Building Specialty — Earthmoving, Excavating and Ditching (GS-8)

New Mexico Building Specialty — Earthmoving, Excavating and Ditching (GS-8)

Contractors excavating foundations, grading sites, or cutting utility trenches in New Mexico need a GS-8 from the Construction Industries Division (CID). GS-8 is a specialty classification covering earthmoving as a standalone trade — it doesn't authorize general building construction.

GS-8 covers excavation, grading, trenching, and site preparation

GS-8 licensees may perform earthmoving, excavating, trenching, ditching, grading, and related site preparation work. The license is limited to earthwork operations.

Your Qualifying Party needs 2 years of experience

To apply, you designate a Qualifying Party (QP) who holds the trade credentials on behalf of your business. The QP needs at least 2 years (4,000 hours) of trade experience, with at least 1 year (2,000 hours) at the foreman level in the 10 years before you apply. The QP must pass both a trade exam and a Business and Law exam through PSI.

Bond and insurance required before the license issues

• Surety Bond: $10,000 contractor license bond
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required for all licensed entities

Fees

• Application Fee: $30 (non-refundable)
• License Fee: $150 for 3 years
• Exam Fee: $36 per exam (paid to PSI)

Renew every 3 years — late penalty applies after the 30-day grace period

Your GS-8 expires on a 3-year cycle. Renewing within 30 days of expiration carries no penalty. Past the 30-day grace period, a $100 late fee applies. Licenses not renewed within 90 days of expiration are cancelled.

No continuing education is required to renew.

Operating without a valid license is a misdemeanor

Under NMSA 60-13-52, contracting without a CID license is a criminal misdemeanor. Fines run $300–$500 for work under $5,000 and up to 10% of the contract value for larger projects.