New Hampshire Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide

New Hampshire regulates key construction trades through statewide boards under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Electrical and plumbing activities require state credentials, while many building scopes like general contracting and roofing proceed under local building permits rather than a state contractor license. Understanding which work requires a state-issued license versus local permitting is the first step to planning compliant operations in New Hampshire.

The OPLC is the central hub for licensing applications and renewals and supports individual trade boards such as the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board. The state’s structure emphasizes trade competency where life-safety is closely implicated (for example, electrical and plumbing systems), while leaving broader building management and general contracting to municipal code enforcement and permitting processes.

This guide spotlights several representative licenses and authorities for New Hampshire to help you get oriented; we update it periodically. Where details are not published in the sources below, we point you to the responsible board so you can confirm exact requirements, fees, and exam logistics before you apply.

Quick Navigation

Overview of New Hampshire Contractor Licensing

The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) in Concord serves as New Hampshire’s central processing hub for occupational licensing. Within OPLC, trade boards regulate credentialed construction activities. Of particular note, the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board licenses apprentices, journeymen, masters, high/medium voltage electricians, and qualifying electrical entities.

Plumbing is regulated at the state level through a board structure administered within the OPLC framework, commonly referenced as the Plumbers Board and/or the Mechanical (Mechanical Safety and Licensing) Board. Applicants should begin at the OPLC portal to obtain the current application forms and instructions for plumbing and any fuel gas/mechanical credentials. Historically, a Joint Board of Licensure and Certification has been associated with several trade boards; applicants can review the Joint Board site for context and then proceed via OPLC for current procedures.

Electrical examinations are administered through ProV per state employment security documentation for the master license, while plumbing exam administration should be confirmed directly with the appropriate board. By contrast, New Hampshire does not issue a statewide “general contractor” or “roofing contractor” license; those business types typically operate under local building permits and inspections rather than a state credential. When in doubt, start with OPLC for license-required trades and your local building department for permit-governed scopes.

Primary Licensing Authority

Multiple Authorities – See research notes

Browse all New Hampshire contractor license practice tests →

Electrician Licenses in New Hampshire

New Hampshire regulates electrical work with 6 license types.

Electrician apprentice registration

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board

Eligibility and Registration

  • Registration with the Electricians’ Board is required before performing apprentice-level electrical work.
  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for apprentice registration according to secondary summaries; verify with the Electricians’ Board.

Examination

No examination is required for apprentice registration.

Fees

  • Application: $60
  • Initial License: $60
  • Renewal: $60

Renewal

Renewal cycle: every 2 years.

Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm experience requirements, minimum age, and any continuing education or documentation needed for registration and renewal.

Source: N.H. Admin. Code § Plc 1002.13 (fee schedule)

Journeyman electrician license

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board

Eligibility

  • Experience: Commonly cited pathway includes approximately 8,000 hours of practical experience under a licensed master plus board-approved electrical schooling; verify current hour and education requirements with the Board.
  • Education: Board-approved classroom training is required (often several hundred hours); confirm specifics with the Board.

Examination

  • Exam required; administered by ProV at approved testing centers.
  • Exam format, content outline, and passing score are provided in ProV’s candidate information and Board materials.

Fees

  • Application: $133
  • Examination Administration: $50
  • Initial License: $133
  • Renewal: $100

Renewal

Renewal cycle: every 2 years.

Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm any continuing education hours or code-update course requirements for journeyman renewal.

Sources: N.H. Admin. Code § Plc 1002.13 (fees); state exam administration via ProV noted in New Hampshire Employment Security materials

Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. New Hampshire Electrical Re-Licensing Practice Test.

Master electrician license

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board

Eligibility

  • Experience: At least one year (2,000 hours) of practical experience as a licensed journeyman is required before applying for the master exam.
  • Education: Completion of required journeyman-level education plus any master-level requirements set by the Board.

Examination

  • Exam required; administered through ProV following Board approval.
  • Content is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and state standards.

Fees

  • Application: $213
  • Examination Administration: $50
  • Initial License: $213
  • Renewal: $180

Renewal and Continuing Education

  • Renewal cycle: every 2 years.
  • Continuing Education: A 15-hour course on each new edition of the NEC is required, with proof submitted the first year the new code is in effect.

Source: New Hampshire Employment Security – Master Electrician License Overview; N.H. Admin. Code § Plc 1002.13 (fees)

Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. New Hampshire Electrical Re-Licensing Practice Test.

High/medium voltage electrician license

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board

Eligibility

Experience requirements for high/medium voltage electricians are established by the Board and should be confirmed directly before applying.

Examination

Exam is not listed as required in the referenced fee rule; verify current testing policies with the Board.

Fees

  • Application: $213
  • Initial License: $213
  • Renewal: $180

Renewal

Renewal cycle: every 2 years.

Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm specific experience requirements, any education mandates, and whether continuing education applies to this classification.

Source: N.H. Admin. Code § Plc 1002.13 (fees)

High/medium voltage electrician trainee license

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board

Overview

Trainee registration is available for individuals gaining experience toward high/medium voltage electrician licensure under appropriate supervision.

Examination

No examination is listed for trainee registration.

Fees

  • Application: $60
  • Initial License: $60
  • Renewal: $60

Renewal

Renewal cycle: every 2 years.

Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm supervision requirements, documentation, and any education or continuing education that may apply to trainees.

Source: N.H. Admin. Code § Plc 1002.13 (fees)

Electrical or high/medium voltage electrical corporation or partnership license (electrical contractor entity)

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board

Scope

Applies to corporations or partnerships engaging in electrical or high/medium voltage electrical work in New Hampshire. Entity qualifications are set by the Board.

Examination

No examination is listed for this entity credential.

Fees

  • Application: $175
  • Initial License: $175
  • Renewal: $125

Insurance

Insurance requirement: not required per the provided rule; minimums and types are not specified.

Renewal

Renewal cycle: every 2 years.

Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm qualifying party requirements, documentation, and any business compliance or insurance expectations that may apply beyond the fee rule.

Source: N.H. Admin. Code § Plc 1002.13 (fees)

Plumbing Licenses in New Hampshire

New Hampshire regulates plumbing work with 3 license types.

Apprentice Plumber

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Plumbers Board / Mechanical Licensing Board (administered through OPLC) — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/

Overview

  • Apprentices must work under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber.
  • Registration with the plumbing/mechanical board is required before performing plumbing work.

Examination

No examination is indicated for apprentice registration.

Renewal

Renewal cycle: every 3 years.

Contact the plumbing/mechanical licensing authority via OPLC to confirm application fees, insurance expectations, classroom training requirements (if any), and documentation needed for registration and renewal.

Source: ContractorLicenseRequirements.com (secondary overview); verify with OPLC

Journeyman Plumber

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Plumbers Board / Mechanical Licensing Board (administered through OPLC) — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/

Eligibility

  • Experience: Commonly described pathway includes about four years and 8,000 hours of supervised plumbing experience under a master plumber or completion of an approved apprenticeship program.
  • Education: Completion of an approved apprenticeship or equivalent classroom training is typically required.

Examination

  • Exam required; based on the International Plumbing Code with state amendments.
  • Administered by a board-approved exam vendor; confirm the current provider with OPLC.

Renewal

Renewal cycle: every 3 years.

Contact the plumbing/mechanical licensing authority via OPLC to confirm exact hour and education requirements, fees, insurance minimums, continuing education (if any), and current exam provider before applying.

Source: ContractorLicenseRequirements.com (secondary overview); verify with OPLC

Master Plumber

Regulatory Authority

New Hampshire Plumbers Board / Mechanical Licensing Board (administered through OPLC) — https://www.oplc.nh.gov/

Eligibility

  • Hold an active journeyman plumber license and accumulate additional journey-level experience as specified by the board.
  • Complete any advanced code or technical training required by the board.

Examination

Exam required; covers advanced plumbing design, code compliance, and state rules. Confirm the current exam vendor with the board via OPLC.

Renewal

Renewal cycle: every 3 years.

Contact the plumbing/mechanical licensing authority via OPLC to confirm fees, specific experience thresholds, insurance requirements, and whether continuing education is required for master renewal.

Source: ContractorLicenseRequirements.com (secondary overview); verify with OPLC

HVAC Licenses in New Hampshire

HVAC licensing information is administered within New Hampshire’s plumbing/mechanical framework under OPLC, but statewide license types and exam vendors for HVAC were not detailed in the sources below. Refrigerant work in any state also requires federal EPA Section 608 certification for technicians who handle regulated refrigerants.

Contact OPLC for Current HVAC/Mechanical Requirements

Begin at the OPLC portal to identify the appropriate mechanical or fuel gas credential, current application forms, fees, and any examination requirements: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/.

General Contractor Licenses in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not issue a statewide “general contractor” license. Instead, general building and home improvement work typically proceeds under municipal building permits and inspections. Businesses should register their entity with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, maintain appropriate insurance for projects and employees, and comply with local permitting in each city or town where work is performed.

When a general contractor self-performs regulated trades, the individuals or subcontractors doing the work must hold the required state licenses (for example, electrical or plumbing). Always coordinate with the local building department for permit intake, inspections, and job-specific documentation (plans, code references, and energy compliance where applicable).

Roofing Licenses in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not issue a statewide roofing contractor license. Roofing projects are typically governed by municipal building permits, plan reviews where required, and inspections focusing on applicable code provisions (roof coverings, underlayment, ice barrier, ventilation, and flashing details, as adopted locally).

Roofing companies should register their business, follow manufacturer installation instructions, and coordinate permitting and inspections with the local authority having jurisdiction. If a roofing scope intersects with other regulated activities (for example, electrical connections for roof-mounted equipment), ensure properly licensed tradespeople perform that work.

Specialty Trade Licenses in New Hampshire

Some specialized scopes may be licensed at the state level within the OPLC framework (for example, fuel gas/mechanical) or addressed through local permitting. Because license titles, exam vendors, and renewal requirements vary by specialty and are not comprehensively listed here, contractors should begin at the OPLC portal and select the relevant board or program for current guidance.

If your work overlaps with a regulated trade (electrical, plumbing, or certain mechanical/fuel gas scopes), plan for state licensure at the individual and, where applicable, business-entity level. For all other specialized work, verify permit and inspection requirements with the local building department before bidding or mobilizing.

Application Process

  1. Determine whether the planned work falls under a state-licensed trade (in practice, electricians and plumbers, and fuel gas/mechanical trades) or a non-licensed trade such as general contracting or roofing.
  2. If the trade is state-licensed, identify the correct board (Electricians’ Board or appropriate plumbing/mechanical board) under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).
  3. Download or obtain the appropriate license or registration application from the board’s section of the OPLC website or request it from OPLC.
  4. Complete the application, including verification of required practical experience, documentation of any required classroom education or apprenticeship completion, and personal identification information.
  5. Submit the application to OPLC with all required fees by mail or through the online portal when available.
  6. For license types requiring an examination (such as journeyman and master electricians and plumbers), wait for board approval and then schedule the exam with the designated exam provider (ProV for electricians; contact the plumbing/mechanical board to confirm the exam vendor for plumbing).
  7. Upon passing the required examination and meeting all board conditions, receive the license from OPLC and comply with any continuing education and renewal requirements on the established renewal cycle.
  8. For trades without state licensing (such as general contracting and roofing), register the business entity with the New Hampshire Secretary of State and comply with local permit requirements in each municipality where work is performed.

Timeline: Exact processing timelines were not specified in the available sources; applicants should expect several weeks between submission of a complete application and license issuance and verify current processing times directly with OPLC.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity for New Hampshire electricians may be available at the journeyman and master levels based on board-to-board agreements and verification of substantially equivalent standards. Reciprocity is not automatic; applicants must meet all conditions imposed by New Hampshire and the other state, and may need to document experience, education, and exam history to qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a contractor or trade license in New Hampshire?

Processing times vary by board and application volume. Plan for several weeks from submission of a complete application to license issuance, and check OPLC for current timelines and any online processing options.

Can I transfer my license from another state to New Hampshire?

Possibly for electricians at the journeyman or master level, depending on reciprocity agreements and comparable standards. Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board and your current state’s board to confirm eligibility, required documentation, and any additional conditions.

What happens if I fail the exam?

Retake policies and waiting periods are set by the board and its exam vendor. Electrician candidates should consult ProV’s candidate information and the Electricians’ Board; plumbing/mechanical candidates should verify retake rules with OPLC and the board-approved vendor.

Do I need insurance?

Insurance requirements depend on license type, local permitting, and client contracts. While the fee rule for the electrical entity credential does not list a board-mandated insurance requirement, many municipalities and owners require general liability and, when applicable, workers’ compensation. Confirm expectations with your board and the permitting jurisdiction.

How do I renew my license?

Electricians renew biennially (every 2 years); master electricians must complete a 15-hour NEC update course each code cycle. Plumbers renew on a 3-year cycle; confirm whether continuing education is required for your level with the plumbing/mechanical board via OPLC.

What if my city or town has different rules than what’s shown here?

For non-licensed trades (such as general contracting and roofing), local building departments govern permits, inspections, and job prerequisites. Always verify permit submittal requirements, inspection sequencing, and code editions with the authority having jurisdiction before starting work.

Where can I find practice tests for New Hampshire exams?

We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for New Hampshire trade exams. Materials typically include 1,500–2,500 code-relevant questions, answer keys for every question, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace with no time or use limits. Browse New Hampshire contractor practice tests.

New Hampshire · Practice tests

New Hampshire contractor license practice tests

The New Hampshire practice tests we publish today: comprehensive PDF guides, typically 1,500 to 2,500 questions each, with full answer keys and reference locators to the exact code sections. We add new tests regularly, so if your license isn’t listed here, contact us and we’ll build it.

Browse all New Hampshire tests →

Related Official Resources

Official Sources for Further Details:

  1. New Hampshire Electricians’ Board – Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
    https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-23
  2. Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)
    https://www.oplc.nh.gov/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-23
  3. New Hampshire Employment Security – Master Electrician License Overview
    https://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/licertocc/documents/electmas.pdf
    Fee Schedule/License Overview | Accessed: 2026-09-23
  4. New Hampshire Employment Security – Electric Inspector Identification Card Overview
    https://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/licertocc/documents/elecinsp.pdf
    License Overview | Accessed: 2026-09-23
  5. N.H. Admin. Code § Plc 1002.13 – Application Processing, Examination, and Licensing Fees
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-hampshire/N-H-Admin-Code-SS-Plc-1002.13
    State Statute (hosted by LII) | Publication date: 2022-08-08 | Accessed: 2026-09-23
  6. Joint Board of Licensure and Certification – State of New Hampshire
    https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-23

Important Disclaimer

Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.

Official Source: For current information, contact the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC):

No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Local Permitting: General contracting and roofing are not licensed by the state. Always verify permitting and inspection requirements with your local building department before starting work.

Leave a Reply