State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in New Hampshire

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in New Hampshire

2. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in New Hampshire?

3. Types of Roofing Licenses in New Hampshire

4. Steps to Get a Roofing License in New Hampshire

5. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in New Hampshire?

6. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in New Hampshire?

7. New Hampshire Roofer Training Programs and Schools

8. New Hampshire Roofing Licensing Exam Details

9. Do I Need to Renew My New Hampshire Roofing License?

10. Continuing Education

11. Does New Hampshire Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

12. National Roofing Certifications

We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work. 

There are 168,100 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and New Hampshire employs 300 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% by 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in New Hampshire is slightly higher than the national average at 9% for roofers. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the roofing industry, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of New Hampshire.

Roofing License Requirements in New Hampshire

There is no New Hampshire contractor license or roofing license. In addition, municipalities have minimal requirements. All businesses operating in the state must register with the Secretary of State’s office. Contracting businesses typically need to obtain workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees, and in some cases, purchase general liability insurance or surety bonds. 

In addition, roofers must follow New Hampshire Roofing Codes, which are adapted from the International Code Council’s International Building Code. This includes the requirement of fire-resistant roofing materials.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in New Hampshire?

There’s no roofing license in New Hampshire. Business licenses are granted by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration Secretary of State’s office. Contractors must check local jurisdictions for any requirements.

Types of Roofing Licenses in New Hampshire

Since New Hampshire doesn’t regulate contractor licensing, there are no different types of licenses for roofing.

However, New Hampshire issues state-level licenses for several specialty trades, including plumbers, electricians, asbestos abatement, and lead abatement. A state license is not required for HVAC work. The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) oversees professional licensing boards across the state, including: 

• Electricians’ Board

• Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board (formerly the New Hampshire Department of Safety)

• The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

Steps to Get a Roofing License in New Hampshire

Since there’s no roofing license required in the state, the process to get started is pretty simple:

1. Register with the Secretary of State, following its online application process.

2. Pay a $100 registration fee.

3. Obtain workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

4. Meet any local requirements in the jurisdiction you intend to conduct business. For example, Manchester requires a $5,000 surety bond. 

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly. 

ServiceTitan features:

• 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 the average ticket

• 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 a Roofing License in New Hampshire?

A state business license fee is $100. There are also costs associated with obtaining the required insurance and, in some instances, surety bonds.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in New Hampshire?

There are no contractor license requirements, including work experience or education, to become a roofing contractor in New Hampshire, meaning the process to get started is relatively quick. Contractors simply have to obtain a business license.

For specialty trades, the process takes longer. For example, a journeyman electrician requires 8,000 hours of experience.

New Hampshire Roofer Training Programs and Schools

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout New Hampshire that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

• Keene State College | Keene | BS in Construction Management — 4 years

• NHTI – Concord’s Community College | Concord | AS in Architectural Engineering Technology — 2 years

• Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester | BS in Construction Management — 4 years

New Hampshire Roofing Licensing Exam Details

There is no required exam to work as a roofer or building contractor in the state of New Hampshire.

Do I Need to Renew My New Hampshire Roofing License?

Trade names must be renewed with the Secretary of State every five years. In addition, businesses must pay an annual filing fee of $100 to keep their business license active.

Continuing Education

New Hampshire doesn’t require roofers to complete continuing education in order to renew their license. 

Does New Hampshire Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Because New Hampshire doesn't issue a roofing or general contractor license at the state level, there are no license reciprocity agreements with other states.

National and State Roofing Certifications

Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. 

You can also learn more about certification and roofing in New Hampshire through one of the industry associations in the state, such as:

• North East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA)

• Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

• Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.

• Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.

• Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.

There are state licensing requirements and licensing boards for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get a specialty contractor license for trades like HVAC, plumbing, general contracting, or electrician in New Hampshire, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.