Cosmetology is a personal service occupation. The Cosmetology program is designed to meet the standards established by the New Mexico State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Upon successful completion of 1600 clock hours as required by the State Board of Cosmetology, students are eligible to take the State Board examination for licensure as a cosmetologist. After successful completion of the State Board examination, graduates are qualified to practice as licensed cosmetologists in New Mexico. Additionally, graduates can apply for licensing by reciprocity in other states.

The cosmetology curriculum covers theory and lab in the following State Board requirements: sterilization, sanitization, bacteriology, shampoo, rinses, scalp treatments, chemical rearranging, perms and relaxers, hairstyling, hair coloring, bleaching, highlighting, hair cutting, facials, manicuring, pedicuring, salon management, and retail sales. After successful completion of fifteen percent of the program, the student will be able to practice skills for the public in the college’s salon lab.

Completion of this certificate can be applied toward the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Vocational/Technical Studies.

Institutional Proficiency Requirements: Institutional proficiencies are included in the required courses of the program

Degree Requirements

The follow degree requirements are for the 2023-2024 Catalog. For other catalogs, please see Catalogs

Minimum of 62 Credit Hours

State Licensure Requirements: In order to receive a Cosmetology/Barber License in the State of New Mexico, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
  
• Have completed at least 10th grade or equivalent.
  
• Successfully complete a minimum of 1,600-hour course (Cosmetology) minimum 1,200-hour course (Barber).
  
• Successfully pass the NIC theory and practical and State Law examinations.
  

Training Expiration Limit: All required examinations must be taken and passed and the license obtained within 12 or 24 months of the date, the training was completed, depending on when your training was completed.

Candidates who started training on December 17, 2015 or after will have 1 year (12 months from the date of completion to pass all required examinations and obtain license. Examination scores are only valid within 12 months of your training completion date.

All fees are non-refundable.

Candidates are especially encouraged to carefully review license on requirements for testing PRIOR to completing an online application with PCS. If testing is not required, fees are non-refundable.

Exam and License Application: Application form needs to be completed and mailed to Professional Credential Services (PCS) at the address on the Candidate Information Bulletin. For the practical examination, your application and ALL documentation must be RECEIVED no later than 15 business days prior to the practicum examination date you wish to take. Applications are processed daily for theory tests administered at Laser Grade Testing Centers. Late or incomplete applications will be processed for the next scheduled practical examination. If you have not received an admission notice within 7 (seven) days prior to the examination date, call PSC at 888-822-3272 to make an inquiry. For more information, please review the Candidate Information Bulletin (located online at www.PCSHQ.COM). As of October 4, 2007 temporary licenses will no longer be available in the state of New Mexico.

First Time Candidates

Application Requirement: Once an online application has been completed with PCS, the following items must be submitted to PCS via mail, fax, email, or uploaded to your PCS homepage.

• A current 2x2 passport type color photo (selfies are not accepted).
  
• Copy of Photo Identification card – must be non-expired Driver’s License, state ID card or U.S. Passport.
  
• A New Mexico Transcript of Training* (must be notarized or have official school seal). This needs to be up-loaded to your PCS homepage and sent via mail directly to the New Mexico Board Office.
  

Out of State Candidates may submit an official transcript as long as the transcript provides a breakdown of hours by subject.

Should any document listed above be under a different name than the name provided on your application, legal documentation of name change (i.e. Marriage certificate, divorce decree, petition for name change) must be either mailed, emailed to the New Mexico Coordinator, or up-loaded on your Homepage.

Expired License

• If a student holds a license that has been expired for less than one year, the student must contact the Board Office at (505) 476-4622 or visit http//:www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/Barbers and Cosmetologists.aspx for further information.
  
• If a student holds a license that been expired for more than one year but less than five years, the student must complete an online application with PCS. Applicants are required to take and pass the practical examination.
  
• If a student holds a license that has been expired for more than five years, the student must apply to a Board approved school; submit to a scholastic evaluation to determine your training needs; and complete a minimum of 150 hours of remedial education. Upon completion of the remediation, the student must apply online with PCS. Applicants are required to take and pass both the theory and practical examinations.
  
• Students who need additional time in class and/or the clinic floor may register for CMST 261 Refresher, with the instructor’s permission.
  

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Cosmetology Curriculum Profile 2015-2018