Home/License Requirements/New Mexico
State Licensing Guide

How to Get an HVAC License
in New Mexico

Step-by-step guide to earning your heating and air conditioning license in New Mexico — exams, experience hours, EPA 608, fees, and where to apply.

License RequiredEPA 608 RequiredCE: 8 hrs

Key Takeaways

New Mexico requires a state HVAC / heating and air conditioning license (Journeyman Mechanical License (MM98)), plus federal EPA Section 608 for refrigerant handling. Expect about 4 years of documented experience before the primary exam. Fees: Typically $75–$200 depending on license class (confirm with CID). Regulated by New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division.

  • State HVAC license: Required
  • EPA 608 certification: Required (federal)
  • 2 license types: Journeyman Mechanical License (MM98), Mechanical Contractor License (GB98)
  • Experience typically required: ~4 years
  • Application fees: Typically $75–$200 depending on license class (confirm with CID)
  • Continuing education: 8 hours
  • Regulator: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division
Quick facts for heating and air conditioning licensing in New Mexico
FactDetail
State HVAC licenseRequired
EPA 608Required (federal)
Primary credentialJourneyman Mechanical License (MM98)
Experience (typical)~4 years
Application feesTypically $75–$200 depending on license class (confirm with CID)
Exam feesState exam fees commonly $50–$150 per sitting
RenewalPeriodic renewal with 8 CE hours (confirm current cycle with CID)
RegulatorNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division
Step-by-Step
How to Get a Heating and Air Conditioning License in New Mexico
Follow these steps in order. Always confirm final fees and forms with New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division before you apply.
01
Get EPA Section 608 certification
Complete federal EPA Section 608 (Universal preferred) before or during your New Mexico heating and air conditioning training. It is required to purchase and handle refrigerants.
02
Build ~4 years of documented experience
New Mexico typically expects about 4 years of documented HVAC / mechanical experience (or an approved apprenticeship equivalent) before the primary heating and air conditioning license exam.
Complete an approved apprenticeship or document ~4 years of mechanical experience
Pass the New Mexico journeyman mechanical (MM98) exam
Hold current EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant work
Hold a valid journeyman mechanical license (MM98)
03
Pass the Journeyman Mechanical License (MM98) exam
Apply through New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division, schedule the exam, and pass the written (and any trade) exam required for Journeyman Mechanical License (MM98). Exam fees: State exam fees commonly $50–$150 per sitting.
Journeyman Mechanical License (MM98): exam required
Mechanical Contractor License (GB98): exam required
04
Submit your heating and air conditioning license application
File with New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division, provide proof of experience/training, insurance/bonding if required, and pay application fees. Typical fees: Typically $75–$200 depending on license class (confirm with CID). Confirm current forms on the official site.
05
Complete continuing education to renew
New Mexico requires 8 hours of continuing education to keep your HVAC license current. Renewal: Periodic renewal with 8 CE hours (confirm current cycle with CID).
License Types
New Mexico HVAC Licenses
New Mexico offers 2 license types for HVAC professionals.
Journeyman Mechanical License (MM98)
Required for HVAC technicians performing installations and service work.
Experience: 4 yearsExam required: Yes
Complete an approved apprenticeship or document ~4 years of mechanical experience
Pass the New Mexico journeyman mechanical (MM98) exam
Hold current EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant work
Mechanical Contractor License (GB98)
Required to operate an HVAC contracting business.
Experience: 6 yearsExam required: Yes
Hold a valid journeyman mechanical license (MM98)
Document additional experience toward the ~6-year contractor path
Pass the state contractor exam
Provide proof of bonding and insurance
Regulatory Authority
Where to Apply
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division
State-specific notes
New Mexico is one of the stricter states: technicians need a journeyman mechanical license (MM98), and running a business requires the GB98 contractor license. Expect roughly 4 years toward journeyman and about 6 toward contractor, plus 8 hours of continuing education to renew. Apply through the Construction Industries Division and keep EPA 608 current.
Visit official New Mexico licensing site →
FAQ
Heating & air conditioning license questions in New Mexico
Answers match the FAQ structured data on this page for search and AI assistants.
Do you need a license to do HVAC in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico requires a state HVAC / heating and air conditioning (mechanical) license (Journeyman Mechanical License (MM98)). Federal EPA Section 608 certification is also required to handle refrigerants.
How do I get a heating and air conditioning license in New Mexico?
Earn EPA 608, complete the required training or experience (typically ~4 years), pass the state exam through New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division, and submit your application with any bonding/insurance paperwork. Application fees: Typically $75–$200 depending on license class (confirm with CID). Exam fees: State exam fees commonly $50–$150 per sitting.
How much does an HVAC license cost in New Mexico?
Application: Typically $75–$200 depending on license class (confirm with CID). Exam: State exam fees commonly $50–$150 per sitting. Training tuition and EPA 608 testing are separate. Always confirm current fees with New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division.
Is EPA 608 required in New Mexico?
Yes. EPA Section 608 is a federal requirement in every state, including New Mexico. Most employers expect Universal certification for heating and air conditioning refrigerant work.
What HVAC license types does New Mexico offer?
New Mexico offers Journeyman Mechanical License (MM98) and Mechanical Contractor License (GB98). New Mexico is one of the stricter states: technicians need a journeyman mechanical license (MM98), and running a business requires the GB98 contractor license. Expect roughly 4 years toward journeyman and about 6 toward contractor, plus 8 hours of continuing education to renew. Apply through the Construction Industries Division and keep EPA 608 current.
How many continuing education hours does New Mexico require?
New Mexico requires 8 hours of continuing education to renew an HVAC license. Periodic renewal with 8 CE hours (confirm current cycle with CID).
Can I get a heating and air conditioning license through an apprenticeship in New Mexico?
Yes. Registered apprenticeships in New Mexico commonly satisfy the experience requirement toward licensure while you earn wages. Confirm hour documentation with New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division.
Data source: Licensing requirements sourced from official state regulatory body publications and verified against ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) state licensing guides. EPA Section 608 requirements per 40 CFR Part 82. Fee bands are typical published ranges — confirm current amounts with New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division before applying. Last reviewed: June 2026.
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New Mexico HVAC salary →New Mexico HVAC schools →New Mexico apprenticeships →EPA 608 certification guide →
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