New Hampshire licenses barbers through the Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics under OPLC. You need a New Hampshire barber license to legally perform hair cutting, shaving, beard grooming, and related barbering services for compensation.
New Hampshire has a two-tier barber system: the Barber license (800 hours, no chemical services) and the Master Barber license (1,500 hours, full chemical services including coloring and perming). NIC exams are administered by Prov, Inc. No CE is required. Universal license recognition (HB 594) simplifies out-of-state transfers. Total initial cost is approximately $247. Here is exactly how to get your New Hampshire barber license.
New Hampshire Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Barber | Master Barber |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Agency | OPLC, Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics | |
| Statutory Authority | RSA Chapter 313-A | |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old | |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or equivalent | |
| Training Hours Required | 800 hours | 1,500 hours |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes (board-approved) | Yes (board-approved) |
| Scope of Practice | Hair cutting, shaving, trimming — no chemical services | All barbering services including chemical (coloring, perming) |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical + NH State Law (Prov) | |
| Passing Score | 75% | |
| Exam Fees | $192 ($88 written/law + $104 practical) | |
| Application Fee | $55 | |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$247 (excluding tuition) | |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires last day of birth month in odd-numbered years) | |
| Renewal Fee | $55 | |
| Continuing Education | None required | |
| Apply Online | OPLC Applications | |
| Board Website | oplc.nh.gov | |
Recent Changes Affecting New Hampshire Barber Licensing
HB 594 (2023): Enacted universal license recognition. Out-of-state barbers from states with substantially similar requirements can obtain a NH license through a streamlined endorsement process — no transcripts, exam results, or experience documentation required.
Exam transition (April 2025): Prov, Inc. replaced DL Roope as the exam administrator effective April 1, 2025.
Threading and eyelash extension exemptions: RSA 313-A:25 exempts threading and eyelash extension application from licensure (applicable to esthetics, not barbering, but reflects the Board’s deregulation trend).
Education & Training Requirements
New Hampshire offers two barber license tiers with different training and scope requirements:
Barber (800 hours): Complete 800 hours at a board-approved barber school. The curriculum covers hair cutting, trimming, shaving, beard grooming, shampooing, and scalp treatments. Barber licensees may not perform chemical services (coloring, perming, relaxing).
Master Barber (1,500 hours): Complete 1,500 hours at a board-approved school. The curriculum includes all barber services plus chemical treatments — hair coloring, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, and bleaching. This is the full-scope barbering license.
Full-time students typically complete the Barber program in 5 to 7 months and the Master Barber program in 10 to 14 months.
For a comparison of barber licensing across all states, see our barber license guide and barber vs cosmetology comparison.
Exam Requirements
NIC exams through Prov, Inc.:
- Written Exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), 90 minutes. Content: Scientific Concepts (35%), Hair Care and Services (40%), Facial Hair Services (15%), Equipment and Tools (10%).
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills, approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- NH State Law Exam: Administered alongside the written exam.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete required training hours (800 for Barber, 1,500 for Master Barber)
- Register for NIC exams through Prov ($88 written/law + $104 practical = $192)
- Pass the written, practical, and state law exams
- Apply through OPLC and pay $55 application fee
Total: approximately $247.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires biennially on the last day of your birth month in odd-numbered years. Renewal fee: $55. No continuing education required. Reinstatement within one year: $55. After one year, the license lapses permanently.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Under HB 594 (2023), New Hampshire enacted universal license recognition. Barbers licensed in states with substantially similar requirements can obtain a NH license through endorsement — only proof of an active, good-standing license is required. No transcripts, exam results, or experience documentation needed. The NH State Law exam may still be required. Application fee: $55.
Military Provisions
Temporary license issued within 30 days for active-duty members or spouses holding a valid license from another state. Valid 180 days with one 180-day extension. Military education and training credited toward licensing qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Barber and Master Barber in New Hampshire?
A Barber license requires 800 hours and covers hair cutting, shaving, and grooming but excludes chemical services. A Master Barber license requires 1,500 hours and includes all barbering services plus chemical treatments like coloring and perming.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in New Hampshire?
Approximately $247 total: $192 in exam fees and $55 application fee. This is the same for both Barber and Master Barber.
Does New Hampshire require continuing education for barbers?
No. NH does not require CE for any practitioner-level beauty license.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to New Hampshire?
Yes. Under HB 594 universal license recognition, you only need proof of an active license in good standing from a state with substantially similar requirements. No transcripts or exam results required.
Official Resources
- Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics (official website)
- Applications
- License Fees
- Reciprocity Information (HB 594)
- Prov Exam Registration
- Board Contact: 603-271-1062 | OPLCLicensing6@oplc.nh.gov
- Address: 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301