In New Mexico roofing 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.
Roofing Contractor Classifications
The New Mexico roofing license falls under the General Construction Contractor classification
GS-21 Roofing License– (Requires 2 Years of Experience)
Who Needs To Have a Roofing License in New Mexico?
Anyone performing roof work of any kind or project requires pulling a building permit.
Projects that involve installing, altering, or repairing roofing systems.
Projects include but are not limited to:
- Estimation and blueprint reading
- Existing roof decks to create a weatherproof waterproof protective membrane, with or without insulation,
- Using asphalt, pitch, tar, sealants, felt, and shakes
- Surface prep
- Installing or repairing shingles, roof tile, slate, urethane or any other approved materials.
- Preparatory work necessary to bring surfaces to a condition where roofing can be installed,
- Sealing or repairing roof systems
- Cutting, shaping, fabricating, and installing of sheet metal such as cornices, flashing and skylights
Excluding structural framing, roof coatings, gutters, leaders, rainwater downspouts, pans, prefabricated chimneys, at or near rooflines, metal flues, or doing any part of any combination thereof, which relate to and are incidental to the principal contracting business of installing roofing.
Any scope of roof work covered under the Construction Industry Licensing Act
New Mexico Roofing 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 the 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
New Mexico Contractor License Application Processing
The steps to get licensed in New Mexico are as follows:
1. Qualifying Party Certificate
3. Get approved for the 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 Services2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE, Suite E&FAlbuquerque, NM 87107(877) 663-9267
New Mexico Roofing 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
Roofing License Exam
The roof construction portion of the exam will be:
- 60 Questions
- 75% Required Passing Score
- 150 Minutes Allowed
Questions will cover the following topics:
- Estimating and Plan Reading
- Surface Preparation and Planning
- Steep and Low Slope Roofing
- BUR and Waterproofing
- Roofing Components
- Safety
How Do I Get a Business License In New Mexico?
Roofing licenses in New Mexico can only be issued to legal business entities.
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 contractor license applicants to hold worker's compensation insurance. However, If you apply as a sole proprietorship and have no employees you may be exempt.
If you are applying for a contractor license 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 state insurance requirements.
New Mexico Contractor License Look Up
The New Mexico Construction Industries Department ultimately exists as a consumer protection agency.
The agency exists not only to enforce rules on construction contractors but also to ensure that homeowners are not being overcharged 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
Roofing 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 the roofing trade.
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!
If you are one day looking to get the New Mexico General Contractor license, you will need to demonstrate a skill set beyond just construction. You can obtain roof construction certificates online and even prepare for the journeyman plumbers test.
If you are new to the construction industry and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.
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!
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 resources include:
- Bilingual study materials
- Online classes taught by industry professionals
- Application assistance
- Insurance and Business services
Many tradesmen 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 in the weeks leading up to your exam day will help you greatly.
Practice exams and study guides breaking down everything you need to know can be found here.
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.
Many excellent online resources cover the basics of Electricity, HVAC, Masonry, Carpentry, and much more
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 become licensed roofers.
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!
Becoming a licensed roofing contractor 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 very lucrative. There will be more and more opportunities for skilled tradesmen in the future.
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 become a roofer in New Mexico.