Verified November 6, 2026 against the state board. Rules change, so read the board’s current rules before relying on them.
New Mexico Public Accountancy Board licenses CPAs in New Mexico. Its rules and forms are the authority for everything on this page.
New Mexico CPAs complete 120 hours of CPE in the 36-month period ending on the last day of their birth month, with at least 20 hours in each reporting year and 4 hours of ethics.
Sources: srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.060.0003.html, rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/accountancy/faqs, nasbaregistry.org/cpe-requirements/new-mexico
New Mexico CPA licenses renew every year by the last day of the licensee's birth month, and the Board sends notices at least 30 days ahead.
Sources: srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.060.0003.html, rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/accountancy/faqs, nasbaregistry.org/cpe-requirements/new-mexico, rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/16.060.0003-with-proposed-changes.pdf
Since January 1, 2026, under HB 296 (Laws 2025, Chapter 105), New Mexico has three licensure pathways in place of the single 150-hour rule: a bachelor's plus 30 more hours and one year of experience, a bachelor's with an accounting or business concentration and two years, or a master's with that concentration and one year. All applicants pass the Uniform CPA Exam and the AICPA ethics exam.
Sources: rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/16.060.0002-with-proposed-changes.pdf, rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/16.060.0003-with-proposed-changes.pdf, srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.060.0003.html, rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/accountancy/faqs, cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/10/23/new-mexico-passed-streamlined-cpa-licensure-pathway-earlier-this-year/171551
New Mexico CPAs complete 120 hours of CPE in the 36-month period ending on the last day of their birth month, with at least 20 hours in each reporting year and 4 hours of ethics. Four ethics hours are required in the 36-month period. Accepted topics include the AICPA code, the New Mexico code of professional conduct, Treasury Circular 230, malpractice avoidance, organizational ethics and integrity. Ethics time inside a larger program counts if it is separately identified on the agenda. Inactive or retired status is available; retired is for those at least 55. Returning to active requires 40 hours of CPE for each inactive year, up to 200 hours, and at least 120 hours in the prior 36 months if inactive longer than that. The Board can grant hardship exceptions for health, military service, foreign residence or other good cause.
At least 96 of the 120 hours must be in technical fields and at least 24 must not be sponsored by the licensee's own firm or employer. One CPE hour is 50 minutes of instruction. Teaching, speaking and authoring credit is capped at 60 hours per three years, and nano-learning at 8 hours per cycle. The CPE report is due with the annual renewal by the last day of the birth month. A random audit finding of noncompliance carries a fine of at least $250.
New Mexico CPA licenses renew every year by the last day of the licensee's birth month, and the Board sends notices at least 30 days ahead. Annual, with expiry staggered by birth month. CPE is measured over a rolling 36-month period. Last day of the birth month, or the next business day if that falls on a weekend or holiday. A license not renewed within 90 days of expiry is canceled. The annual renewal fee is $130, due with the CPE report. Late renewals carry a delinquency fee. Military service members and veterans pay no licensing fee for the first three years.
A CPA from another state with a valid license in good standing can apply for a New Mexico license by reciprocity after meeting New Mexico experience rules and the home state's CPE, and passing the AICPA ethics exam or another board's ethics exam with at least 90 percent. Since January 1, 2026 (HB 296), out-of-state CPAs whose principal place of business is elsewhere and whose licensure is comparable to New Mexico's practice in New Mexico without notice or fee; the Board FAQ lists at least one year of experience for this practice privilege.
Exam candidates hold a bachelor's degree from a Board-recognized institution with a concentration in accounting or business shown on an official transcript, or a bachelor's plus 30 further semester hours in accounting or business, or a master's with an accounting or business concentration. Quarter hours convert at two-thirds, and no more than 30 semester hours count for internships or life experience. The 150-hour total is now one of three routes: a bachelor's plus 30 additional semester hours in accounting or business with one year of experience. A bachelor's with an accounting or business concentration qualifies with two years of experience, and a master's with that concentration with one year.
Experience covers accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting services in industry, government, academia or public practice, verified by an active licensed CPA (New Mexico or another state) at the same organization. One year means at least 2,000 hours of full- or part-time work within no more than three years. Experience falls within seven years before or after passing the exam.
Initial applicants pass the AICPA ethics exam with a score of at least 90 percent; the self-study course is completed within one year of purchase with the New Mexico Board designated as score recipient.
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