Article Index
New Mexico Contractor Licenses
All state licenses are issued by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD). The Construction Industries Division regulates the General Construction, Electrical, LP Gas, and, Mechanical and Plumbing categories; each category has a specific Bureau. Contracting activities under these classifications are defined in the Construction Industries Licensing Act, NMSA 1978, Section 60-13-3 . Furthermore, Manufactured Housing is its own division.
In New Mexico, licensing is mandatory to ensure safety, quality, and professionalism in every construction project. Therefore, contracting without a license is against the law.
Examination services are conducted byPSI©. Applicants pass with a score of 75%. General Construction, Electrical, LP Gas, and Mechanical and Plumbing contractors are required to pass a Business and Law examination. For categories that have a journeyperson license, this certificate is required if applying for a contractor license.
Check out the licenses below for their requirements, exams, books, and classes.
Business and Law Examination
This examination is required for most trades
Acoustical Insulation and Insulation (GS-1)
Installation of any insulation material in buildings, structures, or piping
Airports (GF-1)
Construction, alteration, and repair of airport surfaces
Asphalt, Bitumen and Concrete Construction (GA-98)
Includes all work for classifications GA-1 through GA-5
Awnings and Canopies (GS-2)
Construction, erection, and installation of awnings and canopies, which include all necessary excavation and foundation work
Boiler Operator (B01) Journeyman
Limited to the operation of low-pressure boilers only
Boiler Operator (B02) Journeyman
Limited to the operation of low and high pressure boilers
Bridges (GF-2)
Construction, erection, alteration or demolition of bridges or other structures used for vehicular traffic
Caissons, Piers and Pile Driving (GS-15)
Installation of caissons, piers, and pilings, including any necessary site preparation and fabrication
Canals, Reservoirs, or Irrigation Systems (GF-3)
Construction, reparation, demolishing, and installation of equipment pertaining to dams, canals, and irrigation systems
Carburetion Sale, Service and Installation (CNG-1 CNG)
Installing, selling, repairing, and servicing of CNG gas carburetion
Cathodic Protection and Lightning Protection Systems (ES-2)
Work with interior and exterior cathodic protection and lightning protection systems at commercial and residential locations
Cathodic Protection, and Lightning Protection Systems (ES-2J) Journeyman
Can perform work under an ES-2 or an EE-98 license
Concrete, Cement, Walkways, and Driveways (GS-4)
Perform work with concrete, which includes but it’s not limited to cutting, boring and sawing, as well as the removal or demolition of the material
Concrete Coring, Drilling and Slab Sawing (GS-34)
Core, bore, drill, cut, saw, and demolish concrete
CORE (GF)
All GF candidates taking one or more of the GF categories must also take the GF Core examination. There is no charge for the GF Core exam
Curbs, Gutters, and Culverts (GA-3)
Forming, finishing and placing of concrete curbs, gutters, driveway culverts, public sidewalks, and bituminous ridge curbs to deflect water
Demolition (GS-5)
Demolition of structures approved under the GB-98 classification, which also include additions or alterations to the remaining portions
Door Installation (GS-6)
GS-6 Doors are now part of the GS-14 Windows License
Drainage or Flood Control Systems (GF-4)
Construction, installation, alteration, erection, and repair of drainage or flood control systems
Dry Chemical Fire Protection (MS-14)
Servicing, installation, repair, or alteration to gaseous or chemical-based fire protection systems. May bid or contract for structural alterations
Dry Chemical Fire Protection (MS-14J) Journeyman
Allows to work under the MS-14, MM-4 or the MM-98 license
Drywall Installation and Texture (GS-7)
Installation of wallboard, surfaces, steel, or wood stud systems, including coating of walls and ceilings
Earthmoving, Excavation, and Ditching (GS-8)
Earthwork associated with or incidental to construction projects regulated by CID, using hand or power tools, or heavy equipment
Electrical Distribution Systems, including Transmission Lines (EL-1)
Perform work on all electrical systems and wiring methods operating at over 5000 volts. Includes overhead or underground electrical distribution & transmission circuits, equipment, and other supporting structures
Electrical Distribution Systems, including Transmission Lines (EL-1J) Journeyman
Can work under the EL-1 License
Electrical Inspector (General)
Inspect electrical work
Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting (ES-1)
Work with commercial electrical wiring methods of 5000 volts or less to install a sign or outline lighting. Allows building structures to support said signs
Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting (ES-1J) Journeyman
Can work under an ES-1 or an EE-98 license
Elevators, Escalators, Conveyors (GS-9)
Install, erect or perform repairs on hydraulic and manually operated elevators, escalators, and conveyors used for the transportation of people
Fire Protection Systems (MS-12)
Install and perform work on fire protection systems. Bid or contract for structural alterations incidental to the system installation
Fire Protection Systems (MS-12J) Journeyman
Can work under a MS-12, MM-4 or MM-98 license
Fixed Works (GF-98)
Construction, alteration, or repair of fixed or public work facilities. May engage on incidental buildings exclusively used for storage and not for occupancy of people
Framing (GS-13)
Perform work on wood, metal, or other products to frame a structure or building, including repairs to said structures
General Building (GB-98)
Erection, alteration, repair, or demolition of residential and commercial buildings
General Building Contractor Part 2 Examination (GB-98)
This is the second examination for the General Building Contractor (GB-98) trade
General Building Inspector
Inspect General Building work
Heat, Cooling, and Process Pipe (MM-4)
Installation, alteration, repair, service, and maintenance of process piping systems
Heat, Vent and Air Conditioning (MM-3)
Installation, alteration, repair, service, and maintenance of HVAC air handling, refrigeration equipment, and piping. May bid and contract for incidental work
Highway Signs and Guard Rails (GA-5)
Erection and stabilization of signs and guard rails used for the direction and safety of vehicles
Installation, Service and Repair (LP-5)
Install, service, and repair appliances, equipment, and piping for use with LP gas in residences and commercial buildings
Installation, Service and Repair of Cylinder Exchange Cabinets (LP-8)
Installation, service, and repair of LP gas cylinder exchange cabinets
Installation, Service and Repair of Mobile Units (LP-6)
Install, repair, and service LP gas appliances, equipment, and piping in manufactured housing and similar units
Lawn Sprinklers (MS-6)
Perform installations, alterations, repairs, service, or maintenance and necessary works for potable water sprinkler systems
Limited Installation, Service and Repair (LP-4)
Installation, service, and repair of appliances, equipment, and piping, for use with LP gas in residences and commercial buildings, except for mobile homes and similar units
Low Voltage Special Systems (under 50 Volts) (ES-3)
Perform work on special systems, cabling, and interconnections at commercial and residential locations. Includes telecommunications systems; fire alarm systems, CATV systems; audio and visual systems; security systems; door and gate operated control circuits
Low Voltage Special Systems (under 50 Volts) (ES-3J) Journeyman
Can work under an ES-3, ER-1 or an EE-98 license
LP Gas Carburetion, Sale, Service and Installation (LP-10)
Installation, service, sale, and repair of LP gas carburetion
LP Gas Inspector Certification
Inspect LP gas work
Maintenance and Repair (GA-2)
Make repairs or alterations with materials of substances like those currently existing on streets, roads, and other ways. Apply seal coat to driveways and parking lots; install rumble strips
Manufactured Housing Broker
Engage in the functions authorized for brokers in the act. Functions are strictly limited to only pre-owned manufactured homes and cannot negotiate the sale, exchange, renting, or leasing of real estate unless licensed under the Real Estate Act of New Mexico
Manufactured Housing Dealer
Engage in the business of selling, exchanging, buying for resale, leasing, offering to, or attempting to negotiate sales or exchanges or lease-purchases of new and pre-owned manufactured homes. May also perform a Broker’s functions
Manufactured Housing Inspector
Inspect manufactured housing work
Manufactured Housing Installer 1
Level ground, attach and tighten tie downs, connect sewer, water lines, and electrical cable, and install permanent or alternative foundations
Manufactured Housing Installer 2
Perform all functions of an MHD-1 and make structural repairs, alterations, and modifications
Manufactured Housing Installer 3
Perform all functions of an MHD-2 and repair natural gas piping and appliances, change and adjust orifices in a manufactured home prior to connection to L.P. gas, and service plumbing and electrical systems
Manufactured Housing Installer 3 – Electrical Endorsement
Installation of feeder assemblies from the on-site utility terminal to the manufactured home
Manufactured Housing Salesperson
Be employed and engage in sales or lease-purchases of new and pre owned manufactured homes
Manufactured Housing Yardline Endorsement
Installation of gas yard lines on manufactured homes
Masonry (GS-16)
Installation or erection of brick and other baked clay products to form masonry walls, anchored stone, or masonry veneer
Mechanical (MM-98)
Cover work under classifications MM-1 through MM-4 and MS-3, MS-6, MS-12 and MS-14
Mechanical Inspector
Conduct inspections, review construction plans, and submit reports to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations
Medical Gas Installer (JMG) Journeyman
Can work under an MM-1, MM-2, MM-4 or MM-98 license
Miscellaneous Sheet Metal (GS-32)
Manufacture on site and install sheet metal. Shall not install appurtenances that are authorized by mechanical or plumbing classifications
Natural Gas Fitting (MM-2)
Install, alter, repair, service, and maintain natural gas piping and fittings. Includes all required excavating, trenching, and backfilling. May not install LP Gas systems
Natural Gas Fitter (JG) Journeyman
Can work under an MM-2 or MM-98 license
Natural Gas Fitter Practical Examination Journeyman
Practical examination for the Natural Gas Fitter Journeyman
Pipe Fitter (JPF) Journeyman
Can work under a MM-1, MM-2, MM-4 or MM-98 license
Plastering, Stucco and Lathing (GS-30)
Prepare interior or exterior wall and ceiling surfaces with wood, metal, or other surfaces which will hold any combination of materials to create a permanent surface coating
Plumber (JP) Journeyman
Can work under a MM-1 or MM-98 license
Plumber Practical Examination Journeyman
Practical Examination for Plumber Journeyman
Plumbing (MM-1)
Perform installations, alterations, repairs, service, and maintenance of plumbing, plumbing fixtures, and piping
Railroad and Tunnel Construction (GF-6)
Construct railroad lines and perform all appurtenances necessary for an operational railroad line. Includes the welding operations necessary for rail construction
Recreation Areas (GF-5)
Construction, preparation, clearance, repair, or alteration of facilities used as recreation areas, including toilet facilities and lean-tos
Refrigeration (JR) Journeyman
Alteration, erection, repair, or demolition of residences accommodating no more than four-family units. Includes all work described by the GS specialty classifications as long as it is limited to residential construction
Residential (GB-2)
Alteration, erection, repair, or demolition of residences accommodating no more than four-family units. Includes all work described by the GS specialty classifications as long as it is limited to residential construction
Residential and Commercial Electrical (EE-98J) Journeyman
Can work under EE-98, ER-1, and all electrical specialty licenses. If working under an ER-1 or a specialty license, the journeyman may perform work only within the scope of the contractor’s license
Residential and Commercial Electrical Part 1 Code Examination (EE-98J) Journeyman
Exam portion to obtain a Residential and Commercial Electrical (EE-98J) Journeyman
Residential and Commercial Electrical Part 2 Theory Examination (EE-98J) Journeyman
Theory test to obtain an (EE-98J) license
Residential and Commercial Electrical Part 1 (Commercial and Industrial) (EE-98)
EE-98 commercial and industrial part examination
Residential and Commercial Electrical Part 2 (Residential) (EE-98)
Second part examination of the EE-98 contractor license
Residential and Commercial Electrical Part 3 (Specialties) (EE-98)
Third part examination to obtain a Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Electrical Wiring 5000 Volts, Nominal, or Less (EE-98)
Residential and Commercial Electrical Practical Examination Journeyman
Electrical practical examination for Residential and Commercial Journeyman
Residential Building Contractor Part 1 Examination (GB-2)
First part examination for a (GB-2) Residential Contractor
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Electrical Wiring 5000 Volts, Nominal, or Less (EE-98)
All electrical systems operating at 5000 volts or less
Residential Electrical Inspector
Inspect residential electrical work
Residential Electrical Practical Examination Journeyman
Practical examination for the Residential Electrical Journeyman license
Residential Electrical Wiring Part 2 Theory Examination (ER-1J) Journeyman
Second part examination for (ER-1J) Residential Electrical Wiring Journeyman
Residential Electrical Wiring (ER-1)
Perform work on electrical systems and wiring methods of 5000 volts or less at residential one and two-family dwelling units. Does not include wiring for commercial use
Residential Electrical Wiring Part 1 Code Examination (ER-1J) Journeyman
First part examination for (ER-1) Residential Wiring Journeyman
Residential Inspector
Inspect residential work
Residential Water Well Pump Installer (ES-10R)
Install, maintain, repair, or replace electrical equipment, wiring, and accessories directly associated with water well pump systems
Residential Water Well Pump Installer (ES-10RJ) Journeyman
Can work under an ES-10R, ER-1 or EE-98 license
Residential Wiring (ER-1J) Journeyman
Allowed to work under an EE-98 or an ER-1 license
Retail Sale of LP Gas (LP-3S)
Delivery, transportation, and transfer of LP gas in a liquid state to the ultimate consumer, both intrastate and interstate. May perform the work under the LP-1 and LP-9 classifications
Roofing (GS-21)
Installation, alteration, or repair of roof systems on new or existing roof decks to create a weatherproof and waterproof protective membrane. Can perform incidental work related to a roofing project
Septic Tanks & Sewer (MS-3)
Installation, repair, alteration, service, or maintenance of septic tanks, private sewage disposal systems, manholes, and sewer lines
Sheet Metal (JSM) Journeyman
Can work under a MM-3 or MM-98 license
Sheet Metal Practical Examination Journeyman
Practical examination to obtain a Sheet Metal Journeyman license
Siding (GS-31)
Apply, replace, or repair siding. Includes the application of furred up networks on which the siding can be installed
Sign Construction (Non-Electrical) (GS-23)
Manufacture, install, and erect signs on any surface. ES-1 or EE-98 licensees are the only ones allowed to install electrified signs
Sprinkler (JS) Journeyman
Can work under a MS-6, MM-1 or MM-98 license
Station for Dispensing LP Gas (LP-9)
Dispense LP gas into fuel containers on vehicles or on portable containers
Streets, Roads, and Highways (GA-1)
Perform all the necessary work to prepare land for ways such as streets and roads. Place and finish concrete or bituminous materials and apply sealcoat
Striping (GA-4)
Painting of directional stripes on roads and installation of parking bumpers and lane reflectors
Structural Steel Erection (GS-24)
Manufacture and erect shapes and plates out of structural steel for buildings. Includes riveting and welding
Swimming Pools (GS-25)
Perform work for the construction and repair of swimming pools
Tanks and Tower (GF-7)
Construct and install storage tanks and telecommunication towers including all necessary site-work
Telephone Communication Systems and Telephone Interconnect Systems (ES-7)
Interior and exterior telecommunications wiring and interconnections at commercial and residential locations
Telephone Communication Systems and Telephone Interconnect Systems (ES-7J) Journeyman
Can work under an ES-7, ER-1 or EE-98 license
Transmission Lines, Tanks, and Substations (NonElectrical) (GF-8)
Construct and place lines to transmit or convey natural gas, petroleum and other fluid substances. Includes incidental buildings, tanks, and substations required for the project
Utility Lines (GF-9)
Construct, install, alter, or repair utility lines and utility systems for the transmission of sewage, natural gas, and water. Includes work necessary for the project
Water Well Pump Installer (ES-10)
Install, maintain, repair, or replace electrical equipment, wiring, and accessories directly associated with water well pump systems
Water Well Pump Installer (ES-10J) Journeyman
Can work under an ES-10, ER-1 or EE-98 license
Welder (JW) Journeyman
Can work under an MM-1, MM-2, MM-3, MM-4 or MM-98 with the appropriate Journeyman certification for each
Wholesale Sale or Delivery of LP Gas (LP-1)
Sell, service, install, and repair LP gas carburetion
Wholesale or Manufacture of Appliances, Equipment or Containers (LP-7)
Wholesale or manufacture appliances, equipment, or containers for use with LP gas
Windows, Doors and Skylights (GS-14)
Install and manufacture windows, doors, and skylights in buildings and structures. Includes installation of necessary framing and hardware
- Details
- Written by Juan Garzon
