All states · New Hampshire
Licensing in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, professional licenses are issued by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) through state boards: the Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics, Board of Massage Therapists, Board of Nursing, Electricians’ Board and Mechanical Licensing Board.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | School | Apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours (18+ months) |
| Barber | 800 hours | 1,600 hours (12+ months) |
| Master Barber | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours (18+ months) |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | 1,200 hours |
| Manicurist | 300 hours | — |
- Licenses are issued by the Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics. Everyone takes board exams; a temporary permit is available while you wait for results.
- The application and renewal fee for an individual license is $50.
| License | Training | Exam | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 750 hours | MBLEx | 12 to renew |
- The fee is $110.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | New Hampshire Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | New Hampshire Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Licensed Nursing AssistantLNA | New Hampshire Board of Nursing | Board-approved exam |
- New Hampshire is in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
- Licenses renew every 2 years, by your birthday. The board also issues the MNA (Medication Nursing Assistant) license.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman, Master Electrician | Electricians’ Board | State licenses |
| Plumber, Gas Fitter | Mechanical Licensing Board | State licenses |
- Check general contractor requirements with your city.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | New Hampshire Secretary of State | Certificate of Formation — $100; online annual report — $100 |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
New Hampshire specifics
- Apprenticeship — twice as long as school. Cosmetologist — 3,000 hours instead of 1,500.
- Two barber levels. Barber — 800 hours, Master Barber — 1,500.
- Temporary permit. You can work while waiting for exam results.
- Massage — 750 hours. The MBLEx and 12 CE hours to renew.
- Licensed nursing assistants. The LNA and MNA are issued by the Board of Nursing.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in New Hampshire
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS does not publish barber data for New Hampshire.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (at least 18 months).
Which exam do massage therapists take?
The MBLEx, after a 750-hour program.
Can I work before getting exam results?
Yes, the board issues a temporary permit to applicants who meet all requirements.
How much does an LLC cost?
$100 to file and $100 for the online annual report.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, New Hampshire Board of Nursing, New Hampshire RSA, New Hampshire Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.