- To get licensed, you need 8,000 hours of work and 600 hours of classes.
- Register as an apprentice to start.
- Pass the journeyman exam with at least 70%.
- After 2 years as a journeyman, apply for master license.
- NH licenses are accepted in many states.
The demand for skilled electrical workers in the Granite State is really high. The projected job growth is around 14% over the next decade in New Hampshire, which is much higher than the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 3,210 electricians currently work in New Hampshire, and this number is expected to rise sharply to meet the growing construction needs. The mean hourly wage of a licensed electrician in New Hampshire is about $28.70. In fact, New Hampshire electricians earn roughly 20% more than many electricians in other states. So, isn’t it worth pursuing a career in this trade?
However, becoming a licensed electrician in New Hampshire is a multi-step journey, but you will have job security and the potential to run your own electrical contracting business. The State of New Hampshire requires you to have a proper license to legally perform electrical work for the public, and understanding the entire licensing process might seem overwhelming.
In this guide, we will walk you through every phase of getting your New Hampshire electrical license, from apprentice electrician to journeyman license to master electrician license, with detailed licensing and exam requirements. We are also going to cover continuing education, active reciprocal agreements, renewal application fees, permits, electrical schooling, and apprenticeship programs.
Table of Contents
What Are the Different Types of Electrician Licenses in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Electricians Board issues electrical licenses at a few different levels, and each has its own scope of work and requirements. Here are the main types of electrical credentials in NH:
Apprentice Electrician
There is no separate apprentice license in New Hampshire. But you must register with the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Electricians’ Board and work under the supervision of a licensed electrician. As an apprentice, you can work independently, and you will be learning on the job and in the classroom. You need to pay a fee of $30 to obtain the apprentice identification card and renew it annually.
Journeyman Electrician License
Journeyman Electrician is the first level of full licensure. A journeyman can work unsupervised on electrical projects but must work under a Master Electrician who takes overall responsibility. To become a journeyman in NH, you need to complete the required training and experience and then pass the journeyman licensing exam.
Master Electrician License
The Master License is the highest level of electrician license. A master electrician can work on all types of electrical installations without limit and may operate an electrical contracting business and employ journeymen or apprentices. In New Hampshire, you must first be a licensed journeyman for at least two years before you can apply to become a master electrician. You must also pass a more advanced exam (master electrician exam) covering electrical design, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and state law.
High/Medium Voltage Electrician
New Hampshire also offers a separate license for those who work with utility-scale or high-voltage systems. This High/Medium Voltage Electrician license is specialized for work on systems over a certain voltage threshold, generally above 600 volts, such as power distribution networks. It has its own exam and requirements and often includes specific training in high-voltage safety. Like other licenses, high/medium voltage electricians must register and be licensed through the state. The fee for a high/medium voltage electrician license is typically lower than the standard master license.
Each of these license types requires you to complete continuing education to stay current. New Hampshire has adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) as of 2024, and as an electrician, you must complete 15 hours of code-update training each code cycle to renew your license and pay a renewal fee. Beginning in 2023, all New Hampshire electrician licenses expire every two years, so renewal is required biannually to keep your license active.
How to Get Your Electrical License in New Hampshire?
To get your New Hampshire Electrical License, you need to go through the required education, pass the journeyman exam, and then move forward with the master electrician license. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the key steps involved in getting your license:
Step 1: Meet The Basic Requirements
You should be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. New Hampshire does not explicitly state an age in the law, but most apprenticeship programs require adults who have completed high school. You will also need a valid driver’s license and must be able to pass a criminal background check with no disqualifying felonies. These basics make sure you are legally and safely eligible to start training as an electrician.
Step 2: Register As An Electrical Apprentice
To begin your electrical career, you have to start with an apprenticeship. You need to find an employer or union that will hire and sponsor you as an apprentice electrician. Once you are under training, you have to register with the NH Electricians’ Board as an apprentice and obtain your apprentice license ID card with a fee of $30. After that, you will have to accumulate the required hours and classroom education.
Step 3: Complete The Required Education and On-the-Job Training
As per the New Hampshire law, you need to complete at least 8,000 hours of practical work experience under supervision. At the same time, you must complete at least 600 hours of electrical schooling through approved courses or an apprenticeship training program. This classroom component covers the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, safety, and more. You can also attend night classes at a community college or trade school while working during the day, or go through a union apprenticeship program, which provides the classes. If you earn a two-year Associate Degree in electrical technology, that degree counts toward the education requirement as well.
Step 4: Apply for the Journeyman Electrician examination
Once you have completed the 8,000 hours of work and 600 hours of classes, you can apply to take the journeyman license exam. You will have to submit an application to the Electricians’ Board and provide documentation of your hours, like your employer’s sign-off, school transcripts or certificates, etc., and the required application fee of around $50 for the journeyman application. The Board will verify your eligibility and then authorize you to take the journeyman exam. This exam is administered by a third-party testing service like Pearson VUE or ICC (International Code Council) in NH.
The journeyman licensing exam in NH typically tests your knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), state laws, electrical theory, and practical wiring calculations. It is a comprehensive exam, and you need a score of at least 70% to pass. Once you pass the exam and your application is approved, you will be issued your New Hampshire Journeyman Electrician license. At that point, you are a fully licensed journeyman and can work unsupervised.
Step 5: Gain Experience As a Journeyman
If you want to become a Master Electrician and run your own jobs or business, you need to gain another 1 year of work experience as a licensed journeyman before you apply for the license. There are some electricians who choose to remain at the journeyman level their whole career, which is actually fine. However, they cannot independently contract or pull permits in their own name.
Step 6: Apply For And Pass The Master Electrician Exam
When you have met the experience requirement, you can apply for the Master Electrician license. The process is similar to that of the Journeyman Exam. You have to submit an application to the Board with proof of your journeyman license and hours, pay an application fee of about $50, and get approval to take the Master’s exam.
The master exam is more advanced and covers code, electrical theory/design, and New Hampshire-specific electrical laws (RSA 319-C). It is an open-book test where you can use the NEC codebook, the NH state law pamphlet, and other references. The exam has 125 questions and also requires you to score 70% to pass. Upon passing, you have to pay the license fee and receive your Master Electrician license, which allows you to operate as an electrical contractor in NH.
New Hampshire Licensing Exam Details
Both the master and journeyman license exams in New Hampshire are typically on electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and state-specific regulations. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the details of these exams:
Exam Component | Details |
Exam Format | NH uses third-party testing. It is Pearson VUE as of 2025. The Journeyman exam is a single session with mixed questions. The Master’s exam is divided into two sections. For general questions, it is closed book, and for code reference, it is open book. |
Journeyman Exam Content | Topics include: |
Master Exam Content | 125 questions: 50 on design and installation, 50 on NEC, 25 on NH laws. Open-book (NEC, RSA 319-C, Electricians Handbook). You must score 70% in each section to pass. You need to have deeper knowledge, including commercial calculations and business law. |
Testing Procedure | Computer-based testing at testing centers or possibly remotely. Scratch paper provided. Manage time well. Retakes are allowed with a wait and a fee. |
Exam Fees | $50 application fee to NH Board plus $100 for exam fees to Pearson VUE. |
Preparation Resources | Firstly, refer to the ICC Electrical Trades Exam Bulletin. Use NEC Codebook, RSA 319-C, Prov practice tests, and study guides. Focus on load calculations, NEC articles, and NH-specific law. |
How Long Does It Take to Become an Electrician in New Hampshire?
It takes an average of four to six years to become a fully licensed electrician in New Hampshire. However, it depends on how quickly you can complete the required training and whether you are pursuing a master’s license. If you want to become a journeyman, it generally takes 4 years to complete a traditional apprenticeship to qualify for the journeyman license. However, if you want to move forward and become a master electrician, you need at least one more year to qualify for it. However, many people spend a few years as a journeyman to gain confidence before attempting the master exam.
How Long Is Electrician School in New Hampshire?
An electrician school in New Hampshire can be as short as a 1-year certificate, as long as a 2-year degree, or as long as a 4-year part-time program. Some private trade schools offer shorter, intensive courses. For example, there might be a 12-month electrician certificate program, but you still need to get the remaining hours via apprenticeship or work.
So, if you are dedicating yourself full-time to an educational program, expect 2 years for an associate’s degree. If you go part-time through an apprenticeship, the schooling is spread over 4 years alongside work. There isn’t a huge rush because either way, you need around 4 years of experience, too. The main thing is that New Hampshire expects 600 classroom hours in total for you to qualify as a journeyman.
How to Become an Electrician in New Hampshire Without Going to School?
You can become an electrician in New Hampshire without going to school. You don’t necessarily need a college degree or full-time trade school to get licensed, but some form of classroom education is mandatory in New Hampshire.
Instead of attending a formal college program, you can do a state-approved apprenticeship program that includes part-time classes. This means you will be working for a licensed electrician and attending apprenticeship classes, usually a couple of nights a week. The classes might be run by trade associations, unions, or adult education programs. For example, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) NH/VT Chapter offers a program connecting apprentices with contractors and providing the necessary coursework. Similarly, IBEW Local 490’s apprenticeship is an on-the-job training plus classroom instruction model. In these cases, you are not going to school in the traditional sense of enrolling in a college, but you are getting the required education through the apprenticeship classes.
New Hampshire law requires one of the following educational credentials to qualify for the journeyman exam. Either 600 hours of approved electrical courses, an Associate Degree in electrical engineering or technology, or 10 years of experience as a licensed electrician in another state. So, if you don’t want to go to a formal school, you will need to take those 600 hours of classes via another method. However, apprenticeship night classes count, and even many employer-sponsored programs count as approved courses.
How Much Does It Cost in Total to Become an Electrician in New Hampshire?
The costs to become an electrician can be broken into education costs, licensing exam fees, and license fees. It also depends on the path you are taking to begin your electrical career. Let’s break down the key factors involved in getting your license:
Cost Category | Community College Path | Apprenticeship Path |
Education | $14,000–$16,000 tuition for 2 years plus $1,000–$3,000 for books and tools | $500–$2,000 total for classes and books (often subsidized) |
Apprentice Registration | – | $30 per year. It will add up to $120 for four years for renewal. |
Exam Prep Materials | $300–$600 for Code book and preparation courses. | $300–$600 |
Journeyman Exam Fees | $50 application plus $100 exam $150 | $50 application plus $100 exam, which is equal to $150 |
Journeyman License Fee | $100–$150 | $100–$150 |
Initial Tool Kit | Included in the tool estimates above | $200–$500 |
Continuing Education (15-hour course) | $100–$150 every 3 years | $100–$150 every 3 years |
Master License | $50 app plus $125 exam plus $270 license. It will be a total of $445 | $50 app plus $125 exam plus $270 license. It will be a total of $445 |
Renewals | $150 (Journeyman), $270 (Master) | $150 (Journeyman), $270 (Master) |
If we consider the key factors and the route you are taking, then the total cost estimate will be:
Path | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
Community College Path | $15,500 | $20,000 |
Apprenticeship Path | $2,500 | $4,000 |
How Much Is a New Hampshire Electrician License?
The state fee for the license itself is a couple of hundred dollars. To get your journeyman license initially, it will cost about $100-$150 total to the state. For a master license, the initial fee can range from $90 to $270, depending on the timing. The exam fee is typically $100.
You will also need to renew the licenses every 2 years. You must show 15 hours of code update class, and the cost for that class is often about $100. The renewal fee for the master license is $270.
Does New Hampshire Require a Contractor License?
No. New Hampshire is somewhat unique in that it does not have a statewide general contractor licensing requirement for most types of construction contractors. Unlike some states, you won’t find a “General Contractor License” that every builder must have. Contractor licensing in NH is handled mostly at the local level for general construction. In other words, electrical contractors must be licensed electricians, but there isn’t an additional “electrical contractor business license” on top of your master electrician license. However, you need to carry liability insurance, and if you have employees, then workers’ compensation insurance.
What States Does a New Hampshire Electrical License Reciprocate With?
As of 2025, New Hampshire has active reciprocal agreements with three nearby states: Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. If you hold a New Hampshire journeyman or master license in good standing, those states may grant you an equivalent license without requiring you to re-test, provided you meet their reciprocity application criteria. For example, Massachusetts will accept a NH journeyman license for reciprocity only if you obtained it by examination in NH.
Additionally, New Hampshire is a member of the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA). Through NERA, a New Hampshire Journeyman license can be more easily transferred to several other member states across the country. According to the NH Electricians’ Board, New Hampshire has reciprocal journeyman licensing agreements with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming through the NERA network. These agreements typically apply to journeyman licenses; some states may not extend them to master licenses except regionally.
Are Electricians in Demand in New Hampshire?
Yes, electricians are in high demand in New Hampshire. The projected growth rate for electrician jobs in NH is around 14% from 2023 to 2033, according to U.S. Department of Labor data. The construction industry in New Hampshire, including residential housing, commercial development, and burgeoning sectors like renewable energy installations, is driving this demand.
Once you’re licensed, you might get multiple job offers or have the ability to go self-employed confidently. It also means overtime opportunities if you want them. Contractors often have more work than they can handle with their current staff. So yes, New Hampshire is a great place to be an electrician in 2025 and beyond. The combination of an existing shortage and growing needs puts you in a strong position once you’re licensed.
How Much Do Electricians in New Hampshire Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for electricians in NH is about $37.75 per hour. This is significantly above the median wage for all occupations. In fact, New Hampshire electricians make about 20% more than the U.S. average for electricians.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the mean wages in New Hampshire based on the license and experience one has:
Apprentice Electrician: While training, apprentices earn less, of course, but it’s still decent. An apprentice electrician in NH makes around $24.37 per hour on average. That comes out to roughly $50,000 per year, including overtime of $6,000. Apprentices often start lower and climb toward $25/hour by the end of the apprenticeship as they gain skills.
Journeyman Electrician: Once you have your journeyman license, the pay jumps. Many journeymen in NH report wages around $35 to $45 per hour, depending on the region and type of work. According to Indeed data, the average is around $37.75 per hour for journeymen.. If you specialize in certain industrial projects, then you can earn even more.
Master Electrician: Master electricians, especially those who run their own contracting businesses, have the highest earning potential. As an employee, a master might earn a bit more hourly than a journeyman, $38.99 per hour on average. But if you own a contracting business, your income could be substantially higher or vary widely.
Specializations: Certain specialties might pay more. For example, industrial electricians or those skilled in PLCs and automation can earn premium wages. Electrical linemen, like utility high-voltage workers, who have a slightly different licensing path, also earn high pay, often above $80,000.
New Hampshire Training Programs and Electrician Schools
If you are looking to get the necessary training and education in New Hampshire, there are several programs and schools that can set you on the right path.
Here are some of the New Hampshire electrician training programs and schools:
Manchester Community College (MCC): MCC in Manchester, NH, offers a two-year Associate Degree in Electrical Technology. You will get a mix of classroom learning and hands-on lab work. The program covers the NEC, residential/commercial wiring, motors, transformers, and more. Tuition is approximately $8,000 per year for in-state students. Many MCC graduates go on to become apprentices or immediately test for their journeyman after completing work hour requirements.
Lakes Region Community College (LRCC): LRCC in Laconia, NH, has electrical programs where most students attend for two years. Tuition is roughly $7,000 per year in-state. LRCC partners with some apprenticeship sponsors, and you get a solid grounding in both theory and practical wiring.
New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades: This private trade school offers accelerated electrical courses, including a 600-hour Electrician Training Program for those pursuing licensure. They also offer continuing education courses for license renewal. This can be a good option if you want focused training outside of a college setting.
Adult Education and Apprenticeship Programs: Several local adult education programs partner with apprenticeship training. For example, Keene Community Education offers a four-year electrical apprenticeship night program, as does Laconia Adult Education and the Dover Regional Career Technical Center. These programs often use the NCCER or a similar curriculum and meet the state’s 600-hour requirement over 4 years. They are usually more affordable and scheduled conveniently for those working day jobs.
IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC): IBEW Local 490 (Concord) and Local 104. The union apprenticeship is a top-notch training avenue. Local 490 JATC in Concord covers inside wireman training (building electrician) in NH, and Local 104 covers outside lineman (which is more high-voltage line work across NH/MA/ME). The union program typically is 5 years; you earn while they learn, and classroom training is usually one or two nights a week at the union hall or training center. If accepted into the IBEW apprenticeship, you pay little out-of-pocket, mainly the cost of books, and you get a guaranteed wage schedule.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) NH/VT Apprenticeship: ABC is a merit-shop (non-union) trade organization. They run an apprenticeship program for electricians in NH that connects you with an employer and provides the classroom instruction required. Classes might be held at their training facility or local community colleges. This is another path if you prefer non-union companies.
High School CTE Programs: There are some high schools in NH that have electrical programs. For example, the Dover Regional CTC, Hudson (Alvirne High School) CTE, etc., allow juniors and seniors to start learning the electrical trade. After graduation, students from these programs may have advanced standing in an apprenticeship. If you are a high school student, it’s worth checking if your school district offers an electrician program.
When you are choosing a program, make sure that it is approved by the NH Electricians’ Board so that your hours count. The Board maintains a list of approved training providers. Most community college programs and major apprenticeship programs are on that list.
Do You Need a Permit for Electrical Work in New Hampshire?
Yes. In almost all cases, you do need an electrical permit for electrical work in New Hampshire, unless the work is very minor. New Hampshire state law, through the State Building Code, requires that any person doing electrical installations obtain a permit from the local building department before starting the work.
If you are performing any new installation, alteration, or significant repair of electrical wiring or equipment, you will require a permit. This includes things like installing new outlets or circuits, wiring a new addition or building, upgrading a service panel, installing light fixtures in new locations, doing a kitchen remodel’s wiring, etc.
What Electrical Work Can You Do Without a Permit in NH?
You can do a very limited amount of electrical work without a permit in New Hampshire. The scope of electrical work you can do without a permit in New Hampshire is very limited. The state exempts only minor repairs and maintenance from permitting. Based on the New Hampshire State Building Code and local interpretations, here are examples of what does not require a permit:
If You Are Replacing Bulbs, Fuses, or Breakers
Simply changing a light bulb or plugging in a new appliance obviously doesn’t need a permit. Additionally, replacing a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker with a new one of the same rating is considered a minor repair and is exempt. For example, swapping a 15-amp breaker that went bad with a new 15-amp breaker in the same panel slot is fine without a permit.
Plug-in Equipment
If you are plugging in things like lamps, computers, or plugging in a generator to an existing outlet, it doesn’t need a new permit every time.
Cord-and-Plug Connected Temporary Lighting
Putting up temporary string lights like Christmas lights or similar temporary decorative lighting does not require a permit.
Low-Voltage Work
Electrical equipment operating at under 25 volts and under 50 watts is generally exempt from needing a permit. This could include things like doorbell wiring or certain alarm system components. Many towns still want a permit for alarm systems or thermostat wiring; it can depend on local rules. But strictly by code, very low-voltage, low-wattage installations aren’t regulated as typical electrical wiring.
Minor Device Replacements
Generally, if you are just changing a cover plate or swapping a device 1-for-1, say a dimmer in place of a standard switch, many inspectors would still prefer you get a permit, but often homeowners do such minor replacements without one.
Can I Do My Own Electrical Work in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can do your own electrical work in NH if you are the homeowner working on your primary single-family residence. You must still pull permits and get inspections, and all work must meet code. Many New Hampshire homeowners take advantage of this for small projects like wiring a workshop in the garage, adding a circuit for a dishwasher, etc. It’s a nice aspect of NH law that acknowledges individual property rights and DIY spirit, while still mandating safety oversight through permits.
Can You Do Electrical Work in New Hampshire Without a License?
No, you cannot do electrical work without a license. New Hampshire requires that anyone who engages in the business of electrical installations be licensed by the state (RSA 319-C). If you are not a licensed electrician, you cannot hire yourself out for electrical jobs on someone else’s property. Moreover, if you are not the owner-occupant, you can’t even volunteer to wire something. Legally, that would be unlicensed practice, and disciplinary actions might be taken.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed electrician in New Hampshire can be challenging, but it is an attainable goal that opens the door to a stable career. In the end, the effort you invest in education and apprenticeship will pay off many times over. New Hampshire literally puts power in your hands, and with dedication and hard work, you will soon be a licensed electrician powering the Granite State forward, one project at a time.
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