Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / New Mexico
2026 data New Mexico board official source

New Mexico Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides basic patient care under supervision. Requires NCLEX-PN exam.

What the New Mexico data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

New Mexico's path to licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure runs through 1,385 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-PN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. New Mexico folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

The initial price tag is $171, and renewal costs $127 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, licensed practical nurse (lpn)s should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in New Mexico

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,385 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$171
Renewal Fee
$127
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) All New Mexico licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New Mexico licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Mexico? ▼
New Mexico's requirements cover 1385 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-PN exam, and an initial fee of $171. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Mexico? ▼
Certification as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in New Mexico means clearing the state's checklist: 1385 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The New Mexico licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to New Mexico from another state? ▼
For licensed practical nurse (lpn)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the New Mexico licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does New Mexico require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing in New Mexico. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Mexico? ▼
New Mexico ties continued licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $127 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.