Skip to content
Home » Nail Tech Schools Near You » Nail Tech Schools in New Mexico

Nail Tech Schools in New Mexico

Nail technicians in New Mexico provide a variety of services to their clients, including manicures, pedicures, and nail art. They are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their work area and keeping up with the latest trends in nail care. In order to become a nail technician in New Mexico, individuals must complete a training program that is approved by the state Board of Cosmetology. Upon completion of their training, they must then pass a state-licensed exam. Step one, however, is finding a program. Check out our listings below and find a nail tech school near you in New Mexico.

Nail Tech Schools in New Mexico

State Requirements for Nail Technician Licensing in New Mexico

  • Minimum of 400 hours of combined classroom and clinical training.
  • Mandatory annual license renewal.

How Much Do New Mexico Nail Tech Programs Cost?

Cost can be an important factor when deciding between nail tech schools in New Mexico. Typically, though, you can expect to pay an average of around $4,500 after you factor in all costs like books, supplies, and any additional fees. Here are some sample costs from programs in the state to give you a better idea of what to expect.

  • Glitz School of Cosmetology in Las Cruces, $3,500
  • Vogue College of Cosmetology in Santa Fe, $6,500
  • Adorabella Beauty Academy in Albuquerque, $6,000

Required Skills and Classes

In choosing a training program, it is imperative to only base it on the quality of the education itself but also on how conveniently it is located to you. A state-sponsored curriculum will contain the following courses:

  • New Mexico State Laws and Regulations
  • Professional Image
  • First Aid
  • Chemistry
  • Job Seeking
  • Ethics
  • Sterilization, Sanitation, and Bacteriology
  • Safety Theory
  • Bacterial Growth
  • Manicuring and Pedicuring Theory
  • Manicuring and Pedicuring Anatomy
  • Products, Materials, Implements
  • Theory of Massage
  • Advanced Nail Techniques
  • Client Consultation and Recommendation
  • Client Record-Keeping and Safety
  • Salon Business and Retail Sales
  • Opening a Salon and Business Plan
  • Salon Operations
  • Insurance

State Licensing Exam

After finishing your required nail tech courses, the next is to apply for the exams and license. Upon visiting the Professional Credentialing Services’ website, create an account and then follow the steps as indicated below:

  1. Select Applicants and Candidates on the main page.
  2. Select Cosmetology & Barbering.
  3. Select the state of New Mexico.
  4. Finally, Select Manicurist/Pedicurist.

For further information and a detailed explanation of the registration process, please consult the Manicurist Handbook. To complete the registration, please provide the items below:

  • Professional Training Hours
  • Current Photograph
  • Copy of Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, or passport
  • Notarized Training Affidavit (notarized by school)
  • Transcript of Training

The third and final step is to take and pass the exams divided into 3 categories.

  • National Written – this portion of the exams will test the examinee’s knowledge including, but not limited to, the following areas:
    • Scientific Bacterial Concepts
    • OSHA Safety Requirements
    • Skin and Nail Anatomy
    • Nail Procedures
    • Client Consultation and Assessment
    • Equipment
    • Manicure and Pedicure
    • Massage Techniques
  • National Practical – this portion of the exams will require its participants must bring their hand mannequin to perform manicurist services by following a script in a clinical environment as listed below:
    • Set up and client protection
    • Manicure
    • Nail-tip
    • Nail wrap
    • Sculptured nail
    • Polish
  • Jurisprudence Exam – this test will ensure that candidates are well aware of the rules, laws, and regulations within New Mexico. The test can be downloaded and submitted to the following address:

New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

The passing score for the exams is 75% each.

How Much Do Nail Techs Get Paid in New Mexico?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nail techs in New Mexico earn an average annual salary of $23,270 annually.

Does New Mexico Have Continuing Education Requirements for Nail Technicians?

No. There are zero (0) required continuing education hours for nail techs in New Mexico.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

You can reach the licensing agency in New Mexico for nail techs using the following contact information.

New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Website: http://www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/Barbers_and_Cosmetologists.aspx
Email: [email protected]
Call: 505-476-4500
Fax: 505-476-4545