Plumber License Requirements in New Hampshire
| Licensing Authority | Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board (OPLC) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: minimum 3,000 hours of on-the-job training. Master: must have been a licensed journeyman plumber for at least 6 months. |
| Exam Required | Yes — NH Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 3-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $90 |
| Initial License Fee | $310 |
| Est. Initial Total | $475 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Apprentice plumber application/renewal | $88 |
| Journeyman plumber renewal | $180 |
| License verification fee | $10 |
Renewal: $300 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
NH Master Plumber Exam
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.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →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 Plumber
Entry level — must work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
3,000 hours of on-the-job training
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
6 months as licensed journeyman plumber
Exam: Required
You're licensed in New Hampshire as a plumber — 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.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber; 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.
Bond: none required by the state.
New Hampshire does not require a surety bond for this license.
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→
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 plumber 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $300. Continuing education: 6 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in New Hampshire
- General Contractor license in New Hampshire
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in New Hampshire
Statewide license required · $360 in initial government fees · OPLC
- HVAC Technician license in New Hampshire
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Roofing Contractor license in New Hampshire
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in New Hampshire?
Yes, New Hampshire requires a statewide plumber license through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in New Hampshire?
The estimated initial cost is $475, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in New Hampshire?
Journeyman: minimum 3,000 hours of on-the-job training. Master: must have been a licensed journeyman plumber for at least 6 months.
What exams are required for a plumber license in New Hampshire?
You must pass the NH Master Plumber Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in New Hampshire?
Processing time is typically 3-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in New Hampshire?
Yes, 6 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in New Hampshire— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: OPLC