Construction / Low Voltage License / New Mexico
- New Mexico
- Low Voltage License
- ES-3 Special Systems
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your New Mexico ES-3 Low Voltage License
New Mexico licenses low voltage work under the ES-3 Low Voltage Special Systems classification. Here’s what it covers, how to qualify and what’s on the two exams.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department requirements
Application fee
$36
$30 application + $6 certificate; plus $137.76 in exams
Exam time
4.6 hrs
ES-3 145 min + Business & Law 130 min
Time to get license
~2 yrs
Foreman-level experience; training can cover up to half
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE for this license
Overview
Do you need a New Mexico low voltage license?
Yes, if you contract for low voltage special systems work at 50 volts or less in New Mexico. That includes telecom, fire alarm, security, CATV and audio-visual systems at homes and businesses.
License required when
- You install interior or exterior special systems, cabling or interconnections operating at 50 volts or less
- You work on telecommunications, fire alarm, CATV, audio-visual or security systems
- You install door and gate control circuits or temperature control circuits
- You do the trenching, boring and underground wiring needed to complete these systems
Common exceptions
- Installers of TV receive-only satellite dishes at a single-family home, when no 120-volt tracking is needed
- Circuits above 50 volts are not ES-3 work; they need an EE-98 or ER-1 classification instead
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list specific fines. Contracting without the right classification can lead to enforcement by the state, and work above 50 volts needs an EE-98 or ER-1 license, not an ES-3.
Your fast-track New Mexico low voltage license checklist
The New Mexico application, one page
- Proof of 2 years’ foreman-level experience
- Transcripts for any accredited training you’re counting
- Passing ES-3 Low Voltage exam
- Passing Business & Law exam
- Approved Qualifying Party
- Completed application and license fee
Types
New Mexico low voltage license types and classifications
New Mexico has one low voltage classification, ES-3. If your work goes above 50 volts, you need an electrical classification such as EE-98 or ER-1 instead.
ES-3
Under 50 volts
Low Voltage Special Systems
Telecom, fire alarm, CATV, audio-visual, security, door and gate, and temperature control systems at 50 volts or less, including related trenching and underground work.
Exam
ES-3 + B&L
Limit
50 volts or less
Requirements
New Mexico low voltage license requirements, class by class
There’s one set of requirements for the ES-3. You also need an approved Qualifying Party for the license.
| Requirement | ES-3 Low Voltage |
|---|---|
| Experience | 2 years foreman-level practical or related trade experience |
| Training substitute | Each year of accredited training counts as half a year, up to half the total |
| Trade exam | ES-3 Low Voltage, 75% to pass |
| Business exam | New Mexico Business & Law |
| Qualifying Party | Must be approved |
| Minimum age | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your New Mexico low voltage license, step by step
- Build your experienceBefore you apply
Get 2 years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience. Accredited technical training or an apprenticeship can cover up to half of it. - Schedule your exams with PSIBefore you apply
Book the ES-3 Low Voltage and Business & Law exams through PSI or by calling 855-807-3994. - Pass both examsExam day
Both are open book. The ES-3 exam is 50 questions in 145 minutes, and you need 75% to pass. - Get your pass noticeAfter the exam
PSI emails you your pass information, which you include with your application. - Apply and become a Qualifying PartyFee by mail
Mail the completed application, required documents and license fee to the address on the application. Details are on the Construction Industries site. - Receive your licenseAfter approval
Once approved, you can work on low voltage special systems at 50 volts or less.
Exam
What to expect on the New Mexico low voltage exam
ES-3 applicants pass two exams: the ES-3 Low Voltage trade exam and the Business & Law exam every New Mexico contractor takes. Both are open book.
Format
Open book
Questions
50 (ES-3)
Passing score
75% (ES-3)
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- ES-3: 50 questions, 145 minutes, 75% to pass
- Topics: grounding and bonding, conductors, power conditioning, general low voltage, sound and video
- Business & Law: 130 minutes on licensing, bidding, finance, tax, labor, lien law, contracts and safety
- You may bring, tab and highlight the 2020 NEC and NFPA 72 (exam based on the 2010 edition; any edition allowed)
- Also referenced: New Mexico Electrical Code, 14.10.4 NMAC
Retake policy
- Retakes cost the same $68.88 per exam; waiting periods not stated in our source
- Schedule and reschedule through PSI at 855-807-3994
- PSI emails your pass information after you pass
- Business & Law is required for all New Mexico contractor licenses
Exam references · Open book
The ES-3 Low Voltage and Business and Law exams are open book: you can highlight, tab and bring the NEC and NFPA 72 into the PSI testing center. The ES-3 exam is based on the 2010 NFPA 72, which is out of print, so any edition is accepted.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) — ES-3 exam | 2020 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code — ES-3 exam | 2010 (any edition accepted) | Allowed in exam |
| New Mexico Electrical Code (NMAC 14.10.4) — ES-3 exam | 2017 | Allowed in exam |
| NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic Edition — Business and Law exam | Basic Edition | Allowed in exam |
| Low Voltage Wiring: Security/Fire Alarm Systems | Not stated | Study only |
| Telecommunications Wiring | 3rd edition | Study only |
| Understanding and Servicing Alarm Systems | 3rd edition | Study only |
| Live Sound Reinforcement | Best Seller Edition | Study only |
| Data, Voice and Video Cabling | 3rd edition | Study only |
Prep
Best New Mexico low voltage exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a New Mexico low voltage license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Party application fee | Fixed | $36 |
| ES-3 exam (PSI) | Fixed | $68.88 |
| Business & Law exam (PSI) | Fixed | $68.88 |
| License application fee | Fixed | $36 |
| ES-3 classification license fee | Fixed | $150 |
| Code books (NEC, NFPA 72) | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes code books and bond | $359.76 |
Fees from the PSI New Mexico licensing fee schedule, contractor and Qualifying Party applications and PSI candidate information bulletin (updated 4/3/2026), checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does New Mexico accept out-of-state low voltage licenses?
We didn’t find a reciprocity agreement for the New Mexico ES-3 license.
No reciprocity agreements
Plan to apply as a new applicant, show your experience and pass both the ES-3 and Business & Law exams.
Local
Do New Mexico cities and counties have their own low voltage licensing rules?
Your ES-3 license is issued by the state. Local governments still handle permits and inspections where required.
State handles
- ES-3 and other contractor classifications
- Qualifying Party approval
- Exams, through PSI
- License applications and fees
City & county handle
- Permits for individual jobs where required
- Inspections
- Local business registration where required
Governance
Who regulates low voltage contractors in New Mexico
Licensing authority
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
505-476-4500
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues contractor licenses, including the ES-3 classification
- Approves Qualifying Parties
- Sets the experience and exam requirements for each classification
Maintenance
How to renew your New Mexico low voltage license and keep it active
New Mexico doesn’t require continuing education for the ES-3 license. Contractor licenses run three years, and renewal costs the same $150 classification fee as a new license. Late renewals cost $1 a day for the first 30 days and the equivalent of one year’s fee from 30 to 90 days; after 90 days the license is cancelled.
Renewal cycle
3 years
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$150
Late penalty
$1/day (1–30 days)
FAQ
New Mexico low voltage license FAQs
What can I do with an ES-3 license in New Mexico?
Low voltage special systems at 50 volts or less, including telecom, fire alarm, CATV, audio-visual, security, gate controls and temperature controls, plus the trenching and underground work to complete them.
How much experience do I need for an ES-3?
Two years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience. Accredited training counts as half a year per year, up to half of the requirement.
Is the ES-3 exam open book?
Yes. You can bring, tab and highlight the 2020 NEC and NFPA 72. The exam is based on the 2010 NFPA 72, but any edition is allowed.
What score do I need to pass the ES-3 exam?
75%. The exam has 50 questions and you get 145 minutes.
Do I need to take the Business & Law exam?
Yes. Every New Mexico contractor license requires the Business & Law exam, which runs 130 minutes.
Does the ES-3 require continuing education?
No. New Mexico doesn’t require continuing education for this license.
Do I need a license to install a satellite dish?
Not for a TV receive-only dish at a single-family home, as long as it doesn’t need 120 volts for tracking.
Sources
Official sources for the New Mexico low voltage license
- New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries
- PSI, New Mexico contractor exam catalog
- 14.10.4 NMAC, New Mexico Electrical Code
- 14.6.6.10 NMAC, ES-3 classification scope
- PSI, New Mexico licensing fees (PDF)
- PSI, New Mexico contractor examinations candidate information bulletin (PDF)
- PSI, NM CID contractor license application (PDF)
- PSI, NM CID Qualifying Party certificate application (PDF)
- New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Apply for a Construction Industries license
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.