1.2 New Hampshire P&C Producer Licensing Requirements

New Hampshire's producer licensing reflects the state's emphasis on personal responsibility and minimal mandates while maintaining professional standards.

Pre-License Education

New Hampshire stands out nationally:

Why No Required Education?

New Hampshire's approach:

• Trusts individuals to prepare adequately
• Maintains high exam standards (70% passing score)
• Allows flexible preparation methods
• Reduces barriers to entry while ensuring competence through examination

Recommended Preparation

Despite no requirement, successful candidates typically invest:

Exam Tip: The absence of required education does NOT mean the exam is easier. New Hampshire's 70% passing score is the same as states requiring 40+ hours of coursework. Adequate preparation is essential.

Examination Requirements

Exam Structure

Passing Requirements

CRITICAL: You must score 70%+ on BOTH sections:

Example Scenarios:

Testing Window

Exam Fees

CPCU Exception

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designees receive special treatment:

CPCU Fast Track

CPCU Documentation

To qualify for the CPCU exception:

1. Hold active CPCU designation
2. Provide proof of designation with application
3. Schedule state law examination only
4. Pass 50-question NH law exam with 70%+

Exam Tip: CPCU candidates should focus exclusively on New Hampshire state law—especially the unique financial responsibility system, Department structure, and state-specific regulations. National P&C knowledge is assumed.

License Application Process

Step-by-Step Application

1. Complete Background Check Authorization

• Criminal background check required
• Authorize credit check (if applicable)
• Disclose any criminal history, regulatory actions

2. Submit NIPR Application

• Apply through National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)
• Complete all required fields accurately
• Upload required documentation
• Pay $210 application fee

3. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)

• NHID reviews application
• Background check completed
• ATT issued via email (typically 3-7 business days)
• 90-day testing window begins

4. Schedule PSI Exam

• Register at psiexams.com
• Choose testing location (Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth)
• Schedule within 90-day window
• Receive confirmation email

5. Take Examination

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring two forms of ID (one government-issued photo ID)
• No personal items allowed in testing room
• Receive preliminary results immediately

6. License Issuance

• Pass both sections with 70%+
• License typically issued within 3-5 business days
• Viewable in NIPR Producer Database
• Valid for 2 years from issue date

Application Fees Summary

Continuing Education Requirements

Biennial CE Requirements

CE Topics

Required:

• 3 hours ethics (consumer protection, professional conduct)

Elective (21 hours):

• Property insurance updates
• Casualty insurance changes
• New Hampshire law updates
• Industry trends and developments
• Product knowledge
• Risk management

CE Compliance

CE Exemptions

First renewal: Some states waive CE for first renewal—New Hampshire does NOT. All producers must complete 24 hours for first and all subsequent renewals.

CPCU/Industry Designations: No automatic CE exemptions, but designation courses may qualify as CE credit if approved by NHID.

Exam Tip: New Hampshire requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years including 3 hours ethics—even for the first renewal. Many states exempt first renewal, but NH does not.

License Renewal Process

Biennial Renewal

Renewal Timeline

90 days before expiration:

• Receive renewal notice
• Verify CE completion (24 hours)
• Update any changes to contact information

30 days before expiration:

• Submit renewal application through NIPR
• Pay renewal fee
• Verify all information current

Before expiration date:

• Renewal processed
• New license issued
• Valid for another 2 years

Late Renewal

Exam Tip: New Hampshire allows a grace period for late renewals, but producers cannot transact insurance with an expired license. Plan renewals well in advance of expiration dates.

Non-Resident Licensing

Reciprocity

New Hampshire participates in reciprocal licensing:

Qualifications:

• Hold active producer license in home state
• Home state must have reciprocity agreement with NH
• Apply through NIPR as non-resident
• No examination required if holding equivalent license

Non-Resident Application

Maintaining Multiple Licenses

Key points:

• Must maintain active resident license in home state
• NH non-resident license dependent on resident license
• If resident license lapses, NH license automatically terminates
• Must notify NHID of resident license changes

Exam Tip: Non-resident producers follow their home state's CE requirements, not New Hampshire's 24-hour requirement. However, they must still renew their NH license according to NH's schedule.