Free New Mexico Esthetician Jurisprudence Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the New Mexico Esthetician Jurisprudence Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1An esthetician sells her New Mexico practice to another practitioner. What happens to the seller's individual license?

   1. A. The license passes to the buyer if the sale contract names it.
   2. B. The license stays with its holder and cannot be transferred to the buyer.
   3. C. The license passes to the buyer if the department records the sale.
   4. D. The license passes to the buyer if both practitioners sign an assignment.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 61-17A-19 states, "The license may not be the subject of a sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance, lease, bequest, gift or other means of transfer." Selling a practice therefore does not convey the individual license; a contract, filing, or assignment cannot make it transferable.

   Reference: New Mexico Barbers and Cosmetologists Act, NMSA 1978 — NMSA 1978 § 61-17A-19

2. 2How must an application for a New Mexico esthetician license be submitted under the current general licensing procedure?

   1. A. Online
   2. B. In person before the board
   3. C. By certified mail only
   4. D. Through the applicant's school only

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The current rule states: “Application for any license to be issued or renewed by the board shall be made online.”

   Reference: Amend2026 2 — NMAC § 16.34.2.8(A), effective January 13, 2026

3. 3What is the current minimum scaled score for each New Mexico esthetician licensing-examination segment?

   1. A. 70
   2. B. 65
   3. C. 75
   4. D. 80

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Effective January 13, 2026, “The minimum passing scaled score for all written and practical licensing examinations is seventy.”

   Reference: NMAC § 16.34.3.12(A)-(C) — NMAC § 16.34.3.9(A)

4. 4A New Mexico esthetician plans a facial using cosmetic cleanser solely to cleanse and stimulate the client's skin. Is this service within the esthetician license?

   1. A. Yes, cosmetic preparations may be used on skin for cleansing and stimulating
   2. B. Yes, but only when a physician is physically present
   3. C. No, an electrology license is required
   4. D. No, only makeup application is authorized

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The rule expressly permits an esthetician to “use cosmetic preparations on the skin for cleansing and stimulating.” The planned facial fits that authorization.

   Reference: Title 16 — NMAC § 16.34.5.12(A)(1)

5. 5A civilian esthetician seeks New Mexico expedited licensure based on a license from another jurisdiction. Which license status meets the jurisdiction condition of the qualified-applicant rule?

   1. A. A current license in good standing from an eligible jurisdiction.
   2. B. A current license in good standing from a disapproved jurisdiction.
   3. C. An expired license formerly in good standing from an eligible jurisdiction.
   4. D. A current license under a restriction from an eligible jurisdiction.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 16.34.6.7(F) requires a current license in good standing and says an applicant who is not a military member or veteran must hold it in an "eligible jurisdiction." An expired, restricted, or disapproved-jurisdiction license fails a stated condition; military applicants have a separate rule.

   Reference: 16.34.6 NMAC, Expedited Licensure — 16.34.6.7(C), (F)(1) NMAC

6. 6What percentage of a New Mexico esthetics program must a student complete before the permit authorizes services on the public at school?

   1. A. 10%
   2. B. 25%
   3. C. 15%
   4. D. 50%

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The student permit authorizes public practice in an approved school “only after successful completion of fifteen percent of the program.”

   Reference: NMAC § 16.34.8.13(A)(4)(a) — NMAC § 16.34.8.13(A)(7), effective January 13, 2026

7. 7An esthetics instructor plans to finish her remaining required continuing-education hours after her instructor license expires. Which timing rule governs renewal?

   1. A. Complete the required hours before the instructor license expires.
   2. B. Complete the required hours within 30 days after license expiration.
   3. C. Complete the required hours before the next board audit begins.
   4. D. Complete the required hours after renewal but before the next class.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The 2026 text says the instructor must obtain continuing education "prior to renewal of Instructor License" and that hours "must be completed before the expiration of the license." The instructor cannot treat post-expiration completion as timely renewal. This question does not ask the disputed annual-hour amount.

   Reference: New Mexico Register amendment to 16.34.9 NMAC — 16.34.9.8(A)(1)-(2) NMAC

8. 8What order follows when a New Mexico establishment fails its second inspection, which is the first reinspection?

   1. A. A school closure order
   2. B. Automatic permanent revocation
   3. C. A cease-and-desist order
   4. D. No action until a third failure

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Upon failure of the second inspection, “a cease and desist order will be served in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act.”

   Reference: Title 16 — NMAC § 16.34.11.9(A)(2)

9. 9The board writes to a New Mexico esthetician after receiving a properly filed formal complaint and requests a response. How many days from receipt of that request does the rule allow?

   1. A. 10 days.
   2. B. 15 days.
   3. C. 20 days.
   4. D. 30 days.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 16.34.13.8(B) requires the board to "request a response within fifteen days of receipt of such request." The period runs from the esthetician's receipt of the board's request, not from the date the complaint was filed.

   Reference: 16.34.13 NMAC, Administrative Procedures — 16.34.13.8(A)-(B) NMAC

10. 10How does a New Mexico support-order noncompliance determination affect each license status?

    1. A. It delays only initial applications and never affects current licenses
    2. B. It requires an initial application or renewal to be denied and makes a current license subject to suspension or revocation
    3. C. It automatically converts every license to inactive status
    4. D. It affects renewals only after a criminal conviction

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The board “shall deny an application for a license,” “shall deny the renewal of a license,” and “has grounds for suspension or revocation” of a current license when the licensee is not in compliance.

    Reference: NMAC § 16.34.16.11(A)(1)-(2) and (B) — NMAC § 16.34.16.8(A)-(C)