New Hampshire Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Contractor licensing in New Hampshire is trade-specific at the state level. Electricians and plumbers are licensed by boards under the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), while certain specialty activities such as water well drilling and pesticide application are regulated by separate state agencies. General building and many other construction activities proceed under local building permits and business registration requirements, not a statewide contractor license.
This guide spotlights several representative licenses and authorities for New Hampshire to help you get oriented; we update it periodically. You will find concise, state-accurate steps and references to the official boards that administer each credential. Always verify current requirements with the appropriate agency before applying or scheduling an exam.
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Overview of New Hampshire Contractor Licensing
New Hampshire regulates skilled trades primarily through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Within OPLC, trade boards such as the Electricians’ Board and the Plumbers’ Licensing Board set licensure requirements, oversee applications, and manage renewals for those trades. Separate state agencies regulate additional specialties, including the Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) for water well drilling and the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food for pesticide applicators.
Contractors performing general construction, remodeling, and roofing do not obtain a single “general contractor” license at the state level. Instead, they must follow local building and trade permitting rules in the city or town where work occurs and maintain proper business registration and insurance as required by clients and municipalities. Electricians and plumbers must hold the appropriate state credential for the scope of trade work they perform.
Browse all New Hampshire contractor license practice tests →
Electrician Licenses in New Hampshire
New Hampshire regulates electrical work with 4 license types under the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board: Apprentice Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, and Electrical Contractor. Applications and board information are accessed through the OPLC and Joint Board portals.
Apprentice Electrician
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/electricians.htm
Who this license is for
Individuals starting in the electrical trade who will work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Registration establishes a path to accumulate work hours and classroom training toward journeyman eligibility.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Experience: Registration as an apprentice under a licensed journeyman or master; on-the-job experience accrues toward journeyman qualification.
- Education: Typically enrolled in an approved electrical apprenticeship program or equivalent coursework combined with supervised OJT.
- Exam: Not required for registration.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial.
Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm fees, documentation, and any additional registration details before applying.
Journeyman Electrician
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/electricians.htm
Who this license is for
Skilled electricians qualified to perform installation, maintenance, and repair work under the National Electrical Code (NEC) and New Hampshire rules, and to work without direct, continuous supervision.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Experience: Generally requires completion of an approved electrical apprenticeship and approximately 8,000 hours of documented electrical work experience under a licensed master or journeyman.
- Education: Completion of an approved apprenticeship or equivalent formal training plus any board-required electrical code/safety coursework.
- Exam: Journeyman Electrician Examination; topics typically include NEC application, electrical theory/calculations, installation practices and safety, and applicable New Hampshire statutes and rules. Exam provider and parameters should be verified with the board.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial.
Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm current exam vendor, fees, and documentation required with your application.
Source: New Hampshire Electricians’ Board
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
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/electricians.htm
Who this license is for
Experienced electricians who plan, lay out, and supervise electrical installations and take responsibility for code compliance on projects. A master may also serve as the qualifying individual for an electrical contractor entity.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Experience: Typically requires holding a journeyman license and additional documented experience (often several years) including supervision and advanced installation/design responsibilities.
- Education: Advanced knowledge of electrical design, load calculations, and New Hampshire laws and rules.
- Exam: Master Electrician Examination; topics include advanced NEC application, design and calculations, safety/supervision, and NH statutes/rules. Verify exam vendor and format with the board.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial.
Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm fees, documentation, and any current continuing education or jurisprudence requirements tied to renewal or re-licensure.
Electrical Contractor
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Electricians’ Board — https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/electricians.htm
Who this license is for
Business entities engaging in electrical contracting. Each electrical contractor must designate a qualifying individual who holds a New Hampshire Master Electrician license and oversees the firm’s electrical work.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Qualifying Individual: A New Hampshire-licensed Master Electrician responsible for supervision and code compliance.
- Business Requirements: Compliance with Electricians’ Board rules, including designation of the master of record and adherence to applicable business practices.
- Exam: No separate contractor exam is indicated by the dataset; confirm with the board.
- Insurance: Not specified by the dataset for the board credential; clients and municipalities may set insurance expectations.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial.
Contact the New Hampshire Electricians’ Board to confirm application and renewal fees, any insurance documentation expected, and required business records for contractor licensure.
Plumbing Licenses in New Hampshire
New Hampshire regulates plumbing work with 3 license types under the New Hampshire Plumbers’ Licensing Board: Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber. The board utilizes ICC examinations for journeyman and master levels; application materials are processed through OPLC.
Apprentice Plumber
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Plumbers’ Licensing Board — https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/plumber.htm
Who this license is for
Individuals entering the plumbing trade who will train under supervision while accruing hours and classroom education required for journeyman eligibility.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Experience: Registered apprenticeship under a licensed journeyman or master plumber; hours accumulate toward journeyman qualification.
- Education: Enrollment in an approved plumbing apprenticeship or equivalent structured training with on-the-job experience.
- Exam: Not required for apprentice registration.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial.
Contact the Plumbers’ Licensing Board to confirm fees, documentation, and any current registration details before applying.
Journeyman Plumber
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Plumbers’ Licensing Board — https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/plumber.htm
Who this license is for
Skilled plumbers qualified to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in accordance with applicable plumbing codes and New Hampshire rules.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Experience: Typically requires completion of an approved plumbing apprenticeship and substantial documented work experience under a licensed journeyman or master.
- Education: Formal training in plumbing installation, code compliance, and safety, usually via apprenticeship or trade school.
- Exam: ICC Journeyman Plumber Examination (NH program). Format may be computer-based or paper-and-pencil depending on the testing option; duration is approximately 4 hours, open book per ICC rules. Allowed materials are the relevant codebooks permitted by ICC. Topics include code compliance, drainage/venting/water supply, fixtures, and New Hampshire laws and rules. Retake procedures follow ICC and board policy.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial.
Contact the Plumbers’ Licensing Board to confirm current exam registration procedures with ICC, fees, and documentation required for application and renewal.
Sources: New Hampshire Plumbers’ Licensing Board | International Code Council
Master Plumber
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Plumbers’ Licensing Board — https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/plumber.htm
Who this license is for
Experienced plumbers who design, plan, and supervise plumbing work and take responsibility for code compliance and coordination across projects.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Experience: Generally requires holding a journeyman license and additional years of documented plumbing experience, including design and supervisory responsibilities.
- Education: Advanced knowledge of plumbing system design, code interpretation, and New Hampshire statutes and rules governing the trade.
- Exam: ICC Master Plumber Examination (NH program). May be computer-based or paper-and-pencil; approximately 4 hours, open book per ICC rules. Allowed materials are the relevant codebooks approved by ICC. Topics include advanced code application, system design/sizing, supervision/inspection roles, and New Hampshire laws and rules. Retakes follow ICC and board procedures.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial.
Contact the Plumbers’ Licensing Board to confirm fees, exam registration steps with ICC, and any documentation required for licensure and renewal.
Sources: New Hampshire Plumbers’ Licensing Board | International Code Council
HVAC Licenses in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not list a standalone state HVAC or mechanical contractor license in the datasets referenced here. HVAC work in practice intersects with plumbing and fuel-gas systems and is subject to local building/trade permits and inspections in the city or town where the project is located. Contractors should ensure they or their subcontractors hold any required state trade licenses (for example, plumbing when applicable) and pull the correct local permits before starting work.
What to do next
Confirm your project’s permit and inspection requirements with the local building department. For questions about state trade licensure that may overlap with HVAC work, contact OPLC at https://www.oplc.nh.gov/professional-licensing.
General Contractor Licenses in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not issue a statewide general contractor license. Firms and individuals performing general building, remodeling, or construction management should register their business with the Secretary of State, maintain required insurances, and obtain local building permits for each project jurisdiction. When scopes include licensed trades (e.g., electrical or plumbing), those portions must be performed or supervised by New Hampshire-licensed professionals.
What to do next
Before bidding or starting work, contact the local building department in the city or town where the project is located to confirm permits, plan reviews, inspections, and any project-specific documentation requirements.
Roofing Licenses in New Hampshire
There is no separate statewide roofing contractor license in New Hampshire. Roofing projects are governed by local building codes and permit/inspection processes administered by municipal building departments. Contractors should follow local permitting procedures and ensure compliance with applicable code editions used by the jurisdiction.
What to do next
Verify permit, plan submittal, and inspection requirements with the local building department where the roof work will occur. Maintain business registration and any insurance required by your clients or municipality.
Specialty Trade Licenses in New Hampshire
New Hampshire regulates several specialty activities at the state level beyond the core building trades. Two common examples are water well drilling and pesticide application. These credentials are administered by agencies outside of OPLC and carry trade-specific qualification and renewal requirements.
Well Driller License
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services — Water Well Program — https://www.des.nh.gov
Scope
Drilling and construction of water wells in accordance with New Hampshire standards and RSA 482-B. Licensees must protect groundwater resources and adhere to technical and environmental safeguards established by NHDES.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Experience: Documented experience in drilling and constructing water wells consistent with state standards and RSA 482-B.
- Knowledge: Hydrogeology, well construction standards, environmental protection requirements, and applicable statutes and rules.
- Exam: An examination is required; verify current testing procedures with NHDES.
Renewal
- Cycle: Periodic as set by NHDES.
Contact NHDES to confirm application and renewal fees, documentation, and any continuing education or recordkeeping requirements.
Source: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services – Water Well Program
Pesticide Applicator License
Regulatory Authority: New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food — Division of Pesticide Control — https://www.agriculture.nh.gov
Scope
Commercial and certain non-commercial pesticide application activities within New Hampshire. License categories and standards are administered by the Division of Pesticide Control, focusing on safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Experience/Knowledge: Applicants typically must demonstrate knowledge and, for some categories, experience in safe pesticide use, application techniques, and environmental protection.
- Education: Training or self-study covering federal and state pesticide laws, safety, environmental impacts, and label interpretation, with category-specific knowledge for commercial applicators.
- Exam: An examination is required; verify testing procedures, scheduling, and passing criteria with the Division of Pesticide Control.
Renewal
- Cycle: Periodic as set by the Department of Agriculture.
Contact the Division of Pesticide Control to confirm application fees, category requirements, continuing education, and renewal procedures.
Source: New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food – Division of Pesticide Control
Application Process
- Confirm whether your scope requires a state trade license (e.g., electrician, plumber, well driller, pesticide applicator) or only local building permits.
- For state-licensed trades, obtain and complete the appropriate board application via OPLC. Include proof of required experience and training, and submit exam results where applicable.
- Register your business with the New Hampshire Secretary of State and set up any required tax accounts with the Department of Revenue Administration if you will operate as a contractor.
- Secure workers’ compensation coverage if you have employees and general liability insurance at levels required by your clients or municipalities.
- Contact the local building department where work will occur and obtain all necessary building and trade permits before starting a project.
Timeline: Approximately 4–8 weeks for state trade licenses, depending on board review times and exam scheduling.
Reciprocity
New Hampshire boards may consider reciprocity or endorsement for electricians and plumbers who hold equivalent licenses from other jurisdictions. Each application is reviewed against current board standards, including verification of examinations and experience. Always confirm eligibility, documentation, and any conditions directly with the appropriate New Hampshire board before applying for reciprocity or endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in New Hampshire?
For state-licensed trades, plan for about 4–8 weeks, depending on board workload, completeness of your application, and exam scheduling and score reporting.
Can I transfer my license from another state to New Hampshire?
Possibly. The Electricians’ Board and the Plumbers’ Licensing Board may grant reciprocity or endorsement when out-of-state credentials and exams are deemed equivalent. Contact the relevant board to confirm current reciprocity policies and documentation requirements.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies are set by the exam provider and the licensing board. Review the exam bulletin and board rules for any waiting periods, fees, and rescheduling procedures before booking your next attempt.
Do I need insurance?
State boards may require certain documentation with an application, and many clients or municipalities expect proof of general liability and, when applicable, workers’ compensation. Verify project-specific expectations with your client and the local building department.
How do I renew my license?
Electrical and plumbing licenses renew biennially. Specialty license renewal timing is set by the respective agencies (e.g., NHDES for well drillers, Department of Agriculture for pesticide applicators). Check your board or agency’s portal for due dates and any continuing requirements.
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
Local building departments administer permits, inspections, and code compliance for construction work. Always verify local permitting and documentation requirements with the municipality where the project is located, even when a state trade license is already held.
Where can I find practice tests for New Hampshire exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for select New Hampshire trade exams. Each guide typically includes 1,500–2,500 code-focused questions, answer keys for every question, and reference locators pointing to the exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace; 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.
- Business, Law, and Project Management (NASCLA) Reference Practice Test
- Installing Hardwood Flooring NOFMA - Reference Practice Test
- National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017 Practice Test
- New Hampshire Electrical Re-Licensing Practice Test
Related Official Resources
Official Sources for Further Details:
-
New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)
https://www.oplc.nh.gov/professional-licensing
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-31 -
New Hampshire Joint Board of Licensure and Certification
https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-31 -
New Hampshire Electricians’ Board
https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/electricians.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-31 -
New Hampshire Plumbers’ Licensing Board
https://www.nh.gov/jtboard/plumber.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-31 -
International Code Council – Contractor/Trade Licensing (NH Plumbers)
https://www.iccsafe.org
Exam Provider | Accessed: 2026-07-31 -
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services – Water Well Program
https://www.des.nh.gov
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-31 -
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food – Division of Pesticide Control
https://www.agriculture.nh.gov
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-07-31
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 Multiple Authorities – See research notes:
- Website: https://www.oplc.nh.gov
- Phone: 603-271-2152
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Permits: Even when a state trade license is not required, local building and trade permits are typically mandatory. Always confirm with your local building department before starting work.