Licensing Guides
New Hampshire Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in New Hampshire
Electrical, NH
May 15th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in New Hampshire
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in New Hampshire
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in New Hampshire?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in New Hampshire?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in New Hampshire?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in New Hampshire?
Does My New Hampshire Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in New Hampshire?
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in New Hampshire?
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in New Hampshire?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in New Hampshire?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in New Hampshire.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 3,480 in New Hampshire.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. In New Hampshire, that growth rate is projected at 14%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in New Hampshire in July 2025 totaled 32,200, a decrease of 100 (-0.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 3,500 (12%) from February 2020. So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in New Hampshire
Is a license required for electricians in New Hampshire? Yes.
To legally perform electrical work in the state of New Hampshire, you must be licensed. The Board of Electricians within the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) issues licenses for Journeyman Electricians, Master Electricians, and high/medium voltage electricians. The state also requires apprentice electricians and high/medium voltage trainees to register with the board.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in New Hampshire
To get an electrical license in New Hampshire, follow these steps:
Be at least 18 years old.
Complete on-the-job electrical training and additional education.
Submit an application to the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
Pass an electrical exam, if applicable.
Pay all applicable fees.
How to Become an Electrician in New Hampshire
To become a licensed electrician in New Hampshire, you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet the experience and/or education requirements.
Pass an electrical exam, if applicable.
Pay all applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each registration or license.
ELECTRICIAN APPRENTICE REGISTRATION
Work experience: Electrician apprentices must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, unless the individual is in a board-approved youth apprenticeship program for high school students. They must be employed by a licensed master electrician or business. The OPLC lists approved apprentice instructional programs and other information on its apprentice requirements page.
Apply for license: Submit an apprentice registration application to the OPLC. The registration must be renewed each year.
Pay fees: Pay the $33 application fee.
Limitations: Apprentices must work under the supervision of a licensed Master or Journeyman electrician.
Note: Apprentices who have not received Journeyman status before their fifth renewal must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education instruction before renewing.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Those seeking a Journeyman Electrician license must have a minimum of 8,000 hours (four years) of verified on-the-job electrical training, with a certification for each place of employment in the electrical trade. They must also complete at least 600 hours of education.
Apply for license: Submit an application to the OPLC.
Pay fees: Pay the $110 fee.
Pass exam: Pass the Journeyman Electrician license exam. The exam is administered by Prov and costs $90. More information may be found in the Prov candidate information bulletin.
Increased authority: Licensed Journeymen may supervise apprentices.
Limitations: A journeyman must be employed by a New Hampshire licensed Master Electrician or a licensed business.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Those seeking a Master Electrician license must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of verified on-the-job training as a licensed Journeyman.
Apply for license: Submit an application to the OPLC.
Pay fees: Pay the $198 fee.
Pass exam: Pass the Master Electrician license exam. The exam is administered by Prov and costs $90. More information may be found in the Prov candidate information bulletin.
Increased authority: While a Master Electrician may be employed by another Master Electrician, they may also be an electrical business owner.
HIGH/MEDIUM VOLTAGE ELECTRICIAN TRAINEE REGISTRATION
Work experience: High/medium voltage electrician trainees must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They must be employed by a licensed employer.
Apply for license: Submit a trainee registration application to the OPLC.
Pay fees: Pay the $66 fee. Renew registration each year.
Limitations: Trainees must work under the supervision of a high/medium voltage electrician.
HIGH/MEDIUM VOLTAGE ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Show proof of successfully completing a board-approved state, national, or employer certification program.
Apply for license: Submit an application to the OPLC.
Pay fees: Pay the $198 fee.
Increased authority: The licensee may also own a business performing high/medium voltage electrical work.
Limitations: This license is for electrical installations on high/medium voltage power distribution systems operating at over 600 volts.
ELECTRICAL OR HIGH/MEDIUM VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL CORPORATION OR PARTNERSHIP LICENSE
LICENSING REQUIREMENT: Electrical corporations must have at least one officer or employee licensed as a Master Electrician. In a partnership, one of the members must be a licensed Master Electrician. The high/medium voltage business license requires at least one licensed high/medium voltage electrician.
Apply for license: Submit an initial application form to the OPLC.
Pay fees: Pay the $137 fee.
Increased authority: The board issues a corporation or partnership identification card to the Master Electrician or high/medium voltage electrician in charge of electrical business affairs.
Note: A corporation includes limited liability companies. A partnership includes limited liability partnerships and limited partnerships. Corporations and partnerships must be registered with the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Office.
The Electricians’ Board website provides a FAQ page answering commonly asked questions about electrical licensing.
Types of Electrical Licenses in New Hampshire
What are the different types of electrician licenses in New Hampshire? There are five types of individual licenses or registrations and one type of business license.
Electrician Apprentice Registration
An apprentice is engaged in learning and assisting electrical installations under the direct supervision of a Master or Journeyman electrician.
Journeyman Electrician License
A Journeyman Electrician installs electrical wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, and other electrical equipment. A Journeyman Electrician must be employed by a New Hampshire licensed Master Electrician or a licensed business.
Master Electrician License
A Master Electrician may be employed by another Master Electrician. Or they may own an electrical business and perform electrical installations as their principal or auxiliary business. They may also hire others to perform electrical work.
High/Medium Voltage Electrician Trainee Registration
A high/medium voltage electrician trainee is a person engaged in learning and assisting electrical installations on high/medium voltage power distribution systems operating at over 600 volts.
High/Medium Voltage Electrician License
A high/medium voltage electrician performs electrical installations on high/medium voltage power distribution systems operating at over 600 volts, including associated controls and metering, as a principal or auxiliary business for their own account. They may also hire others to perform this work.
Electrical or High/Medium Voltage Electrical Corporation or Partnership License
An electrical corporation or partnership license permits corporations and partnerships to engage in the business of electrical installations. In a corporation, one or more officers or employees must be a licensed Master Electrician. In a partnership, one of the members must be a licensed Master Electrician. For the high/medium voltage license, one of the officers, employers, or members must be a licensed high/medium voltage electrician.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in New Hampshire
There are many benefits to obtaining your electrical license in New Hampshire.
First and most importantly, New Hampshire requires electricians of every level to register or hold a license.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the start as an electrical apprentice.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise, your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in New Hampshire?
The annual mean salary for electricians in New Hampshire is $65,780 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience.
An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In New Hampshire those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $61,600
Intermediate (2-4 years): $72,300
Senior (4-7 years): $77,900
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in New Hampshire?
The cost of an electrician license varies depending on the license. The New Hampshire Electricians’ Board provides a current fee schedule on its website:
Apprentice Electrician Registration: $33
Electrician Journeyman License: $110
Master Electrician License: $198
High/Medium Voltage Electrician Trainee License: $66
High/Medium Voltage Electrician License: $198
Electrical Corporation License: $137
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in New Hampshire?
The minimum amount of time it takes to get a journeyman electrician license is four years. The state requires journeyman electrician applicants to complete four years (8,000 hours) of field experience and 600 hours of board-approved education. It takes an additional two years working as a journeyman before you can apply for a master electrician license.
The great news is that as an apprentice in the electrical trade, you earn a wage from the very beginning. Compensation increases as you acquire more training and knowledge and become a licensed Journeyman Electrician. As a licensed Master Electrician, you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
New Hampshire Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in New Hampshire. The Electricians’ Board provides a list of approved apprentice instructional programs.
ApprenticeshipNH connects applicants with registered apprenticeships throughout the state. In addition, there are a number of training programs offering electrician apprenticeships for hands-on training and completion of electrical courses. These include:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 490 JATC, in partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association
Apprentice positions on job listing sites such as Indeed or ZipRecruiter
Some community colleges offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electrical Technology or Electrical Power and Control Technologies. These include:
Lakes Region Community College in Laconia
Manchester Community College in Manchester
Tuition: Tuition cost depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are fully paid by your employer with required good grades. A New Hampshire state resident who enrolls in a community college can expect to pay about $6,952 per year in tuition.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED high school equivalent degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, perform troubleshooting, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in New Hampshire, check out our post — Electrician Schools in New Hampshire: The Ultimate Guide.
New Hampshire Electrician Licensing Exam Details
In New Hampshire, Journeyman and Master Electricians must pass a licensing exam. The Electricians' Board provides applicants with exam information after application approval.
Prov administers the electrical exams in New Hampshire. It provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information. Both the Journeyman and Master Electrical exam cost $90. The exams are open book with approved references.
The Journeyman Electrician exam consists of 110 questions and has a four-hour, 30 minute time limit. The Master Electrician exam has 126 questions and a five-hour time limit. A passing score is 70% or more.
Topics for both exams include:
General electrical knowledge
Equipment for general use
Motors and generators
Control devices
Special conditions
Special equipment
Special occupancies
Services and service equipment
Branch circuits and conductors
Feeders
Wiring methods and materials
Administrative
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in New Hampshire?
Those who complete an apprenticeship will receive the work experience, training, and fundamental knowledge necessary to take a licensing exam.
Prov recommends candidates prepare for their state exams by familiarizing themselves with the exam references. The candidate information bulletin lists all the references for each exam.
Approved references include the NFPA 70 - National Electric Code (NEC) by the National Fire Protection Association; the American Electrician’s Handbook, 17th Edition, by McGraw Hill Publishing Inc.; and New Hampshire laws and rules.
Prov also offers practice examinations for exam prep.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in New Hampshire?
The Board of Electricians within the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) issues licenses for Journeyman Electricians, Master Electricians, and high/medium voltage trainees and electricians. The state also requires apprentice electricians to register with the board.
The OPLC is located at 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301. The Board of Electricians may be reached by email at OPLCLicensing4@oplc.nh.gov. The main OPLC phone number is (603) 271-2152.
Does My New Hampshire Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, if you have a New Hampshire electrician license you can apply for a reciprocal license in several other states (see reciprocity requirements below). You’ll still need to apply for the license in that state and meet licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Electricians’ Board has two types of reciprocal agreements in place. The board has long-standing agreements with Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont for Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses.
The state’s electrical safety section participates in the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA). This allows reciprocal licensing for only journeyman licenses with the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Those seeking a reciprocal license must apply for the license with the appropriate state agency and meet licensing requirements. Additional information may be found on OPLC electricians’ licensing requirements page and the reciprocity page.
National Electrical Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in New Hampshire?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in New Hampshire. Scholarships are awarded through the state, trade schools, trade organizations, and colleges. The state offers the Unique Annual Allocation Program to provide financial help to students attending undergraduate programs at eligible institutions.
Other scholarship opportunities or scholarship directories include:
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in New Hampshire?
Potential clients or employees may verify your electrical license through the New Hampshire Online Licensing page. Search by:
Profession
License type
Name
License number
Business license
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in New Hampshire?
A suspended electrical license means the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the reasons electrical licenses can be suspended or revoked in New Hampshire include:
Violating any of the state statutes or the board’s administrative rules.
Failing to comply with local requirements regulating electrical installations.
Performing negligent or willful acts that negatively affect the health or safety of employees or others.
Failing to cooperate with a board inspector or administrative investigation.
Failing to comply with a board sanction.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information, refer to New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated RSA 319-C and New Hampshire Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in New Hampshire?
Performing electrical contracting work without a license for electrical work of 30 volts or higher is illegal in New Hampshire. A person who performs electrical work without holding a license can be charged with a misdemeanor and may be prosecuted in a court of law.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information, refer to New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated RSA 319-C and New Hampshire Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Both Journeyman and Master license holders must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education instruction every electrical code cycle. Of the 15 hours, at least one hour must cover the following: changes to RSA 319-C, changes to the board’s rules, and electrical installation concerns. The continuing education certificates of completion must be submitted to the OPLC through a CE broker.
The board provides a list of approved continuing education providers on its electricians’ education information page.
Journeyman, master, high/medium voltage electrician, and electrical corporation licenses must be renewed every two years. Apprentices and trainees must renew their identification card every year. Electricians renew licenses online through the New Hampshire Online Licensing online portal.
License renewal fees are as follows:
Apprentice Electrician Registration: $33
Electrician Journeyman License: $110
Master Electrician License: $198
High/Medium Voltage Electrician Trainee License: $66
High/Medium Voltage Electrician License: $198
Electrical Corporation License: $137
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrical industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
