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Electrician License Requirements in New Hampshire

Licensing AuthorityOffice of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electricians Board (OPLC)
License TypeJourneyman / Master Electrician
Experience RequiredJourneyman: 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training under a master electrician, or equivalent work experience. Master: additional 4,000 hours (2 years) beyond journeyman level.
Exam RequiredYes — NH Master Electrician Exam
Bond RequiredNo
InsuranceGeneral liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing Education25 hours every 3 years
Processing Time3-6 weeks

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee$85
Exam Fee$110
Initial License Fee$165
Est. Initial Total$360

Related & additional fees

Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.

Master electrician renewal$180

Renewal: $100 every 3 years

Exam Requirements

NH Master Electrician Exam

125 questionsPass: 70%
Design and installation (50 questions)Current electrical code (50 questions)Electrical law (25 questions)

Exam provider: PSI

Recommended exam prep

Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Set up the business before you apply in New Hampshire

Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in New Hampshire. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Form an LLC with Northwest→

License Tiers

Apprentice

Entry level — registered with OPLC

Exam: Not required

Journeyman Electrician

8,000 hours (4-year apprenticeship) under master electrician

Exam: Required

Master Electrician

Additional 2 years (4,000 hours) beyond journeyman

Exam: Required

You're licensed in New Hampshire as an electrician — the next 30 days

Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

  1. Form the business and get an EIN.

    The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electricians Board issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician; the business that invoices New Hampshire customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.

  2. Bond: none required by the state.

    New Hampshire does not require a surety bond for this license.

  3. Carry general liability insurance.

    New Hampshire does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→

  4. Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.

    Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→

  5. Keep the license.

    Renewal is every 3 years at $100. Continuing education: 25 hours every 3 years.

Other licenses in New Hampshire

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an electrician license in New Hampshire?

Yes, New Hampshire requires a statewide electrician license through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electricians Board.

How much does an electrician license cost in New Hampshire?

The estimated initial cost is $360, including application, exam, and license fees.

What experience do I need for an electrician license in New Hampshire?

Journeyman: 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training under a master electrician, or equivalent work experience. Master: additional 4,000 hours (2 years) beyond journeyman level.

What exams are required for an electrician license in New Hampshire?

You must pass the NH Master Electrician Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.

How long does it take to get an electrician license in New Hampshire?

Processing time is typically 3-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Is continuing education required for electricians in New Hampshire?

Yes, 25 hours per every 3 years is required for license renewal.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: OPLC