How to Become an Electrician in New Mexico

  • Posted by Melanie Klag
    How to Become an Electrician in New Mexico

    Electricians are in demand in every state, including New Mexico. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an 11% growth rate over the next decade—faster than other trades within the construction industry. CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, reports a 17% increase in employment for electricians in New Mexico. 

    New Mexico’s diverse culture, climate, and opportunities have increased its popularity adding an influx of people and new businesses to the state. Additionally, the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated resources for infrastructure in New Mexico, including power and grid reliability and resiliency, electrical vehicle charging, and other infrastructure upgrades.  

    Electricians in New Mexico earn a good living. According to ZipRecruiter, journeyman electricians earn an average annual salary of nearly $66,000, just slightly less than the national average of $68,058. Contractors earn even more. ZipRecruiter reports that top earners make $175,887, with an average of $71,546. 

    A license is required to work in New Mexico, which takes a minimum of four years to obtain. However, there are ample paid training and apprenticeship programs to earn while you learn.  

    This article includes everything you need to know to become an electrician in New Mexico. 

    Steps to Obtain Electrician Journeyman and Contractor Licenses in New Mexico 

    Step 1: Education Requirements  

    Prior to beginning your apprenticeship, you must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED. Electrical apprenticeships often require at least one year of high school or post-secondary algebra. 

    Step 2: Complete an Apprenticeship 

    To gain the necessary work experience for licensure in New Mexico, apprenticeship programs are a popular and effective route.  

    You can find apprenticeship opportunities through both union-affiliated and non-union organizations. For example: 

    • Union-Affiliated Programs: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) provides apprenticeship programs across the state, offering structured training with industry experts.
    • Non-Union Options: Programs offered by the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) also provide quality training paths for aspiring electricians. 

    Regardless of whether you choose a union or non-union program, apprenticeship training combines comprehensive classroom instruction with hands-on work experience. These programs help apprentices meet state licensing requirements while developing key skills in a real-world environment. 

    During your apprenticeship, you’ll work under the supervision of experienced, licensed electrical contractors. This on-the-job training covers a variety of critical topics, such as: 

    • Installation and maintenance of electrical systems
    • Troubleshooting and repair techniques
    • Understanding and applying safety codes like the National Electric Code (NEC) and the New Mexico Electric Code 

    These programs not only prepare you for the licensing exams but also lay the foundation for a successful and sustainable career in the electrical trade. 

    Step 3: Pass the Journeyman Exam 

    Before you can take the journeyman license exam, you must document the required 8,000 hours (four years) of experience. The exam is offered through PSI. The ER-1J and EE-98J exams are three-part exams, including code, theory, and practice. The ER-1J exam consists of a 40-question Code Examination with a 90-minute time limit and a 25-question Theory Examination with a 60-minute time limit.  

    The practical exam is worth 100 points, with 120 minutes to complete. During that time, you will complete a doorbell project (35 points), lighting project (35 points), simple conduit bending (20 points), and materials identification (10 points).  

    The EE-98J includes 50-question code and 50-question theory exams. The code examination must be completed within 145 minutes and the theory exam in 120 minutes. The practical exam is worth 120 points and includes a motor control project (20 points), transformer project (20 points), doorbell project (10 points), lighting project (10 points), simple conduit bending (10 points), complex conduit bending (20 points), and materials identification (10 points).  

    All exams require 75% to pass and are open-book. You can bring bound, highlighted, and underlined reference materials with permanent tabs. Most licensees take an exam preparation course, such as the National NASCLA Electrical Exam Prep Course ahead of time to get a good sense of what they can expect. Contractor Training Center exam prep courses provide exam-ready tabbed and highlighted references you can bring with you on test day.  

    Step 4: Gain Work Experience  

    To move from journeyman electrician to electrical contractor, you need to document an additional 8,000 hours (four years) of experience. This clock begins after getting your journeyman license.  

    Step 5: Obtain the Electrical Contractor License 

    To obtain your electrical contractor’s license you must:  

    • Document four years of journeyman electrical experience within the previous 10 years.
    • Show proof of financial responsibility in the form of a $10,000 bond. 
    • Submit a background check.
    • Pay the appropriate fees.
    • Pass the Business and Law and Trade exams with a score of 75% or better.  

    Business and Law Exam: this exam has 50 questions and a 130-minute time limit to complete the test. The test covers the following topics:  

    • Licensing Requirements (8 items) 
    • Estimating and Bidding (5 items)
    • Business Organization and Financial Management (8 items)
    • Tax Laws (5 items)
    • Labor Laws (4 items)
    • Project Management and Lien Law (5 items)
    • Contracts (8 items)
    • Risk Management (4 items)
    • Environmental Safety (3 items) 

    Trade Exams: this is a three-part exam. Part one is Commercial and Industrial, with 80 questions and a 200-minute time allowance. Part two is Residential and has 40 questions with a 100-minute time limit. Part three covers specialties. There are 50 questions and a 135-minute time limit.  

    The trade exams are open book, but all reference material must be bound. References can be highlighted, underlined, and indexed prior to the exam.   

    Reciprocity for Out‑of‑State Electricians 

    New Mexico has reciprocity agreements in place for several states. In most cases, reciprocity is for journeyman electrician licenses. Texas reciprocity is offered for journeyman and contractor licenses. To see which states have reciprocity agreements in place, check the Reciprocity Map. 

    Continuing Education and License Renewal 

    Electrical contractor and journeyman licenses are renewed every three years. The renewal date is the last day of the month on which your license was issued every three years. Prior to renewal, you’re required to complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE).  

    Eight hours must focus on NEC-related topics, and eight hours must focus on other industry-related topics. The state maintains a list of approved courses.  

    It’s your responsibility to maintain certificates of completion and submit those on the Continuing Education Submittal Form prior to your renewal date.  

    The Role of an Electrician 

    Electricians work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They also work on infrastructure and alternative energy. The day-to-day work includes reading and interpreting blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. 

    Electricians are adept problem-solvers. They have a deep understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and safety standards.  

    Specializations Within the Field 

    Alternative energy offers incredible opportunities for electricians. Emerging niches include solar power, wind‐turbines, and smart‐home systems. Other specialties include automative and marine electrical systems, and highway systems. Highway systems electricians work with the electrical infrastructure, such as signals and signage. 

    Types of Electrical Licenses in New Mexico 

    Electricians begin their journey as apprentices. Apprenticeships take four years before qualifying to become a journeyman electrician. The next step is to obtain your electrical contractor's license.  

    New Mexico has a few licensing options:  

    • Residential Wireman’s Certificate. With a Residential Wireman’s Certificate, you’re able to work on wiring systems, including lights, heat, and power, in single and multi-family dwellings. To qualify for this license, you must have 4,000 hours (two years) of experience and pass the appropriate exam. 
    • Journeyman Electrician (EE-98J and EL-1J). With this license, you can perform electrical work under the supervision of an electrical contractor. This license requires 8,000 hours (four years) of work as an apprentice and passing a practical and trade exam.  
    • Electrical Contractor (EE-98). As a contractor, you’re permitted to work in residential and commercial settings, including low-voltage, fire detection, sign wiring, and all types of building or structural wiring. This is the only license that gives you the ability to bid on jobs. To obtain this license, you need to have 8,000 hours (four years) as a journeyman electrician and pass the business and law exam and trade exams. 

    Ready to Become a NM Electrician? 

    Becoming an electrician in New Mexico takes a minimum of four years, but you can earn as you go through apprenticeship programs.

    When you’re ready to take your journeyman electrician or electrical contractor license exam, explore Contractor Training Center’s NASCLA Residential Electrical courses exam prep courses. Our courses are designed to help you pass your New Mexico electrical licensing exams on the first try.  

    If you have questions, we are happy to help. Reach out today and book a 30-minute consultation with our licensing experts to get started in this exciting and sustainable career. 

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