6.31 New Hampshire Requirements
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- New Hampshire requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the New Hampshire licensing board before scheduling.
New Hampshire Cosmetology License Requirements
New Hampshire requires 1,500 training hours and uses NIC examinations.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Related License Hours
| License Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours |
| Esthetician | 600 hours |
| Nail Technician | 500 hours |
Examination Details
New Hampshire uses NIC (National Interstate Council) examinations for both written theory and practical skills testing.
Reciprocity
New Hampshire offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists from states with equivalent requirements.
State Board Contact
New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics
- Website: oplc.nh.gov/barbering-cosmetology-esthetics
- Phone: (603) 271-3608
Exam Focus
For New Hampshire, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license.
Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.