New Mexico Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide

New Mexico licenses contractors and trade professionals at the state level through the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Whether you are pursuing a general contractor license or a trade credential in electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work, CID sets the minimum competency standards and issues credentials recognized statewide.

Exams and application intake for contractor, qualifying party, and journeyman classifications are administered by PSI under CID’s authority. We highlight several representative licenses and authorities for New Mexico below; this guide is updated periodically as additional details become available or are requested by readers.

Because licensing governs who may contract for work and pull permits across the state, it is essential to select the correct classification, document your experience, and pass required examinations with PSI. The New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) Title 14 provides the rule framework—including contractor requirements and classification standards—used by CID to evaluate applicants.

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Overview of New Mexico Contractor Licensing

The Construction Industries Division (CID) within the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department regulates construction-related contracting statewide. CID oversees licensing for general construction as well as electrical, elevator/escalator, mechanical, plumbing, and LP gas work. Applicants demonstrate competency through experience and examinations administered by PSI, with minimum passing scores set by CID rules.

New Mexico’s rules and standards are codified in the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) Title 14. Key parts include 14.6.3 (Contractor License Requirements) and 14.6.6 (Classification Standards), which describe who must hold a contractor license and the scope/experience thresholds for specific classifications. Permits for covered trades are likewise issued under CID’s jurisdiction, and local building departments reference the state license when authorizing work and inspections.

Businesses that contract to perform work must employ or be owned by at least one qualifying party certified by CID in the relevant classification(s). Qualifying parties pass trade exams and the Business & Law exam with PSI, then attach their certification to a company’s contractor license. Journeyman and lineman certificates of competence are also issued by CID and have specific continuing education requirements for renewal.

Primary Licensing Authority

Construction Industries Division, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

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Electrician Licenses in New Mexico

New Mexico regulates electrical work statewide through CID with multiple contractor, qualifying party, and journeyman classifications. Exams are administered by PSI, and minimum passing scores are 75% unless otherwise specified in PSI’s New Mexico Construction Examination Bulletin or related guidance.

EE-98 Residential and commercial electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less

Classification: Contractor/Qualifying Party

Regulator: Construction Industries Division (CID), New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Official site

Eligibility & Experience

Requires four years of experience performing residential and commercial electrical wiring at 5,000 volts nominal or less (see NMAC 14.6.6 for classification standards).

Examination

PSI administers the New Mexico EE-98 exam in three parts:

  • Part 1: Commercial and Industrial — 200 minutes, 80 questions, 75% passing
  • Part 2: Residential — 100 minutes, 40 questions, 75% passing
  • Part 3: Specialties — 135 minutes, 50 questions, 75% passing

Scheduling, identification requirements, and reference lists are provided in PSI’s New Mexico Construction Examination Bulletin.

Fees

PSI processes applications with a $36 application fee plus a classification fee per classification. For major classifications like EE‑98, the typical classification fee shown in PSI’s instructions is $300.

Bonding & Insurance

Entities seeking a contractor license must secure a license bond and complete state business registrations, including the Taxation and Revenue Department registration and, when applicable, Public Regulation Commission and Secretary of State registrations.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Contractor license renewal follows CID contractor licensing rules. Continuing education is specifically mandated for journeyman electrician/lineman certificates; contractor-specific CE was not detailed in the cited sources.

References

ER-1 Residential electrical wiring

Classification: Contractor/Qualifying Party

Regulator: Construction Industries Division (CID), New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Official site

Eligibility & Experience

Requires two years of experience in residential electrical wiring as defined in NMAC 14.6.6.

Examination

PSI administers ER‑1 examinations under the New Mexico electrical program. Exams are multiple-choice, and the passing score is 75%.

Fees

Applications processed by PSI include the standard application fee and a classification fee per CID/PSI schedules.

Bonding & Insurance

When ER‑1 is used as a qualifying party classification for a contractor license, the business must maintain a license bond and complete required state registrations as part of the contractor licensing process.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Contractor license renewal follows CID contractor licensing rules. Journeyman CE requirements are separate and apply to journeyman certificates rather than to contractor classifications.

References

EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical

Classification: Journeyman

Regulator: Construction Industries Division (CID), New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Official site

Eligibility & Experience

Requires four years of experience in residential and commercial electrical work. Experience must align with CID’s standards for journeyman electricians.

Examination

PSI administers the EE‑98J journeyman practical examination: 120 minutes, 100 questions, 75% passing. Candidate Information Bulletins include reference materials, registration procedures, and ID requirements.

Fees

Journeyman certificate of competence applications carry a $30 application fee plus a certificate fee per classification as outlined by PSI. Contractor applications tied to qualifying parties use a $36 application fee plus classification fees.

Continuing Education & Renewal

Journeyman electricians and linemen must complete at least 16 hours of CE every three years between code updates, including 8 hours of code change and 8 hours of other industry-related instruction, submitted with renewal.

Reciprocity

New Mexico offers reciprocity for EE‑98J with several states (see Reciprocity section below). Eligibility includes holding an equivalent journeyman license in a reciprocal state, documenting at least 8,000 hours of experience, and submitting PSI’s reciprocity application/fee.

References

ER-1J Journeyman residential wiring

Classification: Journeyman

Regulator: Construction Industries Division (CID), New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Official site

Eligibility & Experience

Requires two years of experience in residential electrical wiring per NMAC 14.6.6 journeyman standards.

Examination

PSI provides New Mexico journeyman electrical examinations for ER‑1J with a 75% minimum passing score. The PSI bulletin outlines test content, references, and allowed materials.

Fees

PSI processes journeyman applications with application and certificate fees as listed in PSI’s CID instructions.

Continuing Education & Renewal

Journeyman CE requirements apply: 16 hours every three years between code updates (8 hours code change, 8 hours industry-related), submitted with renewal to maintain the certificate of competence.

References

EL-1J Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines

Classification: Journeyman

Regulator: Construction Industries Division (CID), New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Official site

Eligibility & Experience

Requires four years of experience in electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines, under the EL‑1J scope.

Examination

PSI’s New Mexico program includes electrical distribution systems testing. The EL‑1 (contractor/qualifying party) exam listed in PSI’s bulletin is 265 minutes with 100 questions and a 75% passing score; journeyman EL‑1J exams follow PSI journeyman standards with a 75% minimum passing score.

Fees

PSI application and classification/certificate fees apply per the contractor/journeyman instructions.

Continuing Education & Renewal

Journeyman linemen must meet the same CE requirements as journeyman electricians: 16 hours every three years, including 8 hours of code change and 8 hours of other industry instruction.

References

ES-1J Journeyman electrical signs and outline lighting

Classification: Journeyman

Regulator: Construction Industries Division (CID), New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Official site

Eligibility & Experience

Requires two years of experience in electrical sign and outline lighting work under ES‑1J.

Examination

Specialty journeyman electrical exams are administered by PSI in New Mexico with a 75% passing score. PSI’s bulletin covers exam references and registration.

Fees

Journeyman ES‑1J certificates follow PSI’s application and certificate fee schedule; contractors employing ES‑1/ES‑1J personnel pay classification fees per contractor application instructions.

Bonding & Renewal

License bonds apply at the contractor level. Journeyman electricians must complete CID-mandated CE for renewal as described above.

References

Plumbing Licenses in New Mexico

Plumbing work is regulated statewide by CID. Permitting for plumbing activities is issued by CID, and license classification titles, scopes, and minimum competency standards are established in NMAC Title 14 and CID guidance. Applicants should select the correct classification(s), document experience, and complete required PSI examinations per CID rules.

Where to confirm plumbing licensing details

Review CID’s application instructions and NMAC Title 14 for current classification definitions, application requirements, fees, and exam information:

Contact CID to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.

HVAC Licenses in New Mexico

HVAC (mechanical) work is licensed and permitted statewide by CID. Applicants generally pursue the appropriate mechanical classification(s) defined in NMAC Title 14 and must meet CID experience and examination requirements through PSI. EPA Section 608 certification may be relevant for refrigerant handling but is separate from CID licensing.

Where to confirm HVAC licensing details

Consult CID’s licensing guidance and the NMAC for current HVAC/mechanical classifications, fees, and exams:

Contact CID to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.

General Contractor Licenses in New Mexico

New Mexico issues statewide contractor licenses through CID. A business must employ or be owned by a qualifying party certified in the classification(s) covering the work performed. Qualifying parties pass trade and Business & Law examinations with PSI and attach their certification to the company’s license.

Contractor license (General Contractor)

Classification: Contractor

Regulator: Construction Industries Division (CID), New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Official site

Eligibility & Experience

Entities that act in the capacity of a contractor must hold a CID-issued license and employ or be owned by a qualifying party who is certified by CID in the applicable classification(s). The qualifying party must meet the minimum experience standards specified in NMAC 14.6.6 and demonstrate competency by examination.

Examination

Qualifying parties must pass the relevant trade exam(s) and the Business & Law exam administered by PSI with a minimum score of 75%. PSI provides candidate bulletins, references, and scheduling services.

Fees

PSI collects a $36 application fee plus a classification fee for each classification requested. PSI’s fee schedule shows $300 for major classifications (e.g., GB‑98, EE‑98, MM‑98) and $150 for others.

Bonding & Business Registration

Contractors must secure a license bond and complete state business registrations, including a Taxation and Revenue Department tax registration certificate. Corporations and LLCs may require a Public Regulation Commission certificate, and certain partnerships may require Secretary of State registration.

Renewal

Contractor license renewals follow CID contractor licensing rules. Specific continuing education requirements are detailed for journeyman electrician and lineman certificates; contractor CE requirements were not delineated in the cited sources.

References

Roofing Licenses in New Mexico

Roofing work in New Mexico is regulated under CID’s statewide contractor licensing framework. The specific classification(s) required depend on the scope of roofing services to be performed, as defined by CID rules and NMAC Title 14 classification standards.

Where to confirm roofing licensing details

Verify the correct contractor classification(s), application procedures, and exam requirements with CID resources:

Contact CID to confirm fees, insurance/bond requirements, experience thresholds, and renewal details before applying.

Specialty Trade Licenses in New Mexico

Specialty classifications are licensed statewide by CID. Applicants must meet classification-specific experience requirements and pass PSI-administered examinations. Below is one representative specialty classification documented in PSI’s New Mexico examination bulletin.

ES-10R Residential Water Well Pump Installer

Classification: Specialty

Regulator: Construction Industries Division (CID), New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Official site

Eligibility & Experience

ES‑10R appears as a specialty examination in PSI’s New Mexico Construction Examination Bulletin. Detailed experience prerequisites are governed by CID’s specialty classification rules in NMAC 14.6.6.

Examination

PSI administers the ES‑10R exam: 120 minutes, 50 questions, 75% passing. PSI’s bulletin lists references, allowed materials, and registration steps.

Fees

Applicants pay PSI application and classification fees consistent with CID contractor and qualifying party fee schedules.

Bonding & Renewal

When used on a contractor license, specialty classifications require the licensed entity to maintain a license bond per CID rules. Renewal of specialty credentials follows CID/PSI procedures; specialty-specific CE requirements were not detailed in the cited sources.

References

Application Process

  1. Determine the CID classification(s) needed for the work to be performed by reviewing New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 6 (classification definitions) and related CID guidance.
  2. Ensure that the business entity employs or is owned by at least one qualifying party certified by CID in the relevant classification(s); qualifying parties must meet experience requirements and pass required examinations.
  3. Secure a license bond and complete required business registrations, including obtaining a Taxation and Revenue Department tax registration certificate and, where applicable, Public Regulation Commission and Secretary of State registrations for the business entity.
  4. Complete the appropriate PSI application forms for contractor licenses, qualifying party certificates, or journeyman certificates, including all requested documentation and fees.
  5. Submit the completed application packet and payment to PSI by mail or in person at the designated Albuquerque PSI office address.
  6. Register and schedule required trade and Business & Law examinations with PSI using its online registration system and test‑taker portal, and take the exams at PSI examination centers in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Las Cruces.
  7. Upon passing required examinations and satisfying CID documentation and bonding requirements, PSI coordinates with CID to issue the appropriate license or certificate of competence to the qualifying party and/or business entity.

Timeline: The sources describe application submission and examination scheduling through PSI but do not specify exact average processing times; timelines depend on exam availability, application completeness, and CID review.

Reciprocity

Available for EE‑98J (Journeyman Electrician) only. Reciprocal states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming.

Requirements: Hold an equivalent journeyman license from a reciprocal state, document at least 8,000 hours of residential and commercial electrical experience, submit a journeyman reciprocity application with a copy of the out‑of‑state license, and pay the $75 fee to PSI as directed by CID’s Electrical Bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a contractor license in New Mexico?

Processing time varies by exam availability, application completeness, and CID review. PSI handles application intake and exam scheduling; plan additional time for bonding and required business registrations.

Can I transfer my license from another state to New Mexico?

Reciprocity is limited to the EE‑98J journeyman electrical classification. Eligible applicants from Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, or Wyoming must document at least 8,000 hours of qualifying experience, submit PSI’s reciprocity application with a copy of the out‑of‑state journeyman license, and pay the fee outlined by PSI and CID.

What happens if I fail a PSI exam?

PSI manages retake policies, waiting periods, and rescheduling procedures for New Mexico CID exams. Refer to PSI’s New Mexico Construction Examination Bulletin and your candidate account for the most current retake rules.

Do I need insurance or a bond to be licensed?

Contractor licenses require a license bond and applicable business registrations (Taxation and Revenue Department; Public Regulation Commission and Secretary of State where applicable). Journeyman certificates do not require a bond, but they must be employed by a properly bonded and licensed contractor when performing covered work.

How do I renew my license or certificate?

Contractor license renewals follow CID contractor licensing procedures. Journeyman electricians/linemen must complete at least 16 hours of CE every three years between code updates (8 hours code change, 8 hours industry-related) and submit proof with renewal. For renewal windows, fees, and forms, check CID’s continuing education and licensing pages.

Do local permits still apply if I hold a state license?

Yes. CID licensing is statewide, but local jurisdictions may require permits and inspections for specific projects. Always coordinate with the local building department for permitting logistics and inspection schedules in addition to maintaining the correct CID license classification.

Where can I find practice tests for New Mexico exams?

We offer comprehensive PDF study guides typically with 1,500–2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits. Browse New Mexico contractor practice tests.

New Mexico · Practice tests

New Mexico contractor license practice tests

We don’t publish New Mexico practice tests yet, but we add new tests regularly. Contact us with the license you’re studying for and we’ll build it.

Related Official Resources

Official Sources for Further Details:

  1. Apply for a Construction Industries License – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (CID)
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/apply-for-a-construction-industries-license/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  2. Construction Industries Division – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  3. CID Bureaus Page – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/find-a-bureau/bureaus/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  4. Electrical Bureau – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/find-a-bureau/bureaus/electrical-bureau/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  5. NMAC 14.6.3 Contractor License Requirements
    https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0003.html
    State Statute/Administrative Rule | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  6. NMAC 14.6.6 Classification Standards (including EE-98, ER-1, journeyman electrical classifications)
    https://www.srca.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/14.006.0006.html
    State Statute/Administrative Rule | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  7. PSI Public License Management Portal
    https://public.psiexams.com/
    Exam Provider | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  8. PSI Contractor License Application Instructions
    https://public.psiexams.com/pdf/Contractor%20App%202025.pdf
    Exam Provider/Fee Schedule | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  9. About the Construction Industries Division – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/about-us/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  10. Continuing Education for Construction Industries Bureau – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/continuing-education/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  11. Rules, Laws, and Building Codes – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (CID)
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/rules-laws-and-building-codes/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  12. Construction Industries Committees and Commissions – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/committees-commissions/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25
  13. Apply for a Construction Industries Permit – New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
    https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/apply-for-a-permit/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-25

Important Disclaimer

Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.

Official Source: For current information, contact Construction Industries Division, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department:

Permitting: Local jurisdictions may require permits and inspections for projects in addition to CID licensing. Coordinate with the local building department for permitting logistics.

No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with CID, PSI, or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

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