Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in New Mexico
Roofing, NM
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in New Mexico
Types of Roofing Licenses in New Mexico
Steps to Get a Roofing License in New Mexico
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in New Mexico
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in New Mexico?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in New Mexico?
How to Get a Roofing License in New Mexico
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in New Mexico?
New Mexico Roofer Training Programs and Schools
New Mexico Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in New Mexico?
Do I Need to Renew My New Mexico Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does New Mexico Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My New Mexico Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to New Mexico
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and New Mexico employs 930 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in New Mexico is more than two times that at 13%.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started.
Roofing License Requirements in New Mexico
Roofing in New Mexico requires a GS-21 Roofing license from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) Construction Industries Division (CID).
Types of Roofing Licenses in New Mexico
There are many contractor license classifications in New Mexico. To figure out which classification you require, fill out a classification determination request form. The classification for roofing work is GS-21.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in New Mexico
The steps to obtaining the GS-21 Roofing license in the state of New Mexico include:
Per contractor license requirements, you must have two years of experience in the industry. Two years of related education at an accredited university can count for one year of the experience requirement.
Submit a completed qualifying party (QP) application and work experience affidavit to PSI with a $36 fee. The applicant’s signature must be notarized.
If the affidavit and work experience are accepted, approval notice will be sent to the applicant with exam instructions.
Schedule open-book exams with PSI: GS-21 Roofing exam and the New Mexico Business and Law exam.
Upon passing, submit the following documents to PSI: license application, license bond, tax registration certificate, proof of registration with Secretary of State (if applicable), copy of test scores. A $36 license fee and $150 classification fee apply.
Once the packet is approved, you will receive your license in the mail.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in New Mexico
There are many benefits to obtaining a roofing contractor license in New Mexico.
First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without a license under New Mexico law.
Being a licensed contractor is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
Only licensed roofing contractors can: operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in New Mexico?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $42,320 for those in New Mexico. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in New Mexico is $19.46 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $45,375 for a full-time roofer per year.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in New Mexico?
The costs to get a roofing license in New Mexico include: Qualifying party certificate application: $36 License application: $36 Classification fee: $150 The business and law exam: $68.88 Trade exam: $68.88
There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, including workers’ compensation insurance, but that is primarily done by the contracting company, so will only affect you if you open your own business.
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How to Get a Roofing License in New Mexico
Obtaining the GS-21 Roofing license in the state of New Mexico requires two years of industry experience. Two years of related education at an accredited university meets one year of the experience requirement. If an applicant meets the requirement, they can then submit a completed qualifying party (QP) application and work experience affidavit to PSI, the third party testing service, along with a $36 fee.
If the affidavit and work experience are accepted, approval notice will be sent to the applicant with exam instructions. They can then schedule open-book exams for the GS-21 Roofing exam and the New Mexico Business and Law exam.
After passing, applicants should submit the following documents to PSI:
License bond
Tax registration certificate
Proof of registration with Secretary of State
Copy of test scores
$36 license fee and $150 classification fee
Once the packet is approved, a license will be issued.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in New Mexico?
To meet the experience requirements for a New Mexico contractor license for roofing, it will take at least two years.
New Mexico Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout the Land of Enchantment that offer these types of programs.
Here are some options:
Doña Ana Community College | Las Cruces AAS Building Construction Technology — 2 years Building Construction Technology Certificate — 3 semesters
San Juan College | Farmington AAS Building Trades — 2 years Framing Certificate — 1 year
Santa Fe Community College | Santa Fe AAS Building Science and Construction Technologies — 2 years Building Science and Construction Technologies Certificate — 1 year
Western New Mexico University | Silver City AAS Construction Technology — 2 years Construction Technology Certificate — 1 year
New Mexico Roofing Licensing Exam Details
To qualify for the GS-21 Roofing Contractor license, applicants must pass both the trade examination and the New Mexico Business and Law exam. Both exams are offered through PSI, a third party testing service. The NM GS-21 Roofing exam will cost $68.88 and has a time limit of 200 minutes. The NM Business and Law exam also costs $68.88 and the time duration is 130 minutes. So, for both parts the cost is $137.76. Everything you need to know about the subject areas and reference materials for these open book exams can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in New Mexico?
New Mexico trade licenses are issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division.
Do I Need to Renew My New Mexico Roofing License?
The New Mexico Roofing license must be renewed every three years. The application fee is $75, plus $150 for the classification.
Continuing Education
Unlike for HVAC and electrical journeyman licensing, there are no continuing education requirements for general building licenses in New Mexico.
Does New Mexico Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
New Mexico does not have reciprocity with any other state for the roofing classification.
Does My New Mexico Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
No, the New Mexico roofing contractor license does not work in any other state. However, obtaining the license will help you feel prepared for any licensing requirements in a new state. Ultimately, you will have to check out that state’s requirements and follow its application process.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in New Mexico through the New Mexico Roofing Contractors Association.
Other Requirements Unique to New Mexico
Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels.
New Mexico follows the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requirements for asbestos control. Renovation and/or demolition notices must be submitted to the Air Quality Bureau for all demolitions, whether asbestos are present or not, and for renovations when the quantity of asbestos-containing material is greater than 260 linear feet, 160 square feet, or 35 cubic feet.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
