Beauty Exam Studio
Start free
Menu

NM · Last reviewed 2026-08-27

New Mexico cosmetology exam preparation

Requirements can change. Confirm the current candidate bulletin and licensing-board instructions before scheduling or purchasing supplies.

BEAUTY EXAM STUDIO COVERAGEpartially verified

Written: Foundation preview

Practical: Foundation preview

Reviewed beta packages are state-specific practice. Foundation previews are general preparation only; not currently offered tracks are not available. Practice results never predict or guarantee passing.
WRITTEN EXAM

required

Current PCS guidance requires cosmetologist candidates to pass NIC theory, practical, and state-law examinations. Prometric/IQT schedules the theory appointment. PCS states that the minimum score for cosmetology-related theory examinations is 70 effective January 13, 2026.

Provider
Professional Credential Services / Prometric IQT
Questions
Not publicly confirmed
Time
Not publicly confirmed
Passing score
Not publicly confirmed
Delivery
computer based
PRACTICAL EXAM

required

The current PCS page lists ten core cosmetology services and three additional services selected by the board. PCS states that the minimum practical score is 70 effective January 13, 2026.

Provider
Professional Credential Services
Total time
Not publicly confirmed
Passing score
Not publicly confirmed
Delivery
hands on

Practical procedure preview

Published sections for New Mexico

A mannequin is required. Aerosol products are prohibited, and PCS recommends a kit no larger than 30 by 30 inches that fits beneath the table.

01Work area and first-client preparationTiming controlled by current instructions
02Thermal curlingTiming controlled by current instructions
03HaircuttingTiming controlled by current instructions
04Work area and new-client preparationTiming controlled by current instructions
05Chemical wavingTiming controlled by current instructions
06Predisposition and strand testsTiming controlled by current instructions
07Virgin foil highlightingTiming controlled by current instructions
08Hair-color retouchTiming controlled by current instructions
09Virgin hair-relaxer applicationTiming controlled by current instructions
10Blood-exposure procedureTiming controlled by current instructions
11Basic facialTiming controlled by current instructions
12Eyebrow tweezing and simulated soft waxTiming controlled by current instructions
13Manicure and polish applicationTiming controlled by current instructions

Sample question

Original foundation question

This sample is general cosmetology preparation. It is not represented as a recalled or official New Mexico exam question.

NAIL STRUCTURE

The living skin at the base of the nail plate is the:

AEponychium

BFree edge

CLunula

DNail groove

Reference: NIC National Cosmetology Theory content outline ↗

Official sources

What this profile is based on.

Research compilation: Echo Craft, LLC editorial team. Professional subject-matter review is still pending and is disclosed as a launch gap.

Known gaps

What we have not confirmed or completed.

! Current question counts and time limits for the NIC theory and state-law examinations were not published on the primary pages reviewed.

! The current PCS page does not separately state the state-law passing score.

! PCS describes the theory threshold as a score of 70, not a confirmed percentage.

! The current PCS page does not publish service-level timings or one total practical time.

! PCS describes the practical threshold as a score of 70, not a confirmed percentage.

! New Mexico is recorded as requiring a written examination, but Beauty Exam Studio does not yet have a state-specific written content pack. The launch experience provides general foundation practice only; users must confirm current content, timing, scoring, and procedures with the official board or testing provider.

! New Mexico is recorded as requiring a practical examination. Beauty Exam Studio does not yet have a New Mexico-specific practical task pack, so this is general foundation practice: the AI coach reviews universal technique and safety fundamentals only. Your state's required task sequence, timing, kit list, and scoring are not modeled here, and another state's sequence is never substituted. Confirm current procedures with the official board or testing provider.

Beauty Exam Studio is an independent educational product. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by New Mexico, its licensing board, or its examination providers. Practice results do not guarantee licensure or exam performance.