In New Mexico HVAC contractors are regulated by the:

• New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department
• Construction Industries and Manufactured Housing Division

Contracting in New Mexico without a license can result in criminal charges.

General Construction Classifications

The New Mexico General Contractor License falls under the General Construction classification:

GB-98 General Building - (Requires 4 Years of Experience)

Includes all work under the following classifications:

• GB-2  Residential
• GS-1  Acoustical insulation and insulation.  
• GS-2  Awnings and canopies
• GS-4  Concrete, cement, walkways and driveways
• GS-5  Demolition
• GS-7  Drywall installation and texture
• GS-8  Earthmoving, excavating and ditching
• GS-9  Elevators, escalators, and related machinery (non-electrical)
• GS-13  Framing
• GS-14  Windows, doors and skylights
• GS-15  Caissons, piers and pile driving
• GS-16  Masonry
• GS-21  Roofing
• GS-23  Sign construction (non-electrical)
• GS-24  Structural steel erection
• GS-25  Swimming pools (non-mechanical/electrical)
• GS-30  Plastering, stucco and lathing
• GS-31  Siding
• GS-32  Miscellaneous sheet metal
• GS-34  Concrete coring, drilling and slab sawing
• GS-29 specialties
• GF-5  Recreation areas
• GF-7  Tanks and towers

Who Needs To Have a General Contractor license in New Mexico?

Anyone performing residential or commercial construction work of any kind. Anyone performing work that requires pulling a building permit.

Projects that involve erecting, repairing, altering or demolishing residential or commercial buildings.

Projects may include but are not limited to:

• Installing Girders, Rafters, Bracing and Form Work 
• Joisting, Stacking and Structural Framing
• Finish Carpentry, Landscaping and Painting
• Basic knowledge of Wiring, A/C, 440V, Single Phase and Circuit Wiring
• Installing Gas Lines, Sewer Lines and Re-piping
• Reinforcing Concrete, Mixing Mortar, Forming and Site work
• Footings, Foundations, and Roofing
• Cost Calculation and Estimating
• Blueprint Reading
• Job Site and Worker Safety 
  

Any scope of construction work covered under the Construction Industry Licensing Act

New Mexico General Contractor License Requirements

• 18 years of age

• Valid USA Identification 
• Social Security Number or ITIN #
• Not currently on probation or parole

You must also have:

• 2 or 4 Years of Journeyman level experience (depending on trade)
• Passed a LAW Exam + Trade Exam
• Active Contractor Bond
• Registered Legal Entity (Sole, Partnership, LLC, or Corporation)

What is Journeyman Level Experience?

The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (NMCID) will require that you have journeyman level experience in a construction trade.

While different regions may have varying definitions for what a journeyman is, typically this is someone who:

• Can perform all of the duties associated with their trade
• Has worked un-supervised performing their trade
• Has supervisory level experience
• (in some cases) has completed a Journeyman certification

How Do I Prove My Experience to the NMCID?

You will need to provide:

• A description of your work experience 
• Signature from either a supervisor, contractor, employer or journeyman
• The dates when your experience was gained

General Contractor License Application Processing 

The steps to get licensed in New Mexico are as follows:

1. Qualifying Party Certificate

2. Work Experience Affidavit

3. Get approved for exam

4. Pass Exam

5. Submit Contractor License Application Packet. Must include:

• Contractor License Application Fee - $36.00
• Licensing Fee - $150.00 (all fees)
• Additional Classification Fee - $150.00
• Contractor Bond
• New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Registration
• Copy of Qualifying Party Certificate and Test Scores

Applications can be sent to:

PSI – New Mexico Construction Licensing Services
2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE, Suite E&F
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(877) 663-9267

New Mexico General Contractor License Exam

All applicants must pass the New Mexico Business & Law Exam. The exam is administered by a third party company called PSI.

The test is:

• 50 Questions
• 75% Required to pass
• 130 Minutes
• Computerized Multiple Choice Test
• Bring 2 forms of Identification

The test covers the following topics:

• Licensing Requirements
• Estimating and Bidding
• Business Organization and Financial
• Management 
• Tax Laws
• Labor Laws
• Project Management and Lien Law
• Contracts
• Risk Management 
• Environmental and Safety

General Contractor Exam

The trade portion of the exam will be:

• 80 Questions 
• 75% Required Passing Score
• 225 Minutes Allowed

Questions will cover the following topics:

• Site work, Footings, and Foundations
• Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement
• Masonry
• Carpentry
• Roofing
• Associated Trades
• General Code 
• Plan Reading, and Estimating
• OSHA Safety 

How Do I Get a Business License In New Mexico?

The General Contractor License in New Mexico can only be issued to a legal business entity.

You will have to form a legal entity through the: New Mexico Secretary of State

For additional information about business licenses in New Mexico, consult the New Mexico Economic Development Department.

You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want. Typically, construction companies choose either:

• Sole Proprietor - License held through an individual
• Partnership - License held through a partnership
• LLC - License held through a company that exists as its own entity
• S-Corporation - License held through a corporate entity

For a complete explanation of the difference between these types of entities and which one makes the most sense for someone applying for a contractor license, check out this free guide!

Workers Compensation

New Mexico requires all general contractor license applicants to hold workers compensation insurance. However, If you apply as a sole proprietorship and have no employees you may be exempt.

If you are applying for the GB-98 licensing in New Mexico and have workers or employees, you will disclose this on your application.  

You will need to include:

• Name of your provider
• Policy Number
• Expiration on your renewal form

Check out the New Mexico Workers Compensation website, for a deeper look at insurance requirements.

New Mexico Contractor License Look Up

The New Mexico Construction Industries Department, ultimately exists as a consumer protection mechanism.

The agency exists not only to enforce rules on construction contractors, but also to ensure that homeowners are not being over charged by unlicensed contractors.

If you are a homeowner or business owner looking to verify a contractor license in the state of New Mexico, you can check a license here

Construction Apprenticeships in New Mexico

Whether you are looking to become a journeyman in New Mexico or begin a career as a contractor, you will want to begin by mastering a trade.

Typically general contractors should have strong knowledge of rough carpentry, framing, concrete and a supervisory knowledge of the other core trades.

One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself as a professional in the construction industry is by looking into an apprenticeship program or training course. 

These types of schools can provide you with valuable training in a variety of different trades including: Electrical, Plumbing, Concrete, Landscaping, Painting, HVAC, Roofing, Carpentry and much more!

Each state may have different requirements and standards for what is considered a journeyman, check your state laws.

To Learn more about the step by step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!

Project Management and Leadership Skills

If you are one day looking to get the New Mexico General Contractor license, you will need to demonstrate a skillset beyond just construction.

Project management, bidding, cost calculating and business skills are are essential for general contractors.

What You Need To Know About Contractor License Schools

If you are looking to prepare for your New Mexico Contractor License exam, taking contractor classes could be a huge help.

Most contractor classes include:

• Bilingual study materials
• Online classes taught by industry professionals
• Application assistance 
• Insurance and Business services

Many tradesman find themselves a bit confused when faced with questions about construction accounting, balance sheets, workers compensation, employee rights, job site safety and New Mexico construction law. 

These topics can be learned quickly. Studying consistently on the weeks leading up to your exam day will help you greatly.

Construction LAW vs Construction TRADE

A contractor license school's main focus should be on the law.

Most states offer several different types of licenses, so if a school is telling you it can teach you your trade, be wary... as that is not realistic.

You can however review trade concepts you may have forgotten.

Trade schools can teach you the fundamentals of the structural framing, concrete, electrical and plumbing.

Blueprint Reading Course

For those looking to do pursue a career in construction or get a New Mexico General contractor license, reading construction blueprints is fundamental.

Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.

Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill especially for those looking to get a general building license.

See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!

OSHA New Mexico Regulations

Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.

That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.

In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.

Safety is a huge part of engaging in construction.

Whether it be roofing, painting, residential/commercial plumbing, landscaping, carpentry, electrical or any other trade.

If you or your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business. 

For employment with a licensed general contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of New Mexico OSHA Training.

Get Started!

Getting the contractor license or a certification in New Mexico can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business or become an RMO for a company!

The construction industry is extremely lucrative. There will be more and more opportunities for skilled technicians and companies specializing in air conditioning maintenance. 

The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end. 

If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future on how to get into a contractor license in New Mexico.