked time trigger controls; the bulletin’s differing instruction remains visible here.
Fingerprints
Submit the required criminal background check and fingerprint documentation with a new application, including qualifying-broker upgrades.
Fitness
Commission must find the applicant of good repute and competent to safeguard the public; it may require information to determine honesty, trustworthiness and competency under § 61-29-9(A), (E).
Forfeiture
After more than one year from expiration, ordinary renewal or reinstatement is forfeited and all prelicensure requirements apply again, except an independently applicable statutory exception.
Insurance
Provide current errors and omissions insurance for an active license under 16.61.5 NMAC; inactive status does not require current coverage.
Prelicensing
Supply 90 hours of Commission-approved courses: 30 hours each in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law and Broker Basics, unless an applicable official waiver applies.
Residency conflict
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B) was amended effective June 18, 2021 to remove United States legal residency. Older Commission instructions still state: "An applicant shall be a legal resident of the United States and have reached the age of majority." That lower-ranked statement is retained as the Commission’s stated application demand, not an examination requirement.
Regular active or inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cycle
Renew every three years by the last day of the month after the broker’s birth month.
Education
Complete 36 hours for associate brokers or 42 hours for qualifying brokers, including annual four-hour core classes, four hours of ethics, and required core electives; qualifying brokers also complete the six-hour refresher and documented Commission-meeting attendance.
Education exemption
The continuing-education exemption applies to brokers who had both attained age 65 and accrued at least 20 years continuous licensure before July 1, 2011.
Insurance
Maintain current errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Supervision
Qualifying brokers submit the applicable responsibility affidavit and renewed supervisory plan; the rules exempt those supervised by another qualifying broker.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal or reinstatement requiring Broker Basics for missing core education
Broker Basics Course Written Examination (practice unavailable)
Cycle
Renew every three years by the last day of the month after the broker’s birth month.
Education
Complete 36 hours for associate brokers or 42 hours for qualifying brokers, including annual four-hour core classes, four hours of ethics, and required core electives; qualifying brokers also complete the six-hour refresher and documented Commission-meeting attendance.
Education exemption
The continuing-education exemption applies to brokers who had both attained age 65 and accrued at least 20 years continuous licensure before July 1, 2011.
Insurance
Maintain current errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Makeup
A first- or second-year annual core course was missed and cannot be made up before expiration; complete Broker Basics as required by 16.61.13.8(E)(2). The completed course earns no continuing education credit.
Supervision
Qualifying brokers submit the applicable responsibility affidavit and renewed supervisory plan; the rules exempt those supervised by another qualifying broker.
Upgrade from associate broker — nonsupervisory

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Apply on the Commission-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; § 61-29-10(A) also states recommendations from two reputable real-property owners in the applicant’s county.
Application window
Apply within six months of passing the applicable examination portions. The Commission licensing page says a reasonable written explanation may excuse the deadline; the pinned 16.61.3.9(C)(2) text states a retake requirement.
Education window
Initial examination applicants must have completed the prelicensing courses within three years. Current New Mexico associate brokers upgrading to qualifying broker are exempt from that course-completion time limit.
Examination window
Rule 16.61.3.9(B)(8) requires both applicable portions to be passed with a minimum score of 75 within 90 calendar days after the first attempt; the PSI bulletin states 90 days after passing the first portion. The rule’s higher-ranked time trigger controls; the bulletin’s differing instruction remains visible here.
Experience
For nonsupervisory practice, at least two years of active associate or equivalent broker experience in the immediately preceding 60 months. For supervision, at least four years are required, subject to the statutory January 1, 2018 grandfather exemption.
Fingerprints
Submit the required criminal background check and fingerprint documentation with a new application, including qualifying-broker upgrades.
Fitness
Commission must find the applicant of good repute and competent to safeguard the public; it may require information to determine honesty, trustworthiness and competency under § 61-29-9(A), (E).
Grandfather
Former salespersons converted to associate broker status on January 1, 2006 must satisfy the broker-examination requirement before upgrading. Current licensees who were qualifying brokers on or before December 31, 2005 have a separate restoration route.
Insurance
Provide current errors and omissions insurance for an active license under 16.61.5 NMAC; inactive status does not require current coverage.
Meeting
Document attendance at a Commission meeting, rule hearing or disciplinary hearing for three hours or until executive session or adjournment; approved hardship equivalents are permitted.
Prelicensing
Supply 90 hours of Commission-approved courses: 30 hours each in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law and Broker Basics, unless an applicable official waiver applies.
Prior associate
Current New Mexico associate brokers are expressly exempt from sitting the national portion on upgrade under 16.61.3.9(B)(2). Previously passed currently offered examinations expressly required by § 61-29-9(B), (C) remain leaves; the exemption from sitting is a condition.
Qualifying courses
Complete the 30-hour Brokerage Office Administration course and its instructor-created final exam, eight hours of Understanding and Using RANM Forms or approved contracts courses, and eight hours of core electives.
Requested authority
No supervision or management of other brokers.
Residency conflict
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B) was amended effective June 18, 2021 to remove United States legal residency. Older Commission instructions still state: "An applicant shall be a legal resident of the United States and have reached the age of majority." That lower-ranked statement is retained as the Commission’s stated application demand, not an examination requirement.
Supervision
Submit the notarized responsibility affidavit and supervisory plan unless practicing under another qualifying broker.
Transactions
Document 100 qualifying transactional points with at least one transaction in each of the preceding four years, verified by the qualifying broker; transactions involving applicant-owned property do not count. The Commission may waive up to 30 points and the annual-transaction requirement on documented grounds.
Upgrade from associate broker — supervisory

All of the following:

Age
Applicant must have reached the age of majority under NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B).
Application
Apply on the Commission-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; § 61-29-10(A) also states recommendations from two reputable real-property owners in the applicant’s county.
Application window
Apply within six months of passing the applicable examination portions. The Commission licensing page says a reasonable written explanation may excuse the deadline; the pinned 16.61.3.9(C)(2) text states a retake requirement.
Education window
Initial examination applicants must have completed the prelicensing courses within three years. Current New Mexico associate brokers upgrading to qualifying broker are exempt from that course-completion time limit.
Examination window
Rule 16.61.3.9(B)(8) requires both applicable portions to be passed with a minimum score of 75 within 90 calendar days after the first attempt; the PSI bulletin states 90 days after passing the first portion. The rule’s higher-ranked time trigger controls; the bulletin’s differing instruction remains visible here.
Experience
For nonsupervisory practice, at least two years of active associate or equivalent broker experience in the immediately preceding 60 months. For supervision, at least four years are required, subject to the statutory January 1, 2018 grandfather exemption.
Fingerprints
Submit the required criminal background check and fingerprint documentation with a new application, including qualifying-broker upgrades.
Fitness
Commission must find the applicant of good repute and competent to safeguard the public; it may require information to determine honesty, trustworthiness and competency under § 61-29-9(A), (E).
Grandfather
Former salespersons converted to associate broker status on January 1, 2006 must satisfy the broker-examination requirement before upgrading. Current licensees who were qualifying brokers on or before December 31, 2005 have a separate restoration route.
Insurance
Provide current errors and omissions insurance for an active license under 16.61.5 NMAC; inactive status does not require current coverage.
Meeting
Document attendance at a Commission meeting, rule hearing or disciplinary hearing for three hours or until executive session or adjournment; approved hardship equivalents are permitted.
Prelicensing
Supply 90 hours of Commission-approved courses: 30 hours each in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law and Broker Basics, unless an applicable official waiver applies.
Prior associate
Current New Mexico associate brokers are expressly exempt from sitting the national portion on upgrade under 16.61.3.9(B)(2). Previously passed currently offered examinations expressly required by § 61-29-9(B), (C) remain leaves; the exemption from sitting is a condition.
Qualifying courses
Complete the 30-hour Brokerage Office Administration course and its instructor-created final exam, eight hours of Understanding and Using RANM Forms or approved contracts courses, and eight hours of core electives.
Requested authority
Supervision or management of other brokers; document four years of active licensure, subject to the statutory grandfather exemption.
Residency conflict
NMSA 1978 § 61-29-9(B) was amended effective June 18, 2021 to remove United States legal residency. Older Commission instructions still state: "An applicant shall be a legal resident of the United States and have reached the age of majority." That lower-ranked statement is retained as the Commission’s stated application demand, not an examination requirement.
Supervision
Submit the notarized responsibility affidavit and supervisory plan unless practicing under another qualifying broker.
Transactions
Document 100 qualifying transactional points with at least one transaction in each of the preceding four years, verified by the qualifying broker; transactions involving applicant-owned property do not count. The Commission may waive up to 30 points and the annual-transaction requirement on documented grounds.

Broker Basics Course Written Examination

Examination outline
  • Broker Basics course content
Examination sources

New Mexico Real Estate Broker State Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-administered written examination
Exam questions
50 scored questions; additional experimental questions may be unscored
Time limit
60 minutes
Passing score
38 correct answers
Examination outline
  • Real Estate Commission (6 items)
    • Purposes, Powers, and Duties.
    • License Law Violations, Investigations, and Audit of Records
    • Hearings, Penalties, and Appeals (Uniform License Law)
  • Licensing Requirements (7 items)
    • Activities Requiring License
    • Activities Requiring License — Limitations on activities of Unlicensed Assistants
    • Activities Requiring License — Exceptions to licensure requirement
    • Qualifications for Licensure
    • Qualifications for Licensure — Education Requirements/Post-license, CE
    • Qualifications for Licensure — Criminal Background checks/Fingerprinting
    • Qualifications for Licensure — Licensing Procedure
    • Qualifications for Licensure — Errors and Omissions Insurance
    • Qualifications for Licensure — Qualifying Broker experience requirements
    • License Renewal and Transfer Requirements
    • License Renewal and Transfer Requirements — Affiliation transfer
    • License Renewal and Transfer Requirements — Change of name or of physical or email address
  • Real Estate Commission Regulations (15 items)
    • Qualifying and Associate Broker Responsibilities
    • Qualifying Broker/Associate Broker Relationships, Employment and Independent Contractor Agreements.
    • Advertising and Signage.
    • Record Keeping.
    • Property Management
    • Property Management — Definition of Property Management
    • Property Management — Time Issues
    • Property Management — Requirement for written agreement
    • Property Management — Must be under auspices of Qualifying Broker
    • Property Management — Property Management trust accounts and commingling issues
  • Broker Duties, Disclosure and Brokerage Relationships (15
    • Honesty, Reasonable Care and Professional and Ethical Conduct
    • Compliance with Local, State, and Federal Laws (other than Fair Housing & Anti-Discrimination)
    • Performance of Written Agreements
    • Assistance to Clients and Customers in Completing Transactions
    • Requirement to Advise Legal or other Expert Consultation if Needed
    • Prompt Accounting for Money and Property
    • Written Disclosure of Existing Brokerage Relationships, Personal Interest in Transaction
    • Written Disclosure of Adverse Material Facts
    • Confidentiality in Brokerage Relationships
    • Types of Brokerage Relationships Available in New Mexico
  • Additional State-Required Topics (7 items)
    • New Mexico Property Taxes
    • New Mexico Mechanic’s Liens
    • Septic systems
    • Water rights issues (well and surface rights)
    • New Mexico Human Rights Act
    • PID disclosures
    • HOA disclosures
Examination sources

National Broker Exam — National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices)

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
National portion of state real estate broker licensing examinations with its own minimum passing score; scenario-based questions with more than four options and one best answer, each option weighted zero, one or two points; candidates who fail one portion retake only that portion
Examination outline
  • I. Property Ownership (Broker 10%) (10%)
    • A. Real and personal property; conveyances
    • B. Land characteristics and legal descriptions: 1. Metes and bounds method of legal property description; 2. Lot and block (recorded plat) method of legal property description; 3. Government survey (rectangular survey) method of legal property description; 4. Measuring structures (linear and square footage); 5. Land measurement
    • C. Encumbrances and effects on property ownership: 1. Types of liens and their effect on the title and value of real property; 2. Easements, rights of way and licenses, including their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 3. Encroachments and their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 4. Potential encumbrances on title, such as probate, leases, or adverse possession; 5. Property rights that may be conveyed separately from use of the land surface, such as mineral and other subsurface rights, air rights, or water rights
    • D. Types of ownership: 1. Ownership in severalty/sole ownership; 2. Implications of ownership as tenants in common; 3. Implications of ownership in joint tenancy; 4. Forms of common-interest ownership, such as Timeshares, Condominiums and Co-ops; 5. Property ownership held in a trust or by an estate; 6. Ownership by business entities; 7. Life Estate ownership
  • II. Land use Controls (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Government rights in land: 1. Government rights to impose property taxes and special assessments; 2. Government rights to acquire land through eminent domain, condemnation and escheat
    • B. Government controls on land use
    • C. Private controls: 1. Deed conditions or restrictions on property use; 2. Subdivision covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) on property use; 3. Condominium and owners’ associations regulations or bylaws on property use
  • III. Valuation (Broker 8%) (8%)
    • A. Appraisals: 1. Appraisals for valuation of real property; 2. Situations which require appraisal by a licensed or certified appraiser and brokerage-related actions that constitute unauthorized appraisal practice; 3. General steps in appraisal process
    • B. Estimating Value: 1. Economic principles and property characteristics that affect value of real property; 2. Sales or market comparison approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 3. Cost approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 4. Income analysis approach to property valuation and appropriate uses
    • C. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): 1. Competitive/Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), BPO or equivalent; 2. Automated Valuation Method (AVM), appraisal valuation and Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
  • IV. Financing (Broker 9%) (9%)
    • A. Basic Concepts and Terminology: 1. Loan financing (for example, points, LTV, PMI, interest, PITI); 2. General underwriting process (e.g., debt ratios, credit scoring and history); 3. Standard mortgage/deed of trust clauses and conditions; 4. Essential elements of a promissory note
    • B. Types of Loans: 1. Conventional loans; 2. Amortized loans, partially amortized (balloon) loans, interest-only loans; 3. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans; 4. Government Loans — a. FHA insured loans; b. VA guaranteed loans; c. USDA/Rural Development loan programs; 5. Owner financing (for example, installment or land contract/contract for deed); 6. Reverse-mortgage loans; 7. Home equity loans and lines of credit; 8. Construction loans; 9. Rehab loans; 10. Bridge loans
    • C. Financing and Lending: 1. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), including kickbacks; 2. Truth-in-Lending Act (Regulation Z), including advertising; 3. Requirements and time frames of TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures); 4. Equal Credit Opportunity Act; 5. Lending Process (application through loan closing); 6. Risky loan features, such as prepayment penalties and balloon payments
  • V. Contracts (Broker 19%) (19%)
    • A. General Contract Law: 1. General principles of contract law; 2. Elements necessary for a contract to be valid; 3. Effect of the Statute of Frauds; 4. Offer and a contract; 5. Enforceability of contracts; 6. Void, voidable and unenforceable contracts; 7. Bilateral and unilateral contracts; 8. Nature and use of option agreements; 9. Notice, delivery, acceptance and execution of contracts; 10. Appropriate use, risks, and advantages of electronic signatures and paperless transactions; 11. Rights and obligations of the parties to a contract; 12. Possible remedies for breach or non-performance of contract; 13. Termination, rescission and cancellation of contracts
    • B. Purchase and Lease Contracts: 1. Addenda and amendments to contracts; 2. Purchase agreements; 3. Contract contingencies and methods for satisfying them; 4. Leases and rental agreements; 5. Lease-purchase agreements; 6. Types of leases
    • C. Proper handling of multiple offers and counteroffers
  • VI. Agency (Broker 13%) (13%)
    • A. Agency and non-agency relationships: 1. Agency relationships and how they are established; 2. Types of listing contracts; 3. Buyer brokerage/tenant representation contracts; 4. Other brokerage relationships, including transaction brokers and facilitators; 5. Powers of attorney and other assignments of authority; 6. Conditions for termination of agency or brokerage service agreements
    • B. Agent Duties: 1. Fiduciary duties of agents; 2. Agent's duties to customers/non-clients, including honesty and good faith
    • C. Agency Disclosures: 1. Disclosure of agency/representation; 2. Disclosure of possible conflict of interest or self-interest
  • VII. Property Disclosures (Broker 7%) (7%)
    • A. Property Condition: 1. Seller's property condition disclosure requirements; 2. Property conditions that may warrant inspections or a survey; 3. Red flags that warrant investigation of public or private land use controls
    • B. Environmental and Government Disclosures: 1. Environmental issues requiring disclosure; 2. Federal, state, or local disclosure requirements regarding the property
    • C. Disclosure of material facts and material defects
  • VIII. Property Management (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Procurement and qualification of prospective tenants; 2. Fair housing and ADA compliance specific to property management; 3. How to complete a market analysis to identify factors in setting rents or lease rates; 4. Property manager responsibility for maintenance, improvements, reporting and risk management (BROKER ONLY); 5. Handling landlord and tenant funds; trust accounts, reports and disbursements (BROKER ONLY); 6. Provisions of property management contracts (BROKER ONLY)
    • B. Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • IX. Transfer of Title (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Types of deeds
    • B. Title Insurance and Searches: 1. Title insurance policies and title searches; 2. Potential title problems and resolutions; 3. Marketable and insurable title
    • C. Closing Process: 1. When transfer of ownership becomes effective; 2. Process and importance of recordation; 3. Settlement procedures (closing) and parties involved; 4. Home and new construction warranties
    • D. Special Processes: 1. Special issues in transferring foreclosed properties; 2. Special issues in short sale transactions; 3. Special issues in probate transactions
  • X. Practice of Real Estate (Broker 12%) (12%)
    • A. Antidiscrimination: 1. Federal Fair Housing Act general principles and exemptions; 2. Protected classes under Federal Fair Housing Act; 3. Protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation; 4. Prohibited conduct under Federal Fair Housing Act (Redlining, Blockbusting, Steering, Disparate Treatment); 5. Fair housing advertising rules; 6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) obligations pertaining to accessibility and reasonable accommodations
    • B. Legislation and Regulations: 1. Licensees’ status as employees or independent contractors; 2. Antitrust laws and types of violations, fines and penalties; 3. Do-Not-Call List rule compliance; 4. Proper use of Social Media and Internet communication and advertising
    • C. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Protection of confidential personal information (written, verbal or electronic); 2. Duties when handling funds of others in transactions; 3. Licensee responsibility for due diligence in real estate transactions
    • D. Supervisory Responsibilities (BROKER ONLY): 1. Broker's supervisory responsibilities (licensees, teams and unlicensed assistants and employees) (BROKER ONLY); 2. Broker relationship with licensees (employees or independent contractors and governing rules) (BROKER ONLY)
  • XI. Real Estate Calculations (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Calculations for Transactions: 1. Seller’s net proceeds; 2. Buyer funds needed at closing; 3. Real property tax and other prorations; 4. Real property transfer fees; 5. PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance) payments estimate given loan rate and term
    • B. General Concepts: 1. Equity; 2. Rate of return/Capitalization rate; 3. Loan-to-Value ratio; 4. Discount points and loan origination fees
Examination sources

Brokerage Office Administration Course Exam

Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Brokerage qualification and identity
    • Qualifying brokerage entity and designation
    • Qualifying-broker responsibility, affiliation, and dual roles
    • Trade names and office identity
  • Licenses and affiliation changes
    • License display and office access to law and rules
    • Address, telephone, and email changes
    • Affiliation transfer and license return
  • Records and document control
    • Transaction-record retention and access
    • Document execution and delivery
    • Confidential and restricted records
  • Trust account governance
    • Qualifying-broker supervision and account types
    • Deposits, disbursements, and commingling
    • Reconciliation, ledgers, records, and audit access
  • Office policies and competence
    • Policy adoption, distribution, and inspection
    • Required policy subjects
    • Training, first transactions, and escalation
  • Advertising and public communications
    • Truthfulness and prior approval
    • Trade-name, telephone, and broker disclosures
    • Media, signage, team, and owner advertising
  • Broker staffing and delegation
    • Written affiliation and responsibility terms
    • Transaction coordinators
    • Unlicensed assistants
  • Compensation, referrals, and insurance
    • Commission disbursement
    • Co-broker and referral agreements
    • Errors-and-omissions coverage
  • Property management administration
    • Written management agreements and qualifying-broker auspices
    • Property-management trust accounts and fund handling
    • Property records, reporting, and owner-resident documents
  • Continuity, renewal, and accountability
    • Broker-in-charge continuity
    • Qualifying-broker education and renewal
    • Mitigation, discipline, and regulatory cooperation
Examination sources