New Mexico Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the New Mexico electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to New Mexico.
Quick Answer
For the New Mexico electrician license exam, expect 100 questions with a limit of 400 minutes, 75% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $207. New Mexico electricians earn about $50,110 per year ($24.09 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: New Mexico Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:100
- Time Limit:400 minutes (6 hours)
- Passing Score:75%
- Exam Fee:$207
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Detailed Explanations
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New Mexico Electrician License Overview
New Mexico licenses electricians through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), Construction Industries Division (CID). New Mexico issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses and requires electrical contractor licensing. New Mexico's construction market is anchored by Albuquerque and Santa Fe, with significant activity from the energy sector (oil and gas in the Permian Basin, which extends into southeastern New Mexico, and a growing renewable energy sector) and defense/research facilities (Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Kirtland AFB).
New Mexico Electrician License Types
New Mexico Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the New Mexico Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Apply through the NM RLD-CID.
New Mexico Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a New Mexico Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the Master exam.
Electrical Contractor (EE-98)
Business license for electrical contracting in New Mexico.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Pass the EE-98 contractor exam. Meet financial and insurance requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed New Mexico master electrician.
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid New Mexico Journeyman license. Pass the Master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
New Mexico has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Albuquerque (IBEW Local 611). Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
New Mexico participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the NM RLD-CID at rld.nm.gov to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at rld.nm.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $40–$80 annual renewal (verify at rld.nm.gov)
Important Notes
New Mexico electrical licenses renew annually.
New MexicoElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$50,110/year
$24.09/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $32,640 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $70,740 (90th percentile)
New Mexico employs approximately 6,000 electricians. Albuquerque commercial construction, defense and research facility work (Sandia Labs, Los Alamos, Kirtland AFB), Permian Basin oilfield electrical service, and New Mexico's growing renewable energy sector all contribute to electrical employment.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the New Mexico Construction Industries Division for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI at https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with New Mexico-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
New Mexico Electrician License FAQ
Does New Mexico have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. New Mexico RLD-CID issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses valid throughout the state.
What is the EE-98 license?
EE-98 is New Mexico's Electrical Contractor license classification, the business license required to perform electrical contracting work. The qualifying party must hold a Master Electrician credential.
Is the New Mexico electrician exam open book?
Yes. NM exams are open book and NEC-based. The passing score is 70%.
How much do electricians make in New Mexico?
The statewide average is about $50,110/year. Albuquerque area and Permian Basin electricians earn more, with experienced commercial and industrial electricians earning $60,000–$71,000+.
Does New Mexico have reciprocity with Arizona or Texas?
New Mexico participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the RLD-CID to confirm current terms.
Common Questions About the New Mexico Electrician License
How much does the New Mexico electrician license exam cost?
The New Mexico electrician exam fee is $207, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the New Mexico electrician license exam?
The New Mexico Construction Industries Division oversees electrician licensing in New Mexico, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in New Mexico?
New Mexico electricians earn about $50,110 per year ($24.09 per hour). Entry level pay is around $32,640 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $70,740 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in New Mexico?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed New Mexico master electrician.
Does New Mexico have electrician license reciprocity?
New Mexico participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the NM RLD-CID at rld.nm.gov to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how New Mexico's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
New Mexico Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
NM CID EE98J requirements, state exam, fees, and annual renewal.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the New Mexico exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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