Navigating contractor licensing in New Mexico requires precision, as the Construction Industries Division (CID) mandates state-level licenses for both HVAC and Mechanical contracting businesses and individual journeymen. The application process involves distinct requirements for experience, examination, and compliance. This guide provides a path to obtaining your New Mexico HVAC or mechanical license.
Do You Need a Contractor or Journeyman License in New Mexico?
Yes, the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) requires both contractor licenses for businesses and journeyman certificates for individuals performing HVAC and mechanical work. A contractor license allows a business entity to bid on, contract for, and perform construction work, while a journeyman certificate is required for the individual tradesperson performing the hands-on work under a licensed contractor.
New Mexico HVAC & Mechanical License Classifications
The New Mexico CID issues specific license classifications based on the scope of work you intend to perform under NMAC Title 14 Chapter 6 Part 6.
Contractor Licenses (Businesses)
To operate a contracting business, you must obtain one of the following licenses, which requires designating a certified Qualifying Party (QP).
- MM-98 Mechanical Contractor: This is a comprehensive classification covering the installation, alteration, and repair of heating, ventilation, cooling, piping, and refrigeration systems. It also includes the scope of plumbing, hydronic heating, and natural gas fitting.
- MM-3 Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC): This specialized license is limited to work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Journeyman Certificates (Individuals)
Individuals performing trade work for a licensed contractor must hold a journeyman certificate.
- Journeyman Refrigeration (JR) Certificate: Certifies an individual to perform refrigeration work (working under an MM-3 or MM-98 contractor).
- Journeyman Sheet Metal (JSM) Certificate: Certifies an individual to perform sheet metal work.
New Mexico Contractor Licensing Requirements & Step-by-Step Application Process
The path to licensure involves verifying your experience, passing exams, and meeting state business requirements.
Qualifying Party (QP) Requirements (for Contractor Licenses)
The designated QP for a contractor license must meet the following criteria under NMAC Title 14 Chapter 6 Part 3:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate four years of practical, hands-on trade experience in the classification being sought (e.g., MM-98 or MM-3) within the 10 years immediately prior to application.
- Submit detailed documentation to the CID for experience verification before scheduling the qualifying examinations.
Journeyman Certificate Requirements
Individuals applying for a journeyman certificate must meet these qualifications under NMAC Title 14 Chapter 6 Part 6:
- Demonstrate two years of practical trade experience.
Application Submission to CID
Follow these steps to apply for your contractor license or journeyman certificate:
- Determine Your License Type and Verify Experience. First, decide whether you are applying for a contractor license (requiring a QP) or a journeyman certificate. Assemble all documentation proving you meet the minimum experience requirements.
- Submit Your Application. Submit the application to the Construction Industries Division (CID) or its designee. For contractor licenses, the QP's experience must be approved before they are eligible to sit for examinations.
- Schedule and Pass Required Exams.
- Exam Provider: Exams are administered by the CID or its designated exam administrator.
- Required Exams: Applicants must pass the qualifying examinations approved by the Construction Industries Division for their specific classification.
- Passing Score: A passing score of 75% or higher is required for the examinations under NMAC Title 14 Chapter 6 Part 3.
- Fulfill Bonding & Insurance Requirements (For Contractors). After passing all exams, you must fulfill the bonding and compliance requirements:
- License Bond: A current license bond of at least $10,000, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized in New Mexico.
- Workers' Compensation Compliance: Contractors must comply with New Mexico workers' compensation laws, as failure to maintain compliance can invalidate the license.
- Receive Your License or Certificate. Once all steps are completed and documents are approved, the CID will issue your contractor license or journeyman certificate.
New Mexico Contractor & Journeyman License Fees
Licensing, application, and exam fees apply. Refer to the Construction Industries Division (CID) for the current fee schedule.
Renewing Your New Mexico Contractor License & Journeyman Certificate
All licenses and certificates must be renewed periodically to remain active. Refer to the Construction Industries Division (CID) for current renewal requirements and cycles.
EPA Section 608 Certification for HVAC Technicians
All technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must obtain EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. This is a mandatory federal requirement enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, separate from state licensing. There are four certification types: Type I, Type II, Type III, and Universal.