Blog

Inspectors play a critical role in the construction industry. They ensure residential, commercial, and industrial properties comply with applicable safety regulations and building codes and that systems and equipment are operational.

Mechanical inspectors and plan reviewers are responsible for assessing a wide range of systems, including HVAC, ductwork, boilers, plumbing systems, and more.

To become a mechanical inspector and plan reviewer in New Mexico, you must obtain proper licensure from the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the Regulation and Licensing Department.

Licensing Qualifications

Before you can work as a mechanical inspector and plan reviewer in New Mexico, you must obtain a journeyman license in the mechanical/plumbing trade and gain three years of experience as a journeyman or foreman. You also have the option to substitute education credits for a portion of the work experience requirement.

One year of technical, college, or university training can be substituted for half a year of journeyman/foreman experience, for up to two of the three years required. In other words, if you complete a 4-year college degree in an approved mechanical field of study, you will only need one additional year of work experience to qualify for an inspector license.

You may also substitute a minimum of five years of work experience as a mechanical inspector in another recognized jurisdiction for one year of the experience requirement.

The CID will confirm your experience through communication with your previous employers, and your experience must have been gained within a 4-year period during the 10 years before the license application.

All applicants must submit to a background check. You must also pass the required testing to prove your knowledge and capability.

Required Exams

Inspectors and plan reviewers must pass two exams to obtain a license. They are a trade exam and the state Business and Law Exam. Mechanical inspectors may take the International Code Council M1 Residential or M2 Commercial Mechanical Inspector Exam or a certification test issued by another approved organization.

The M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector Exam features 60 questions covering the following topics:

• General administration
• Exhaust and ventilation systems
• Heating, cooling, and water heaters
• Combustion air
• Duct systems
• Fuel supply systems
• Chimneys and vents

The M2 Commercial Mechanical Inspector Exam consists of 50 questions covering the same topics, but with a focus on commercial properties. Each exam must be completed within two hours, and New Mexico requires that you answer a minimum of 75% of the questions correctly to pass.

The Business and Law Exam consists of 50 questions on the following topics:

• Licensing requirements
• Business organization and financial management
• Estimating and bidding
• Labor laws
• Tax laws
• Contracts
• Project management and lien law
• Environmental and safety
• Risk management

You will have 130 minutes to complete this exam, and you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly to pass.

Finding the Best Test Prep Program for Your Needs

As a working professional, you need an exam prep program designed for your needs, with 24/7 online access to course materials for self-paced learning. If you're ready to move forward in your career by obtaining a mechanical inspector and plan reviewer license in New Mexico, contact RocketCert now to get started.