NEW-MEXICO · hvac
MM-98 Mechanical Contractor (HVAC scope)
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) →Scope
New Mexico licenses HVAC, refrigeration, and mechanical work at the contractor level through the Construction Industries Division (CID) within the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) under the Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA 60-13-1 et seq.) and the Plumbing and Mechanical Trades Regulations (14.8 NMAC). The primary HVAC and mechanical classification is MM-98 Mechanical Contractor, which covers HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and gas-piping scope. Narrower HVAC-only classifications are published on the CID mechanical licensing page. Source: NM RLD CID Mechanical Licensing (https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/licensing/mechanical/).
Classifications relevant to HVAC work.
- MM-98 Mechanical Contractor (broad scope including HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, gas piping). - MM-98J Journeyman Mechanical. - MM-2 Residential Mechanical Contractor (limited residential HVAC/mechanical scope). - MS-3 Refrigeration Specialty (narrower scope). - LP Gas / Natural Gas specialty classifications for fuel-gas piping work.
Confirm the current classification matrix on the CID licensing page before selecting the class.
Qualifying Party
Every CID classification license is held by a business entity and must designate a qualifying party responsible for the technical operations of the business. The qualifying party must document experience and pass the trade exam and the New Mexico Business and Law exam. Source: NMSA 60-13-11.
Experience
The qualifying party must document four years (equivalent) of related experience in the classification sought, per 14.8.2 NMAC and CID rule. Field and supervisory experience under a licensed mechanical contractor, or work as an MM-98J / MS-3 journeyman, counts. Technical training can substitute for a portion of the experience up to the cap defined in the rule.
Exam
Administered by PSI Services for CID. Candidates take (1) the MM-98 trade exam covering the mechanical and fuel-gas code editions currently adopted by New Mexico plus NM-specific rule and (2) the NM Business and Law exam. Verify current exam fees and Candidate Information Bulletin on the PSI New Mexico CID page.
EPA 608
Any technician handling refrigerant must also hold an EPA Section 608 certification (Type I, II, III, or Universal) under 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F. EPA states that Section 608 credentials do not expire. Source: EPA Section 608 (https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification).
Bonding
NMSA 60-13-13 requires every CID contractor applicant to file a surety bond with the Division. Amounts tier by classification. Verify current bond amount directly with CID before posting.
Reciprocity
New Mexico does not publish broad trade-exam reciprocity for MM-98. Out-of-state applicants are evaluated on an endorsement basis under NMSA 60-13-28. Confirm directly with CID.
Renewal and CE
CID licenses renew annually. Licensees must complete continuing-education hours each renewal under 14.5.1 NMAC. Confirm current hour requirement on the CID Continuing Education page (https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/continuing-education/).
Scope Limits
MM-98J (journeyman) is an individual license. Contracting for HVAC/mechanical work in New Mexico requires the firm to hold a CID MM-98 (or appropriate narrower) contractor license with a qualifying party of record.