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How to get an EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license in New Mexico

New Mexico licenses electricians statewide through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID).1 For the EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license you need at least 4 years1 of experience, a passing score on the exam2 and a criminal background check3. You renew every 3 years2 and complete at least 16 hours of continuing education4.

Last checked · 8 official sources

Who issues it

New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)

Training and experience

Experience: at least 4 years1

Exam

Required2

Renewal

Every 3 years2, at least 16 hours of continuing education4

From another state

Reciprocity agreements5 Details

On this page
  1. New Mexico electrician licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs an EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license
  4. Requirements for an EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Moving to New Mexico with a license from another state
  7. EL-1J Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines
  8. Electrical specialty journeyman certificates
  9. ER-1J Journeyman residential wiring
  10. EE-98 Residential, and commercial and industrial electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less license
  11. EL-1 Electrical distribution and transmission systems over 5000 volts, nominal license
  12. Electrical specialty contractor licenses
  13. ER-1 Residential electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less license
  14. City and county rules
  15. Check a license or report a problem
  16. Laws and rules
  17. Common questions
  18. Electrician licenses in other states

New Mexico electrician licenses

New Mexico issues 8 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical–Experience 4 years1Yes2–
EL-1J Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission linesElectrical distribution and transmission systems over 5000 V (lineman work) when employed by an EL-1 licensee.1Experience 4 years1Yes2–
Electrical specialty journeyman certificates (ES-1J, ES-2J, ES-3J, ES-7J, ES-10J, ES-10RJ)Six specialty certificates, each limited to the matching specialty contractor scope: ES-1J signs and outline lighting; ES-2J cathodic and lightning protection; ES-3J low-voltage (50 V and under) sound, intercom, alarm systems; ES-7J telephone communication systems; ES-10J water well pump installer; ES-10RJ residential water well pump installer. Each may work under the matching ES license or an EE-98 (ES-3J/ES-7J/ES-10J/ES-10RJ also under ER-1).1Experience 2 years1Yes2–
ER-1J Journeyman residential wiringResidential electrical wiring (one- and two-family dwellings and qualifying ground-floor multi-family) when employed by an EE-98 or ER-1 licensee. The statute calls this certificate "residential wireman".1Experience 2 years1Yes2–
EE-98 Residential, and commercial and industrial electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (electrical contractor license)Contracting for all electrical systems up to 5000 V nominal, including ER-1 and ES specialty scopes and trenching/ductwork for EL-1 work; may be prime contractor where electrical is the major portion of the contract. Raceways in or on buildings require EE-98.1Experience 4 years1Yes2$366
EL-1 Electrical distribution and transmission systems over 5000 volts, nominal (contractor license)Overhead/underground distribution and transmission over 5000 V, towers, substations and terminal facilities; no wiring in other electrical classifications.1Experience 4 years1Yes2$366
Electrical specialty contractor licenses (ES-1, ES-2, ES-3, ES-7, ES-10R, ES-10)–Experience 2 years1Yes2$366
ER-1 Residential electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (contractor license)Residential wiring at one- and two-family dwellings and ground-floor-only multi-family units; no commercial occupancies; no more than four dwelling units in one building.1Experience 2 years1Yes2$366

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the New Mexico electrician licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 8)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old43
Background check
Background check required3
Only felonies listed in 14.6.3.8 F NMAC can be used to deny.3

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI6, when you schedule.

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Expedited certification for military service members, spouses, dependent children and veterans holding a substantially equivalent license elsewhere: issued within 30 days of a complete application; service members and veterans pay no fee for the first three years.43

2. EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical, EL-1J Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines, Electrical specialty journeyman certificates (ES-1J, ES-2J, ES-3J, ES-7J, ES-10J, ES-10RJ) and ER-1J Journeyman residential wiring

Requirements

Also required
All requirements must be met within six months of CID/PSI receiving the application, or it expires and fees are forfeited.4
Also required
Certificate holder may work only when employed by a CID-licensed contractor (or annual-permit holder) in the matching classification.4

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Duplicate or replacement license$67CIDReplacement certificate card

How to apply

  1. When approved by email, register, pay for and pass each required PSI exam (75%).4

Renewal

How often
Every 3 years2
If it expires
Not renewed by the expiry date: certificate suspended; not renewed within 6 months: canceled (then apply and test again).2

3. EE-98 Residential, and commercial and industrial electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (electrical contractor license), EL-1 Electrical distribution and transmission systems over 5000 volts, nominal (contractor license), Electrical specialty contractor licenses (ES-1, ES-2, ES-3, ES-7, ES-10R, ES-10) and ER-1 Residential electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (contractor license)

Requirements

Education or training
Accredited technical training/apprenticeship counts at half value, up to half the experience requirement.3
Surety bond
$10,0003 (Surety bond amount (premium set by the surety, not by CID); must cover the whole license term)
Also required
Licenses go only to business entities that employ or are owned by a CID-certified qualifying party; $10,000 bond, NM tax registration and workers' compensation required.6

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$366CIDQualifying party (QP) certificate application, one classification. Not refundable
Application fee$307CIDCompany license application. Not refundable

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

  1. When approved, schedule and pass the trade exam and the Business & Law exam (or an approved Business & Law course) with PSI.6
  2. The company then files the contractor license application with the $36 application fee, license fee, $10,000 license bond, Taxation and Revenue registration, Secretary of State/PRC registration if an entity, and the QP's scores; workers' compensation cover is required.6

Renewal

Late renewal
Late renewal fee (1-30 Days): $12 (per day late, days 1-30 (license suspended), on top of the renewal fee)

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No contractor reciprocity: the CID reciprocity agreements cover journeyman certificates only; an out-of-state QP may get the trade exam waived if a NASCLA-accredited exam was passed.5

4. EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical and EL-1J Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines

Requirements

Experience
At least 4 years1
4 years of experience in the classification, documented on notarized affidavits.1
Substitute: Accredited technical training or a registered apprenticeship counts at half value: each year of training = half a year of experience, up to half of the total requirement.4
Substitute: Experience must fall within the 10 years before application.4

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 16 hours each renewal period4
Required topics
At least 8 hours on the current CID-enforced code (code change); 8 hours other industry-related instruction.4
Approved courses
Only courses and instructors approved by the Construction Industries Commission count (CID list of approved courses); send proof with the renewal.5

5. EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical and ER-1J Journeyman residential wiring

Requirements

Exam
Given by: PSI6
Passing score: 75% or higher4
When you can take it: Experience documentation must be accepted before you may test.4
Retakes: After a fail or no-show, reapply and pay again; no more than two attempts at the same exam in any 30-day period.4
Time limit: Passing scores are valid for one year; all requirements must be met within six months of application.4
Exam waived: Exam waived for EE-98J reciprocity applicants and for military expedited certification; a current NM qualifying party in the parallel classification may apply without work verification.4

6. EL-1J Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines and Electrical specialty journeyman certificates (ES-1J, ES-2J, ES-3J, ES-7J, ES-10J, ES-10RJ)

Requirements

Education or training
Accredited technical training or a registered apprenticeship counts at half value: each year of training = half a year of experience, up to half of the total requirement.4
Who may teach it: Accredited college, university, manufacturer program, technical-vocational institute or accredited apprenticeship; attach official transcripts.4

7. Electrical specialty journeyman certificates (ES-1J, ES-2J, ES-3J, ES-7J, ES-10J, ES-10RJ) and ER-1J Journeyman residential wiring

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years1
2 years of experience in the classification, documented on notarized affidavits.1
Substitute: Accredited technical training or a registered apprenticeship counts at half value: each year of training = half a year of experience, up to half of the total requirement.4
Substitute: Experience must fall within the 10 years before application.4

8. EE-98 Residential, and commercial and industrial electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (electrical contractor license) and EL-1 Electrical distribution and transmission systems over 5000 volts, nominal (contractor license)

Requirements

Experience
At least 4 years1
Qualifying party: 4 years of experience in the classification within the 10 years before application.1

9. Electrical specialty contractor licenses (ES-1, ES-2, ES-3, ES-7, ES-10R, ES-10) and ER-1 Residential electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (contractor license)

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years1
Qualifying party: 2 years of experience in the classification within the 10 years before application.1

Who needs an EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license

Exemptions and dollar thresholds:

  • Owner-occupants may do work on their own single-family home (with wage-paid helpers only) without a contractor license; a CID homeowner permit applies, and electrical homeowner permits require a $25 electrical exam.2
  • Apprentices need no certificate but may only work under direct supervision of a certified journeyman: max 2 apprentices per journeyman on commercial/industrial work, 3 on residential.1

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Utilities and rural electric cooperatives working on their own operating systems up to the meter, and telephone/railroad/broadcast companies on their own systems, are not contractors.2

Requirements for an EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
Accredited technical training or a registered apprenticeship counts at half value: each year of training = half a year of experience, up to half of the total requirement.4
Who may teach it: Accredited college, university, manufacturer program, technical-vocational institute or accredited apprenticeship; attach official transcripts.4
Alternative: Statute routes to the journeyman electrician exam: 4 years accredited training, 4 years apprenticeship, 4 years practical experience (2 commercial/industrial), or an approved vocational electrical program plus 2 years commercial experience.2

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your New Mexico EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to New Mexico with a license from another state

These are the routes CID publishes for the EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license. The other electrician licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
EE-98J only: journeyman certificate without the NM exam for holders of an exam-based journeyman electrician license (after a 4-year apprenticeship or 4 years equivalent) from Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas or Wyoming, held at least one year and in good standing; no work verification form needed.5
States on New Mexico's list
Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming8
This is the list of states whose licenses New Mexico accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a New Mexico license.
Conditions
License must be current, active and in good standing in the participating state.5
Fee
$758

EL-1J Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines

Electrical distribution and transmission systems over 5000 V (lineman work) when employed by an EL-1 licensee.1

Requirements

Exam
EL-1J Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines exam (PSI)1
Given by: PSI6
Passing score: 75% or higher4
When you can take it: Experience documentation must be accepted before you may test.4
Retakes: After a fail or no-show, reapply and pay again; no more than two attempts at the same exam in any 30-day period.4
Time limit: Passing scores are valid for one year; all requirements must be met within six months of application.4
Exam waived: Exam waived for EE-98J reciprocity applicants and for military expedited certification; a current NM qualifying party in the parallel classification may apply without work verification.4

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity for the EL-1J certificate: CID reciprocates only the EE-98J journeyman certificate. Out-of-state experience counts toward the experience requirement if it was legal work where performed.8

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Electrical specialty journeyman certificates

Six specialty certificates, each limited to the matching specialty contractor scope: ES-1J signs and outline lighting; ES-2J cathodic and lightning protection; ES-3J low-voltage (50 V and under) sound, intercom, alarm systems; ES-7J telephone communication systems; ES-10J water well pump installer; ES-10RJ residential water well pump installer. Each may work under the matching ES license or an EE-98 (ES-3J/ES-7J/ES-10J/ES-10RJ also under ER-1).1

Requirements

Exam
Specialty journeyman exam for the classification (PSI), e.g. ES-3J Journeyman sound, intercommunication, electrical alarm systems, and systems 50 volts and under1
Given by: PSI6
Passing score: 75% or higher4
When you can take it: Experience documentation must be accepted before you may test.4
Retakes: After a fail or no-show, reapply and pay again; no more than two attempts at the same exam in any 30-day period.4
Time limit: Passing scores are valid for one year; all requirements must be met within six months of application.4
Exam waived: Exam waived for EE-98J reciprocity applicants and for military expedited certification; a current NM qualifying party in the parallel classification may apply without work verification.4

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity for the electrical specialty journeyman certificates: CID reciprocates only the EE-98J journeyman certificate. Out-of-state experience counts toward the experience requirement if it was legal work where performed.8

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

ER-1J Journeyman residential wiring

Residential electrical wiring (one- and two-family dwellings and qualifying ground-floor multi-family) when employed by an EE-98 or ER-1 licensee. The statute calls this certificate "residential wireman".1

Requirements

Education or training
Accredited technical training or a registered apprenticeship counts at half value: each year of training = half a year of experience, up to half of the total requirement.4
Who may teach it: Accredited college, university, manufacturer program, technical-vocational institute or accredited apprenticeship; attach official transcripts.4
Alternative: Statute routes to the residential wireman exam: 2 years accredited training/apprenticeship, 2 years residential wiring experience, or an approved vocational course plus 1 year residential experience.2

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity for the ER-1J certificate: CID reciprocates only the EE-98J journeyman certificate. Out-of-state experience counts toward the experience requirement if it was legal work where performed.8

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 5 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

EE-98 Residential, and commercial and industrial electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less license

Contracting for all electrical systems up to 5000 V nominal, including ER-1 and ES specialty scopes and trenching/ductwork for EL-1 work; may be prime contractor where electrical is the major portion of the contract. Raceways in or on buildings require EE-98.1

Requirements

Exam
EE-98 trade exam plus Contractor's Business and Law exam (PSI)6
Given by: PSI6
When you can take it: Experience documentation must be accepted before testing.3
Business & Law: an approved Business & Law course may replace the exam.6
Retakes: Reapply and pay again; no more than two attempts at the same exam in 30 days.3
Time limit: Passing scores are valid for one year.6
Exam waived: The bureau chief may waive the state trade exam for a QP who passed a NASCLA-accredited electrical or electrical journeyman exam (Business & Law still required).3

How to apply

  1. Qualifying party: submit the notarized QP application and Electrical Work Experience Affidavit(s) for EE-98 Residential, and commercial and industrial electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (electrical contractor license) to PSI Albuquerque with the $36 fee ($30 + $6 certificate).6

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.

EL-1 Electrical distribution and transmission systems over 5000 volts, nominal license

Overhead/underground distribution and transmission over 5000 V, towers, substations and terminal facilities; no wiring in other electrical classifications.1

Requirements

Exam
EL-1 trade exam plus Contractor's Business and Law exam (PSI)6
Given by: PSI6
When you can take it: Experience documentation must be accepted before testing.3
Business & Law: an approved Business & Law course may replace the exam.6
Retakes: Reapply and pay again; no more than two attempts at the same exam in 30 days.3
Time limit: Passing scores are valid for one year.6
Exam waived: The bureau chief may waive the state trade exam for a QP who passed a NASCLA-accredited electrical or electrical journeyman exam (Business & Law still required).3

How to apply

  1. Qualifying party: submit the notarized QP application and Electrical Work Experience Affidavit(s) for EL-1 Electrical distribution and transmission systems over 5000 volts, nominal (contractor license) to PSI Albuquerque with the $36 fee ($30 + $6 certificate).6

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.

Electrical specialty contractor licenses

Requirements

Exam
ES specialty trade exam plus Contractor's Business and Law exam (PSI)6
Given by: PSI6
When you can take it: Experience documentation must be accepted before testing.3
Business & Law: an approved Business & Law course may replace the exam.6
Retakes: Reapply and pay again; no more than two attempts at the same exam in 30 days.3
Time limit: Passing scores are valid for one year.6
Exam waived: The bureau chief may waive the state trade exam for a QP who passed a NASCLA-accredited electrical or electrical journeyman exam (Business & Law still required).3

How to apply

  1. Qualifying party: submit the notarized QP application and Electrical Work Experience Affidavit(s) for Electrical specialty contractor licenses (ES-1, ES-2, ES-3, ES-7, ES-10R, ES-10) to PSI Albuquerque with the $36 fee ($30 + $6 certificate).6

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.

ER-1 Residential electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less license

Residential wiring at one- and two-family dwellings and ground-floor-only multi-family units; no commercial occupancies; no more than four dwelling units in one building.1

Requirements

Exam
ER-1 trade exam plus Contractor's Business and Law exam (PSI)6
Given by: PSI6
When you can take it: Experience documentation must be accepted before testing.3
Business & Law: an approved Business & Law course may replace the exam.6
Retakes: Reapply and pay again; no more than two attempts at the same exam in 30 days.3
Time limit: Passing scores are valid for one year.6
Exam waived: The bureau chief may waive the state trade exam for a QP who passed a NASCLA-accredited electrical or electrical journeyman exam (Business & Law still required).3

How to apply

  1. Qualifying party: submit the notarized QP application and Electrical Work Experience Affidavit(s) for ER-1 Residential electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (contractor license) to PSI Albuquerque with the $36 fee ($30 + $6 certificate).6

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

EE-98 Residential, and commercial and industrial electrical wiring 5000 volts, nominal or less (electrical contractor license)Statewide CID license/certificate; local building departments with a certified building official handle electrical permits and inspections, otherwise CID inspects.2

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire an electrician in New Mexico, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in New Mexico is on the New Mexico license lookup page.

Look up a license
rld.nm.gov8
File a complaint
nmrld.my.site.com6

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get an EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license in New Mexico?

The rules set at least 4 years1 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my electrician license to New Mexico?

CID publishes this route for the EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license: reciprocity agreements5. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew an EE-98J Journeyman residential and commercial electrical license in New Mexico?

Every 3 years2. Continuing education: at least 16 hours4.

Electrician licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. 14.6.6 NMAC Construction Industries Licensing - ClassificationsNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  2. NMSA 1978 Chapter 60 Business Licenses (unannotated), incl. Art. 13 Construction Industries Licensing ActNew Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource.com), linked from NMRLD CID Laws and RulesChecked November 7, 2026
  3. 14.6.3 NMAC Construction Industries Licensing - General ProvisionsNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. 14.6.4 NMAC Journeyman CertificationNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Continuing EducationNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  6. How to Apply for a Construction Industries LicenseNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  7. 14.5.5 NMAC Construction Industries General Provisions - FeesNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Electrical BureauNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries DivisionChecked November 7, 2026