New Mexico provides several economic incentives for businesses operating in the state and generates demand for CPAs. So, what does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Mexico? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about becoming a CPA in New Mexico, including info about the application process, licensure, and renewal requirements.
New Mexico CPA Requirements
The New Mexico Public Accountancy Board sets the CPA requirements for the state in close association with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA®). Requirements for licensure are as follows:
| Social Security Requirement | No |
| Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements |
|
| Good Moral Character | Yes |
| Education Requirements for Licensure | Bachelor’s degree required; total credit hours vary by pathway* |
| Pass the Exam | Score 75 or higher in each section. |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | Pass the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Course with a minimum grade of 90 percent. |
| Work Experience | *Varies, depending on pathway; see below |
| International CPA Examination Program | New Mexico participates in the International CPA Exam Program. |
*Legislative Update: HB296 (Effective Jan. 1, 2026)
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, New Mexico began offering an alternative pathway to licensure, requiring only a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience.
To sit for the CPA Exam in New Mexico, candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college or university acceptable to the New Mexico Public Accountancy Board, including:
- 30 semester hours in accounting, with no more than 3 semester hours in business law
For CPA licensure, New Mexico recognizes 3 education-and-experience pathways:
- Bachelor’s Degree + Additional Education + 1 Year of Experience
A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent, plus 30 additional semester hours of higher education in accounting or business, and at least one year of qualifying accounting experience. - Bachelor’s Degree + 2 Years of Experience
A baccalaureate degree with a concentration in accounting or business, and at least 2 years of qualifying accounting experience. - Master’s Degree + 1 Year of Experience
A master’s degree with a concentration in accounting or business, and at least one year of qualifying accounting experience.
CPA candidates in New Mexico must complete qualifying professional accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA. The amount of required experience depends on the licensure pathway selected:
- 1 year of qualifying experience for candidates who meet either of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree plus 30 additional semester hours of education in accounting or business, or
- A master’s degree with a concentration in accounting or business
- 2 years of qualifying experience for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting or business and do not complete the additional 30 semester hours of education.
Qualifying experience may be earned in accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or related consulting roles. All experience must demonstrate the application of professional accounting skills and be independently verified by a licensed CPA.
New Mexico CPA Exam & Licensing: Cost and Fees
New Mexico CPA candidates must pay an education evaluation application fee, followed by a section fee for each exam section and an exam application fee. All candidates must pay the application and examination fees at the time of submission.
| New Mexico CPA Exam Fees | |
|---|---|
| Education Evaluation Application Fee | $96 |
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | $262.64 |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | $262.64 |
| Regulation (REG) | $262.64 |
| Discipline Exam Section (BAR, ISC, or TCP) | $262.64 |
| Exam Application Fee | $106 |
| Total Cost: | $1,252.56 |
*Pass the 3 core sections, AUD, FAR, and REG, and 1 discipline section, Information Systems and Controls (ISC), Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
In New Mexico, candidates need to undergo a GEMALTO background check during the application process for CPA licensure. Alongside the background check, applicants must submit an online application and pay a fee of $175. Additionally, New Mexico offers candidates the option to obtain CPA licensure through grade transfer or reciprocity.
New Mexico CPA License Renewal Requirements
New Mexico CPA licensees must renew their licenses annually by documenting their Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and paying a fee of $130. The cycle starts on the first day of the month after your birth month and ends on the last day of your birth month. Licenses are canceled if they are not renewed within 90 days of expiration.
New Mexico CPA Continuing Education Requirements
New Mexico CPA license holders must continuously upskill themselves and implement best practices in their profession. Hence, they must obtain 120 CPE hours every 3-year cycle with a minimum of 20 CPE hours annually for license renewal. Of the 120 CPE hours:
- 4 hours must be in ethics
- 96 hours must be in technical courses
- 24 hours cannot be sponsored by your firm or employer
New Mexico CPA Exam: Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling
When preparing for the New Mexico CPA Exam, it’s essential to understand the structured process to ensure a smooth scheduling experience. Here is a detailed overview of the exam dates, score release dates, and instructions for scheduling each exam section.
Exam Dates & Score Release
The CPA Exam is administered by CPA Examination Services (CPAES), a NASBA division. To plan accordingly, view the AICPA’s CPA Exam score release dates.
Exam Section Scheduling
Below is a step-by-step guide on the CPA Exam application and scheduling proces
CPA candidates can apply for the CPA Exam by creating an Okta Account on the CPA Portal, which will provide access to the CPA portal dashboard. This dashboard will enable you to initiate the education evaluation process, make payments, and register for your section exams. You will also receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) through this portal.
The next step is to apply for the education evaluation that will confirm your eligibility for the CPA Exam in New Mexico. All your educational transcripts must be submitted directly to CPAES by your universities. New Mexico is an active participant in the International CPA Examination Program.If you completed your education outside the U.S., have your education evaluated by recognized services, such as NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES).
When you see confirmed eligibility on the CPA Exam portal, go ahead with the exam section application process. You can only apply for 1 section at a time and receive NTS each time you apply. NTS status and expiration date would be updated on the portal itself. You will also see a Candidate Exam Section ID (CES ID) upon booking.
You can schedule your CPA Exam using Prometric, which requires you to enter your NTS number. You can check for the nearest Prometric center in your state and the available exam dates.
Each section of the CPA Exam must be passed with a score of 75 or higher.
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