Can I get both MBE and WBE certification?

MBE and WBE each test majority ownership and control by a qualifying owner: a U.S. citizen who is Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native American for NMSDC's MBE, and one or more women for WBENC's WBE. The same owner can meet both tests, and each certifier reviews its own application and makes its own decision.

One difference in eligibility. NMSDC requires U.S. citizenship. WBENC accepts women owners who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. A woman who is a permanent resident can therefore apply for WBE but not for NMSDC MBE.

Why hold both. Corporate programs that report minority-owned and women-owned spend as separate categories can count one supplier holding both certificates in each category. Before paying twice, check the supplier pages of your target buyers to see which certifications they name.

Cost. NMSDC fees run from as low as $270 for revenue under $1 million to as high as $1,700 over $50 million, with the exact fee set by your regional affiliate. WBENC charges $350 to $1,250 by revenue tier, plus a 3% fee when you pay by card (since July 1, 2026).

Documents. The core records overlap: formation documents, ownership records, tax filings and proof of citizenship. NMSDC asks for the last two years of tax filings, proof of eligible minority ethnicity, resumes for the qualifying owners, proof of EIN, proof of initial capital and current invoices. WBENC reviews ownership, financial structure, personnel, management and governance documents and wants evidence of the woman owner's capital or expertise contribution. You file two applications but collect one core set of records.

Interviews and visits. WBENC requires an on-site visit for every initial application and again every three years at recertification, at no charge to you. NMSDC schedules either a site visit or a virtual interview. Expect two separate reviews.

Timing. NMSDC aims to finish within 45 business days of submission. WBENC says processing generally takes 90 days from the date its Regional Partner Organization deems the file complete.

Renewal. Both certifications last one year. NMSDC asks for a renewal application within 90 days of expiration; WBENC encourages starting recertification at least 90 days ahead. Put both dates on one calendar.

Sequencing. Neither certifier requires the other first. Many owners file both in parallel because the documents overlap.

Federal certifications are separate. A woman-owned small business can look at SBA's free WOSB program, where WBENC is an approved third-party certifier, and a veteran owner can look at SBA VetCert. SBA decides eligibility for those programs.