Working as a cosmetology instructor is a great way to remain connected with the beauty industry while sharing your knowledge and skills with the next generation of beauty experts. But the truth is, it won’t be an easy journey. You may have enrolled in the best school or cosmetology instructor program, and that’s a good thing since it boosts your confidence. However, you still must keep up with the best practices, trends, and regulations that govern this industry to retain your license. Luckily, it’s a rather easy process, and here’s what you want to know about it.
When Does Your License Expire?
Cosmetology instructor licenses in New Mexico expire every year on March 31. Remember that this is the hard date, which means every instructor renewal must be completed by then each year. You must also have completed your New Mexico State Board of Barbers and Cosmetology license renewal course within the specified dates (between April 1 and March 30 of the following year).
It’s recommended to treat every March as the renewal month, but you can always start taking the continuing education course soon after the window opens. That way, you won’t have to rush at the last minute, considering you may have other equally important commitments during the last month.
What Are the Core Requirements for Renewal?
There are three non-negotiables for renewing your license: submitting your application through the board’s online licensing portal, completing 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, and paying the renewal fee. Thankfully, New Mexico’s Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) now handles applications through an online portal, so you’ll self-register, log in, and complete the renewal there.
The annual renewal fee for instructors is set at $100 at the moment, but this can always change, so it’s always a better idea to confirm the actual fee from the portal.
What Counts as Continuing Education?
Before enrolling in a continuing education program, always ensure it’s from board-approved providers. Some of these are the Cosmetology Educators of America (CEA) seminars and workshops, approved online professional education providers, classes sponsored by Milady/Thomson learning career institute and others. You can check out the full list of accepted education providers on NMRLD’s portal.
According to the state’s licensing board, you can continue your education in the following forms:
- Professional development and business courses
- Instructor symposium classes
- Board-recognized cosmetology seminars, workshops, and conferences
- Board-approved classes
To avoid second-guessing, however, it’s advisable to check the full list of accepted continuing education, so you’re sure that your efforts will count when it comes to renewing your license.
What Happens if You Are Late?
If, for some reason, you miss the March 31 deadline, you obviously risk an expired license and possible late fees or additional steps to reinstate your authority to teach, depending on how long you fail to renew your license. The late fees for all license types currently sit at $40, but as mentioned above, these figures always change with time.
While it’s cheaper, easier, and a better experience to renew your license on time, you can always correct an expiry. The only thing you should do is to contact the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists once you’re ready for guidance regarding the exact reinstatement steps you should take.
Make It Easier to Renew Your Licence on Time
Renewing your cosmetology instructor license in New Mexico is a straightforward process when you treat it like a small annual project that enhances your career. All you have to do is plan as early as you can, complete the CE requirements on time, and then submit your application online.
In all of this, RocketCert helps you by offering expertly written and fully narrated courses that are not only easy to understand but also fun to complete. So, head over to rocketcert.com to see how they can simplify your license renewal.
