Navigating New Hampshire's electrician licensing landscape requires precise adherence to the rules set by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Electricians' Board. The state offers distinct license tiers from Apprentice to Master, each with specific experience and education pathways governed by state law. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the requirements, application processes, fees, and examination details you'll need to become a licensed electrician in New Hampshire.
Do You Need an Electrician License in New Hampshire?
Yes, any individual performing electrical work for compensation in New Hampshire must hold a valid license issued by the OPLC Electricians' Board. Per state regulations, apprentice electricians must register with the office for any work involving installations of 30 volts or more. Working without the proper license is illegal and can lead to penalties and disciplinary action from the board.
New Hampshire Electrician License Tiers
New Hampshire offers several electrician license tiers, each with a defined scope of work.
- Apprentice Electrician: An individual in training who must be registered with the state and work under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician.
- Journeyman Electrician: A licensed professional qualified to perform electrical installations under the general supervision of a Master Electrician.
- Master Electrician: A licensed professional qualified to plan, layout, and supervise the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment.
- High/Medium Voltage Electrician: A specialist licensed for work on high and medium voltage systems.
- High/Medium Voltage Trainee: An individual registered to train for the High/Medium Voltage Electrician license.
- Electrical Corporation: A business entity, such as a corporation or LLC, that is licensed to offer electrical contracting services.
New Hampshire Electrician License Requirements by Tier
The requirements for licensure in New Hampshire vary significantly by the type of license you are seeking.
Apprentice Electrician (Registration)
Apprentice electricians must register with the OPLC Electricians' Board to legally work and accumulate the hours needed for a Journeyman license.
- Complete the Application for Electrician Apprentice or High/Medium Voltage Trainee.
- Submit the required application fee.
- Work under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician.
Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
To qualify for a Journeyman Electrician license, applicants must meet specific experience, education, and examination criteria as defined in RSA 319-C:7.
- Experience: Completion of 8,000 hours of service as a registered apprentice electrician.
- Education: Completion of not less than 600 hours of electrical education that meets criteria established by the board.
- Examination: Successful passage of the board-approved Journeyman electrician examination.
- Credit: The board may grant credit toward the 8,000-hour service requirement for the satisfactory completion of a board-recognized course of instruction or for relevant experience received in military service.
Master Electrician License Requirements
The Master Electrician license has the same statutory experience and education requirements as the Journeyman license but involves a different, more comprehensive examination.
- Experience: Completion of 8,000 hours of service as an apprentice electrician.
- Education: Completion of not less than 600 hours of electrical education that meets criteria established by the board.
- Examination: Successful passage of the board-approved Master Electrician examination.
- Credit: The board may also grant credit for relevant military experience or approved instructional courses.
High/Medium Voltage Electrician License Requirements
Applicants for this specialty license must show proof of specialized training or experience.
- Successfully complete a state, national, or employer certification program approved by the board.
- Alternatively, for those applying before January 1, 2003, proof of at least five years of employment as a high/medium voltage electrician with a company that has an approved training program was required.
Electrical Corporation License Requirements
A business entity performing electrical work must obtain an Electrical Corporation license. The license application must be completed by a qualified Master Electrician associated with the corporation.
The New Hampshire Electrician License Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for your Journeyman or Master Electrician license in New Hampshire.
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you have completed and can document the required 8,000 hours of apprentice service and 600 hours of education.
- Gather Documentation: Collect transcripts, proof of work hours, and any other required forms. Apprentices must submit a Signature Card.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate initial application form for the Journeyman, Master, or High/Medium Voltage Electrician license.
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail the completed application, all required documents, and a check or money order for the application fee to the OPLC office in Concord.
- Receive Exam Approval: Once the board approves your application, you will be notified that you are eligible to take the licensing exam.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam: Contact the board-approved testing service to schedule and pass your examination.
- Receive Your License: After passing the exam, the board will issue your license certificate, which must be displayed at your principal place of business or carried with you.
New Hampshire Electrician License Exam Details
To earn a Journeyman or Master Electrician license in New Hampshire, candidates must pass a state-approved examination.
Exam Providers
Examinations are administered by state-approved testing services, including ProV and ProMetric (for computer-based testing). Candidates should consult the official Candidate Bulletin from the exam provider for the most current information on exam format, content, and scheduling.
Exam Content
The exams are designed to test your fitness to perform electrical work safely and competently. They typically cover topics from the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), state laws (RSA 319-C), and board rules. Specific details on the number of questions and time limits are published by the exam provider.
How to Register and Schedule Your Exam
After your license application is approved by the OPLC Electricians' Board, you will receive notification of your eligibility to test. You must then contact the approved testing service directly to schedule your exam. Your eligibility to test is typically valid for a specific period; confirm the current eligibility window with the board.
Exam Fees
There are fees associated with the examination process that are paid to the OPLC.
- Initial License Exam Fee: $50.00
- Relicensing Exam Fee: $25.00
New Hampshire Electrician License Fees
The OPLC Electricians' Board publishes a detailed fee schedule for all license types and actions.
| Fee Type | Apprentice / Trainee | Journeyman | Master / High-Medium Voltage | Electrical Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30.00 | $133.00 | $213.00 | $175.00 |
| Renewal Fee | $30.00 | $100.00 | $180.00 | $125.00 |
| Reinstatement Fee | $30.00 | $133.00 | $213.00 | $175.00 |
| Certificate Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| License Verification Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Insurance and Bonding Requirements for NH Electricians
No statewide general liability bond requirement is published in RSA 319-C. However, all electrical businesses should carry adequate liability insurance to protect against property damage and job-site accidents. Applicants and business owners must confirm current insurance and bonding requirements directly with the New Hampshire OPLC Electricians' Board and local municipalities before beginning work.
New Hampshire Electrician License Renewal and Continuing Education
New Hampshire electrician licenses must be renewed every two years from the date of issuance to remain valid.
Renewal Cycle
All electrician licenses expire two years from the date they are issued. The OPLC provides an online renewal portal for licenses that have not yet expired. If your license has expired, you must submit a reinstatement application.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
Specific continuing education is required to maintain your license.
- Master and Journeyman Licensees: You must complete 15 hours of instruction on changes to the latest published edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). This must be completed within 12 months of the January 1 following the code's publication date. At least one of the 15 hours must cover changes to New Hampshire RSA 319-C, board rules, and installation concerns.
- Apprentice Licensees: Upon the fifth renewal of an apprentice registration, the apprentice must show proof of completing 30 hours of classroom instruction.
New Hampshire Electrician License Reciprocity and Endorsement
New Hampshire offers licensure by endorsement (reciprocity) for out-of-state licensed electricians who meet specific criteria. The OPLC maintains updated information regarding reciprocity on its website.
Eligibility for Endorsement
To be eligible for a license by endorsement, an applicant must:
- Hold a current, equivalent license in another state with licensing standards that are substantially similar to New Hampshire's.
- Have at least one year of professional experience in the specific license category they are applying for.
Application Process for Reciprocity
Applicants seeking reciprocity should consult the OPLC's "Reciprocity" page for the most current rules and application forms. The process typically involves submitting an application, paying the required fee, and providing verification of your license and standing from your original licensing state.
How to Verify an Electrician License in New Hampshire
You can verify the status of any New Hampshire electrician license using the official OPLC License Lookup portal. This tool is essential for consumers to confirm that an electrician is properly licensed and in good standing before hiring them, and for contractors to verify the credentials of potential employees.
Starting an Electrical Business in New Hampshire
In addition to individual licensure, starting an electrical contracting business requires several other steps.
- Business Registration: Register your business entity with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
- Electrical Corporation License: Apply for an Electrical Corporation license from the OPLC Electricians' Board. This requires having a licensed Master Electrician associated with the business.
- Federal and Local Requirements: Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and check with local city or town clerks for any additional municipal business permits or registration requirements.
How do I get an electrician license in New Hampshire?
To get a Journeyman or Master electrician license, you must complete 8,000 hours of apprentice service, complete 600 hours of approved education, file an application with the OPLC Electricians' Board, and pass a state-approved licensing examination.
What are the experience requirements for a Journeyman Electrician in NH?
A Journeyman applicant must document the completion of 8,000 hours of service as a registered apprentice electrician, per RSA 319-C:7. Credit may be given for approved schooling or military experience.
Is an exam required to become a licensed electrician in New Hampshire?
Yes, an exam is required for both the Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses. The examinations are administered by board-approved providers like ProV and ProMetric.
How much does an electrician license cost in New Hampshire?
The initial application fee is $133.00 for a Journeyman license and $213.00 for a Master license. There is also a separate $50.00 initial license exam fee.
Can I renew my NH electrical license online?
Yes, you can renew a current, unexpired license through the OPLC's online renewal portal. Expired licenses require a paper reinstatement application.
How do I renew my Electrical license in New Hampshire?
Licenses must be renewed every two years. You can renew online before your license expires by paying the renewal fee ($100 for Journeyman, $180 for Master) and attesting to the completion of required continuing education.
What happens if my New Hampshire electrician license expires?
If your license expires, you cannot legally perform electrical work. If it has been expired for less than one year, you must submit a reinstatement application and pay the reinstatement fee. If it has been expired for more than one year, you may need to re-apply as a new applicant.
Does New Hampshire offer reciprocity for electrician licenses?
Yes, New Hampshire offers licensure by endorsement. Applicants must hold a substantially equivalent license from another state and have at least one year of professional experience in the licensure category they are seeking.
How do I check the status of an electrician's license in New Hampshire?
You can verify a license by using the online License Lookup tool on the official New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) website.