New Mexico Electrician License Requirements

Official classification: EE-98 Residential and Commercial Electrical Wiring Contractor · Issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Electrical Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department.

⚡ ElectricianNM ✔ Verified 2026-06-23

In New Mexico, electricians must hold the EE-98 Residential and Commercial Electrical Wiring Contractor, issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Electrical Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department, and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed electrician in New Mexico

Follow these steps to earn your EE-98 Residential and Commercial Electrical Wiring Contractor. Every figure is verified against the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Electrical Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. EE-98 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. ER-1 and ES-1 through ES-10: 2 years (4,000 hours). EL-1: 4 years (8,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at a rate of one-half year per year of training. EE-98J Journeyman: 4 years.
Pass the EE-98 Electrical Contractor Trade Exam (Commercial/Industrial, Residential, and Specialties — 3 exams) and New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam and EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Exam (written + practical) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. New Mexico requires $10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC; general liability insurance is standard industry requirement), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Criminal history review required; disqualifying convictions include tax evasion, crimes involving physical harm, theft, and bribery per NMSA 60-13 and 14.6.3 NMAC.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Electrical Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department — $36 QP application fee; $75 journeyman application fee application fee, plus a $300 (EE-98 unlimited contractor); $150 (single-classification contractor such as ER-1 or ES-1) license fee. Processing time: QP application review + exam scheduling: 4–7 business days for exam registration confirmation; applicants must complete all requirements within 6 months of application receipt; military applicants: license issued within 30 days.
Keep the license active. Renew 3 years, completing EE-98J Journeyman Certificate: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current NEC code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor license (QP): no separate CE requirement stated by CID General Building Bureau; journeyman CE applies to EE-98J holders.

License types

EE-98 Electrical Contractor — All electrical systems and wiring methods at 5,000 volts nominal or less, residential and commercial; encompasses ER-1, ES-1 through ES-10, and EL-1 associated trenching/ductwork.
ER-1 Residential Electrical Contractor — Electrical systems up to 5,000 volts in one- and two-family dwellings and multi-family buildings of four units or fewer.
ES-1 Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting Contractor — Electrical signs and outline lighting at commercial locations, including wiring within 10 feet of sign circuits and pole foundation concrete.
EL-1 Electrical Distribution and Transmission Contractor — All electrical systems and wiring methods over 5,000 volts, including overhead/underground circuits, towers, and substations.
EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Certificate — Journeyman-level work under an EE-98 licensed contractor; residential and commercial wiring at 5,000 volts or less.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	EE-98 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. ER-1 and ES-1 through ES-10: 2 years (4,000 hours). EL-1: 4 years (8,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at a rate of one-half year per year of training. EE-98J Journeyman: 4 years.
Application fee	$36 QP application fee; $75 journeyman application fee
License fee	$300 (EE-98 unlimited contractor); $150 (single-classification contractor such as ER-1 or ES-1)
Renewal fee	$300 (EE-98 contractor, every 3 years); $75 (journeyman certificate, every 3 years)
Renewal period	3 years
Continuing education	EE-98J Journeyman Certificate: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current NEC code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor license (QP): no separate CE requirement stated by CID General Building Bureau; journeyman CE applies to EE-98J holders.
Bond required	$10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required.
Liability insurance	Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC; general liability insurance is standard industry requirement
Property damage	Not specified by CID as a separate minimum
Workers' comp	Required for all licensed entities under Section 60-13-23 NMSA 1978; sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt
Background check	Criminal history review required; disqualifying convictions include tax evasion, crimes involving physical harm, theft, and bribery per NMSA 60-13 and 14.6.3 NMAC.
Credit requirement	None specified by CID
Reciprocity	Alaska; Arkansas; Colorado; Idaho; Montana; Nebraska; Oklahoma; South Dakota; Texas; Utah; Wyoming — journeyman certificate reciprocity; applicant must hold active journeyman certificate in good standing for at least 1 year in reciprocating state; contractor license reciprocity not offered
Processing time	QP application review + exam scheduling: 4–7 business days for exam registration confirmation; applicants must complete all requirements within 6 months of application receipt; military applicants: license issued within 30 days.

Exams

EE-98 Electrical Contractor Trade Exam (Commercial/Industrial, Residential, and Specialties — 3 exams)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $269.06 total (for all 3 trade exams)
New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $68.88
EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Exam (written + practical)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $206.64

Preparing for the Electrician exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Licensing and exam administration is managed by PSI Exams on behalf of CID. Contact PSI at 877-663-9267 or psiexams.com. CID Electrical Bureau: Santa Fe (505) 476-4700, Albuquerque (505) 222-9800.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New Mexico electrician license cost?

Application: $36 QP application fee; $75 journeyman application fee. License: $300 (EE-98 unlimited contractor); $150 (single-classification contractor such as ER-1 or ES-1). Renewal: $300 (EE-98 contractor, every 3 years); $75 (journeyman certificate, every 3 years).

Do electricians in New Mexico need a surety bond?

$10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required.

What experience is required for a New Mexico electrician license?

EE-98 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. ER-1 and ES-1 through ES-10: 2 years (4,000 hours). EL-1: 4 years (8,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at a rate of one-half year per year of training. EE-98J Journeyman: 4 years.

Is insurance required for electricians in New Mexico?

Liability: Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC; general liability insurance is standard industry requirement Workers' compensation: Required for all licensed entities under Section 60-13-23 NMSA 1978; sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt

How often must a New Mexico electrician license be renewed?

3 years. Continuing education: EE-98J Journeyman Certificate: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current NEC code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor license (QP): no separate CE requirement stated by CID General Building Bureau; journeyman CE applies to EE-98J holders.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-23 — always confirm current requirements directly with the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Electrical Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department before applying. This is not legal advice.