The 90 days on a New Mexico student permit have run out. What does the rule say about more time?16.34.4.14(B) NMAC
A candidate arrives after the scheduled start of a New Mexico examination. What does the rule provide?16.34.3.8(B) NMAC
A New Mexico applicant needs special accommodations to take the examination. When must the board office or its designee be told?16.34.13.10(B) NMAC
A New Mexico applicant passes theory and practical but falls short on the state law written segment. What must be retaken?16.34.3.9(C) NMAC
A New Mexico graduate is working on a student permit while waiting to test. Under what condition?16.34.4.14(B) NMAC
A New Mexico license has been expired for more than five years. What must the applicant do before examination?16.34.3.11(A) NMAC
A New Mexico licensee has finished a crossover course in barbering and passed the examinations. What is the next step toward a barber/cosmetology license?16.34.4.11 NMAC
A provisional instructor in New Mexico fails one portion of the instructor examination. What happens to the provisional license?16.34.4.13(B) NMAC
Show all 174 questions (166 more)
Licenses, examinations and students, continued
An applicant for a New Mexico license is not in compliance with a judgment and order for support. What must the board do with the application?16.34.16.8 NMAC
Before a New Mexico student extern assists with a client's service, what must the establishment do?16.34.8.17(A) NMAC
For a New Mexico licensee without an equivalent course of study, how much training does six full months of verified work experience equal?16.34.6.12(D) NMAC
For how long after graduation requirements are met is a New Mexico student permit valid?16.34.4.14(B) NMAC
How long is one contact hour of instruction under New Mexico's definition?16.34.1.7(K) NMAC
How many hours must a New Mexico cosmetology course run at a board-approved school?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-9
How many hours, or equivalent credit, does New Mexico's rule attach to the esthetician license?16.34.5.12 NMAC
How many hours, or equivalent credit, stand behind a New Mexico manicurist/pedicurist license?16.34.5.11 NMAC
How many instructors must a New Mexico school keep for its students?16.34.8.9(H) NMAC
How many times may a New Mexico provisional instructor license be renewed?16.34.4.13(B) NMAC
How much infection control and safety theory must a New Mexico school give before any practical procedure?16.34.8.9(F) NMAC
How much of the contracted course must a New Mexico student finish before joining an externship program?16.34.8.17(A) NMAC
How much time may a New Mexico student extern spend training in a licensed establishment?16.34.8.17(A) NMAC
How much work experience stands behind a New Mexico provisional instructor license?16.34.4.13(B) NMAC
How old must an applicant be for a New Mexico cosmetologist license?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-9
How old must an applicant be to register for a cosmetology course at a New Mexico school?16.34.8.13(A) NMAC
How recent must work be to count as current work experience under New Mexico's rules?16.34.1.7(N) NMAC
How soon after registration must a New Mexico student registration form reach the board office?16.34.4.14(A) NMAC
How soon must New Mexico board staff issue an expedited license to a qualified applicant with a complete application?16.34.6.10(C) NMAC
Into which segments is a New Mexico licensing examination scored for every license except instructor?16.34.3.9(B) NMAC
New Mexico issues a combined manicurist/esthetician license. How many hours, or equivalent credit, does it carry?16.34.4.10 NMAC
Under 16.34.6.12 NMAC, what must the holder of a New Mexico expedited license do upon renewal?16.34.6.12(B) NMAC
What course length does the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act set for a New Mexico hairstylist license?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-8.1
What does New Mexico require of an applicant whose license has been expired for one year but less than five?16.34.3.11(B) NMAC
What does New Mexico's rule mean by a jurisprudence exam?16.34.1.7(HH) NMAC
What may a New Mexico student extern not do for a client?16.34.8.17(A) NMAC
What minimum scaled score does New Mexico require on each segment of a licensing examination?16.34.3.9(A) NMAC
What qualifies an applicant to sit the New Mexico instructor licensing examination?16.34.4.13(A) NMAC
What share of a New Mexico school's instructional staff may hold provisional instructor licenses?16.34.4.13(B) NMAC
When may a New Mexico student begin to perform services on the public?16.34.4.14(A) NMAC
Which initials does the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act give a licensed New Mexico esthetician?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-10
Which initials may follow the name of a licensed New Mexico cosmetologist?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-9
Which law governs how the New Mexico board weighs a criminal record under the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-24
Which of these felony convictions is on New Mexico's list of disqualifying criminal convictions?16.34.2.15(A) NMAC
Which record may the New Mexico board not use on an application for licensure?16.34.2.15(E) NMAC
Which segments make up the New Mexico instructor examination?16.34.3.9(D) NMAC
Renewal and license records 11
A current New Mexico licensee appears on the certified list for unpaid support. Within what limit must a statement of compliance reach the board after informal notice?16.34.16.10(B) NMAC
A New Mexico cosmetologist does not renew. What does the Act say about restoring the license in the year after it expires?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-20(A)
A New Mexico licensee gets a new email address and telephone number. How soon must the department be told?16.34.1.10(A) NMAC
For how long is a New Mexico cosmetologist license issued or renewed?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-20(A)
For how long is a New Mexico establishment license issued?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-20(B)
How long after expiration does a New Mexico establishment have to renew before its license is void?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-20(B)
May a New Mexico license be sold or given to another person?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-19
On what day must a New Mexico establishment license be renewed each year?16.34.7.8(E) NMAC
What does the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act require when a New Mexico license holder changes place of business?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-18
Which license may a New Mexico inspector retrieve from an establishment?16.34.2.9(C) NMAC
Who owns a license or permit issued by the New Mexico board?16.34.2.9(A) NMAC
Establishments and enterprises 26
A New Mexico establishment fails its third inspection, the second re-inspection. What does the inspector do?16.34.11.9(B) NMAC
A New Mexico establishment is attached to a residence. What must it have?16.34.7.8(K) NMAC
A New Mexico establishment moves across town. What must the owner do?16.34.7.8(C) NMAC
A New Mexico licensee asks to see the establishment license and is not shown a valid one. What does the rule require?16.34.7.12(C) NMAC
A New Mexico licensee is placed on probation. What does the rule say about the license?16.34.2.10(C) NMAC
A New Mexico licensee wants to hold a fund-raiser away from the establishment. How early must the special event application go in?16.34.7.14 NMAC
A New Mexico sole proprietor becomes the sole stockholder of a corporation that now owns the salon. What must the board receive?16.34.7.10(D) NMAC
Before starting work in a New Mexico establishment, what must a licensee do?16.34.7.12(B) NMAC
For how long must pedicure tub disinfection log entries stay on the premises of a New Mexico salon?16.34.7.8(H) NMAC
How does New Mexico's rule class a licensee's services for pay in an unlicensed establishment?16.34.7.12(A) NMAC
How far ahead of opening must the application for a New Mexico establishment license be filed?16.34.7.8(A) NMAC
How must safety data sheets be kept in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.7.8(H) NMAC
How soon after an inspection must the report be posted in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.2.10(F) NMAC
May a New Mexico establishment double as living or sleeping quarters?16.34.7.8(M) NMAC
May the holder of a temporary license act as supervisor of a New Mexico establishment?16.34.7.11(C) NMAC
Ownership of a licensed New Mexico establishment changes hands. What must the new owner do?16.34.7.10(C) NMAC
Part of a New Mexico establishment is completely segregated from the primary area. What does that part need?16.34.7.8(D) NMAC
What lettering must a New Mexico outreach enterprise mobile unit carry?16.34.7.8(Q) NMAC
What must a New Mexico licensee attach to the board-issued license?16.34.2.10(B) NMAC
What must a New Mexico licensee carry when performing services in a mobile outreach unit?16.34.7.8(O) NMAC
When does the formal inspection of a new New Mexico establishment take place?16.34.7.8(B) NMAC
When may a member of the New Mexico board, its employees or agents enter and inspect an establishment?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-7(C)
Where must licenses be posted in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.2.10(A) NMAC
Which plan must a New Mexico establishment keep on file on the premises?16.34.7.8(H) NMAC
Which sign must each New Mexico establishment display under the infection control standards?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
Who may supervise a New Mexico establishment while licensed activity goes on?16.34.7.11(B) NMAC
Infection control and safety 41
A banned item is found stored on licensed premises in New Mexico. How does the rule treat that?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
A client is cut during a service in New Mexico. Which step follows stopping the service?16.34.7.9(C) NMAC
A New Mexico customer brings her own nail implements. May the practitioner use them?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
A New Mexico salon dilutes a concentrated disinfectant with water. What must be on hand and used?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
A New Mexico salon's autoclave returns a positive spore test. What then?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
After each client, how are haircutting shears and combs handled under New Mexico's rule?16.34.7.9(B) NMAC
For how long may filled contaminated waste containers be stored on site in New Mexico?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How are containers of disinfected combs and brushes marked in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How does New Mexico's rule class eyebrow thread?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How does New Mexico's rule define sterilization?16.34.7.7(I) NMAC
How does New Mexico's rule regard clipper wash?16.34.7.9(B) NMAC
How does New Mexico's rule relate cleansing to disinfection?16.34.7.7(A) NMAC
How does New Mexico's rule treat pedicure tub liners?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How long must items stay immersed or visibly moist with disinfectant in New Mexico?16.34.7.9(B) NMAC
How many times may a disposable spatula or wooden stick go into the wax pot in New Mexico?16.34.7.9(B) NMAC
How may product be taken from a tub in a New Mexico salon?16.34.7.9(B) NMAC
How much disinfectant must a New Mexico place of business keep on hand?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How must a product that is no longer in its original container be kept in a New Mexico salon?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How often does New Mexico's rule call for deep disinfection of pedicure basins?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How often must a New Mexico establishment that uses an autoclave have spore tests done by a contracted laboratory?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How often must disinfectant solution be made in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How often must floors be thoroughly cleaned in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How often must towel warmers be disinfected in a New Mexico salon?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
How often must trash containers be emptied in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
In New Mexico's blood exposure procedure, what should the injured party do at the sink when possible?16.34.7.9(C) NMAC
Product has been removed from its container in a New Mexico salon but not all of it was used. What does the rule say?16.34.7.9(B) NMAC
Steamed towels are left unused at the end of the day in a New Mexico salon. What happens to them?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
What does New Mexico's rule say about liquid monomeric methyl methacrylate, MMA?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
What does New Mexico's rule say about roll on wax?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
What does New Mexico's rule say about serving alcohol in an establishment?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
What goes between the chair cloth or shampoo cape and a client's skin in New Mexico?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
What must a New Mexico practitioner do before performing any service on a client?16.34.7.9(B) NMAC
What must be done with hair cuttings in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
What must separate a New Mexico establishment's rest rooms from the rest of the establishment?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
When may a styptic pencil be used on a wound in a New Mexico establishment?16.34.7.9(C) NMAC
Which animals may be in a New Mexico establishment or mobile unit?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
Which items can be disinfected under New Mexico's rule?16.34.7.7(E) NMAC
Which living creatures may be used in a cosmetic service in New Mexico?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
Which of these does New Mexico's rule list as a single use item to be thrown away immediately after use?16.34.7.7(H) NMAC
Which two things does New Mexico's rule say are not approved for disinfection?16.34.7.7(C) NMAC
While an electrical pedicure tub is being disinfected in New Mexico, what must run for the whole contact time?16.34.7.9(A) NMAC
Scope of practice and exemptions 21
By what means may a New Mexico esthetician remove unwanted hair?16.34.5.12(A) NMAC
How does the New Mexico Act define an electrologist's method?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-2
How may a New Mexico manicurist/pedicurist reduce corns or callouses?16.34.5.11 NMAC
The New Mexico Act's definition of cosmetology includes removing unwanted hair, with one exception. Which?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-4
On whom may a New Mexico manicurist/esthetician not perform facial services?16.34.4.10(C) NMAC
Under the New Mexico Act, what does hairstyling leave out?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-4.1
What does New Mexico's rule say about the title medical esthetician?16.34.5.12(C) NMAC
What may a New Mexico cosmetologist instructor not teach or supervise?16.34.5.14(A) NMAC
What may a New Mexico manicurist/pedicurist do about an ingrown toenail?16.34.5.11 NMAC
What may a New Mexico manicurist/pedicurist not perform without further licensure?16.34.5.11 NMAC
When does New Mexico's rule consider a procedure invasive?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
Where may services under the New Mexico Act be provided away from a licensed establishment?16.34.7.8(N) NMAC
Which of these is exempt from the New Mexico Act while doing the job?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-22
Which of these is within a New Mexico hairstylist license?16.34.5.17 NMAC
Which practitioner does the New Mexico Act exempt while discharging professional duties?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-22
Which service is outside a New Mexico barber license without added licensure?16.34.5.9(B) NMAC
Which service may a New Mexico cosmetologist not perform without further licensure?16.34.5.10(B) NMAC
Which tools does New Mexico bar establishments and schools from using to remove skin or calluses?16.34.7.9(D) NMAC
Which two practices may a person carry on in New Mexico without a license from the board?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-5
Whom does a New Mexico outreach enterprise serve?16.34.1.7(PP) NMAC
With what may a New Mexico cosmetologist cut or trim a beard?16.34.5.10(A) NMAC
Violations, penalties and discipline 19
A New Mexico license is suspended. What must happen to the license itself?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-21
A New Mexico licensee lets an unlicensed friend work under her license. What does the Act make of that?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-21
A New Mexico licensee refuses to let an inspector carry out an inspection. How does the rule treat that?16.34.13.9(C) NMAC
After service of a notice of contemplated action for unpaid support, how long does a New Mexico licensee have to request a hearing by certified mail?16.34.16.11 NMAC
For how long must missed payment persist before New Mexico's rule calls it student loan default?16.34.15.8(I) NMAC
How early must a petition for a variance from New Mexico's rules be submitted?16.34.13.13(A) NMAC
May a New Mexico licensee alter a board-issued license?16.34.2.9(B) NMAC
The New Mexico board asks a licensee for documents about the licensee's activities. How long does the licensee have to comply?16.34.10.10 NMAC
The New Mexico board denies a petition for variance. May the petitioner appeal?16.34.13.13(C) NMAC
What civil penalty may the New Mexico board assess for each violation of the Act or its rules?16.34.15.8 NMAC
What fine does New Mexico's rule set for a first offense of performing services for pay in an unlicensed establishment?16.34.15.8(F) NMAC
What form must a formal complaint against a New Mexico licensee take for the board to consider it?16.34.13.8(A) NMAC
What is the criminal penalty for violating the New Mexico Barbers and Cosmetologists Act?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-23
What is the fine for a first failure to post required licenses in New Mexico?16.34.15.8(D) NMAC
What is the penalty for a first failure to meet New Mexico's sanitation and safety requirements for establishments?16.34.15.8(C) NMAC
When may the New Mexico board issue a cease and desist order against an establishment under 16.34.11.8 NMAC?16.34.11.8(B) NMAC
Which method of investigation does New Mexico's rule name as open to the board?16.34.10.8 NMAC
Which of these is a listed cause for action against a New Mexico license under Section 61-17A-21?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-21
Who bears the costs of a New Mexico disciplinary proceeding under 16.34.15.9 NMAC?16.34.15.9 NMAC
The Board 12
A member of the New Mexico board misses meetings after proper notice. After how many is removal automatically recommended?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
How does New Mexico's rule describe the board's role in its mission statement?16.34.1.8 NMAC
How long is a term on the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
How many full consecutive terms may a member of the New Mexico board serve?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
How many licensed cosmetologists sit on the New Mexico board?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
How many members sit on the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
How many of the New Mexico board's seven members are public members?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
How much practical experience must the licensed members of the New Mexico board have?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
How often must the New Mexico board meet?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
On what date is the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists set to terminate under the Sunset Act?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-25
To which department is the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists administratively attached?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-6
Under the New Mexico Act, who processes and issues licenses to applicants who meet the requirements?NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-7
How this list was compiled: The Barbers and Cosmetologists Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 61-17A-1 to 61-17A-25, in Chapter 61 on the New Mexico Compilation Commission's site (https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4397/index.do); and Title 16, Chapter 34 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, Barbers and Cosmetologists, Parts 1 to 16, on the State Records Center and Archives' site (https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.034.0007.html and the other part files). Each question names its section and links to the document it is in. Read 2026-10-12. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the statute and rule text. Nothing comes from a testing vendor, a textbook, a prep course or an exam question pool.
How it works
This unofficial New Mexico state board cosmetology practice test asks state law only: the Barbers and Cosmetologists Act (NMSA 1978, 61-17A-1 to 61-17A-25) and the Board's rules (16.34 NMAC), read October 12, 2026. Hair, skin and nail theory is omitted.
Read the full guide
What the New Mexico questions cover
Licensing is the largest group, with course hours, student permits and externships. Infection control and safety follows, drawn from 16.34.7.7 and 16.34.7.9 NMAC: disinfectant made daily, pedicure logs, autoclave spore tests and the list of banned products. Then come establishments and mobile outreach units, the scope of each license, fines and discipline, renewal and the Board.
How the bank follows the state law segment
New Mexico scores its licensing examination in three segments: national practical, national theory written and state law written (16.34.3.9 NMAC). A failed segment is retaken alone. The rules call the test on the state's laws and rules the jurisprudence exam (16.34.1.7 NMAC), and the Board's FAQ page asks it of applicants licensed in another state.
Alcohol and UV light boxes are not approved for disinfection, and roll on wax is prohibited (16.34.7.7 and 16.34.7.9 NMAC).
Post the newest inspection report in public view within 72 hours of the inspection (16.34.2.10 NMAC).
Eyebrow threading and hair braiding need no license from the Board (NMSA 1978, Section 61-17A-5).
Questions and answers
Is there a free NM state board cosmetology practice test?
Yes, on state law: every question here is free and names the section behind its answer. The New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists did not write or review the page.
What is on the New Mexico cosmetology state law exam?
The rules define it only as the examination on the laws, rules and regulations of barber and cosmetology practice in New Mexico (16.34.1.7 NMAC). Part 3 lists no topics for it, so this bank covers the Act and the rule parts a practitioner works under.
What score passes the New Mexico state board cosmetology exam?
A scaled score of seventy five on each segment (16.34.3.9 NMAC). A scaled score is not a share of questions right, so this page shows a score and no verdict.
Does this New Mexico practice test cover the national theory exam?
No. Hair, skin and nail theory is the subject of the national theory written segment, and no question here comes from any examination.