New Hampshire licenses cosmetologists through the Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). You need a New Hampshire cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation.
New Hampshire recently reduced cosmetology hours from 1,500 to 1,200 (SB 194, effective August 2025). NIC exams are administered by Prov, Inc. No continuing education is required. New Hampshire was the first New England state to enact universal license recognition (HB 594, 2023), significantly simplifying transfers. Total initial cost is approximately $247. Here is exactly how to get your New Hampshire cosmetology license.
New Hampshire Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | OPLC, Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics |
| Statutory Authority | RSA Chapter 313-A |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old (for apprentice registration) |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,200 hours (reduced from 1,500 in August 2025) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 3,000 hours over at least 18 months |
| 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 even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $55 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | OPLC Applications |
| Board Website | oplc.nh.gov |
Recent Changes Affecting New Hampshire Cosmetology Licensing
SB 194 (2025): Reduced cosmetology training hours from 1,500 to 1,200, effective August 9, 2025. Also added an eighth member to the Board.
HB 594 (2023): Enacted universal license recognition. Out-of-state professionals from states with “substantially similar” requirements can obtain a NH license through a streamlined endorsement process — no transcripts, exam results, or experience documentation required, only proof of an active license in good standing.
Exam transition (April 2025): Prov, Inc. replaced DL Roope as the exam administrator effective April 1, 2025.
Eyelash extension and threading exemptions: RSA 313-A:25 now exempts eyelash extension application and threading from licensure requirements.
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 1,200 hours at a board-approved cosmetology school. The curriculum covers arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, bleaching, coloring hair; facials, manicures, pedicures, artificial nail enhancements; makeup and eyelash application; and hair removal.
Full-time programs typically take 8 to 12 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 hours distributed over at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist who has practiced in New Hampshire for at least 2 years.
For a comparison of cosmetology requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
NIC exams through Prov, Inc.:
- Written Exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), 90 minutes. Content: Scientific Concepts (35%), Hair Care & Services (45%), Skin Care (10%), Nail Care (10%).
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration, approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- NH State Law Exam: Administered alongside the written exam.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov. Written exams may be taken remotely or at testing centers; practical exams are held at Prov’s Testing Center in Concord, NH.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,200 hours of cosmetology training
- 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 even-numbered years. Renewal fee is $55. No continuing education required for practitioners. Instructors must complete 28 CE hours per renewal cycle.
Reinstatement within one year of expiration: $55. After one year, the license lapses and cannot be reinstated.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Under HB 594 (2023), New Hampshire enacted universal license recognition. Applicants 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 to active-duty members or spouses holding a valid license from another state. Valid 180 days with one 180-day extension.
- Military training recognition: Boards must accept military education, training, or service toward licensing qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a cosmetology license in New Hampshire?
1,200 hours (reduced from 1,500 in August 2025 by SB 194). Full-time students complete training in about 8 to 12 months.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in New Hampshire?
Approximately $247 total: $192 in exam fees (paid to Prov) and $55 application fee (paid to OPLC).
Does New Hampshire require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. NH does not require CE for any practitioner-level beauty license.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology 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.
Does New Hampshire require a practical exam for cosmetology?
Yes. Both written and practical NIC exams plus a state law exam are 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