New Mexico licenses estheticians through the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, part of the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD). You need a New Mexico esthetician license to perform facials, skin care treatments, waxing, makeup application, eyelash extensions, and other esthetic services for compensation.
New Mexico requires 600 training hours plus three NIC examinations. The board reduced the passing score from 75% to 70% in January 2026. The total initial cost is approximately $328. Here is exactly how to get your New Mexico esthetician license.
New Mexico Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | NM RLD, Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists |
| Statutory Authority | NMSA 1978, Chapter 61, Article 17A |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | None (removed by HB 191 in 2022) |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a board-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No |
| Exam Required | NIC Esthetics Theory + NIC Practical + NM Jurisprudence exam |
| Passing Score | 70% (reduced from 75% in January 2026) |
| Exam Fees | $203 combined (paid to PCS) |
| License Fee | $100 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$328 |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expires at end of birth month) |
| Renewal Fee | $100 |
| Continuing Education | None required (practitioners) |
| Apply Online | NM RLD Online Portal |
| Board Website | rld.nm.gov |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 600 hours at a board-approved esthetics school. The updated curriculum (effective January 13, 2026):
| Subject | Hours |
|---|---|
| Theory | 125 |
| Sterilization/Sanitation/Bacteriology | 75 |
| Facials | 350 |
| Salon Business/Retail | 50 |
| Total | 600 |
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months. No apprenticeship is available for estheticians.
Scope of practice: Estheticians may perform facials, skin treatments, light therapy, high frequency treatments, makeup application, eyelash extensions, lash/brow tinting, and hair removal by any means except electrolysis, other invasive techniques, and shaving. The use of the term “medical esthetician” is prohibited as deceptive/fraudulent.
At 600 hours, New Mexico matches the national average. See our esthetician license guide and esthetician hours by state comparison.
Exam Requirements
You must pass three exams through PCS: the NIC Esthetics Theory exam (110 items, 90 minutes), the NIC Esthetics Practical exam (in-person at Albuquerque or Las Cruces), and the New Mexico Jurisprudence exam (2-hour written exam). Passing score is 70% on all segments. Scores are valid for 2 years from graduation.
Application Process & Fees
- Obtain a student permit ($25) and complete 600 hours of training
- Register for exams through PCS and pay the $203 exam fee
- Pass all three exams
- Apply online and pay the $100 license fee
Total initial cost: approximately $328 ($25 + $203 + $100).
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Licenses expire annually at the end of your birth month. The renewal fee is $100, with a $40 late fee. No continuing education is required for practitioners.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
New Mexico offers expedited licensure ($150 fee) for applicants with a current license from an approved jurisdiction. You must pass the jurisprudence exam. Disapproved jurisdictions for estheticians: Alaska, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Military Provisions
Military members, veterans, spouses, and dependents receive expedited processing within 30 days, a three-year fee exemption, and bypass of the disapproved jurisdictions list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in New Mexico?
You need 600 hours at a board-approved school. Full-time students typically complete training in 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in New Mexico?
Approximately $328: $25 student permit, $203 exam fees, and $100 license fee.
Does New Mexico require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Continuing education is not required for esthetician practitioners.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state?
Yes, through expedited licensure ($150). Several states are on the disapproved list and require a new application instead.
Can New Mexico estheticians perform eyelash extensions?
Yes. Eyelash extensions, lash/brow tinting, and related services are within the esthetician scope of practice.
Official Resources
- NM Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (official website)
- Online License Application Portal
- Professional Credential Services (PCS) (exam registration)
- Official Fee Schedule (16.34.14 NMAC)
- Board Contact: (505) 476-4622 | barber.cosmoboard@rld.nm.gov
- Board Address: 2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, Santa Fe, NM 87505