New Hampshire Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in New Hampshire
Earning a New Hampshire cosmetology license requires 1,200 hours of approved training followed by NIC written and practical examinations administered by Prov, Inc. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Meet the minimum requirements. You must be at least 16 years old. New Hampshire does not require a high school diploma or GED for cosmetology school enrollment or license application.
- Enroll in an OPLC-approved cosmetology school. New Hampshire-approved schools offer the 1,200-hour cosmetology curriculum. Alternatively, complete a 3,000-hour apprenticeship (minimum 18 months) under a licensed supervisor in an OPLC-licensed shop.
- Complete 1,200 hours of training. Your school tracks and certifies hours. New Hampshire's curriculum covers hair, skin, and nail services, sanitation and safety, and state law under RSA 313-A.
- Submit your application to OPLC. Once training is complete, submit the Application for Examination to OPLC at 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301, with the $82.00 application fee. OPLC reviews your qualifications and issues exam authorization.
- Register with Prov and schedule your exams. Register at provexam.com or call Prov at (877) 228-3926. Schedule your NIC written theory exam ($88) and NIC practical skills exam ($99) separately.
- Pass both NIC examinations. The written exam is available at four NH locations (Concord ×2, Nashua, Newington) or remotely. The practical exam is in-person only at the Prov Testing Center at 2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 102, Concord, NH 03301. A passing score of 75.00 is required on both.
- Receive your license. Once OPLC confirms exam passage, your cosmetology license is issued and you may legally practice cosmetology in New Hampshire.
Training Requirements
New Hampshire OPLC-approved schools and apprenticeship programs must cover the curriculum required for the applicable NIC examination. Training hour requirements by license type are:
- Cosmetologist: 1,200 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (minimum 18 months) under a licensed supervisor
- Barber: 800 school hours or 1,600 apprenticeship hours (minimum 12 months)
- Master Barber: 1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (minimum 18 months)
- Esthetician: 600 school hours
- Manicurist: 300 school hours
- Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician: Candidates must pass the NIC optional Eyelash & Eyebrow exam through Prov, Inc. (new license type effective January 1, 2026; contact OPLC for current hour requirements)
The cosmetology curriculum includes hair design services (haircutting, chemical waving, hair color), skin care, nail technology, sanitation and infection control, and New Hampshire state law (RSA 313-A and OPLC administrative rules).
Apprenticeship programs must be formally approved by OPLC. The apprentice supervisor must hold a current, active license and an active shop license. Hours must be logged and certified by the supervisor before an exam authorization will be issued.
Out-of-state training hours may be evaluated by OPLC on a case-by-case basis. Contact the board at (603) 271-2152 or OPLCLicensing6@oplc.nh.gov for hour transfer or endorsement inquiries.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
New Hampshire uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) examinations administered exclusively by Prov, Inc. for all initial cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and manicuring licensure. Candidates must pass both a written theory exam and a practical skills exam before a license is issued.
Written Theory Exam — $88
The computer-based NIC written exam tests knowledge of cosmetology theory, sanitation, state laws, and professional practices. New Hampshire has four in-person testing locations:
- Concord — two locations
- Nashua
- Newington
Remote online testing is also available through Prov's proctoring platform. Register and schedule at provexam.com or call Prov at (877) 228-3926. The passing score is 75.00 using NIC scaled scoring.
Practical Skills Exam — $99
The NIC practical exam is administered in-person only at the Prov Testing Center at 2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 102, Concord, NH 03301. Unlike Maine, New Hampshire does not offer remote practical testing. Cosmetology candidates are tested on:
- Core practical sections (work area setup, client preparation, safety and sanitation)
- Hair Removal — Eyebrows
- Manicure
Candidates must bring required supplies and a mannequin in sanitary condition as specified in the Prov candidate handbook at provexam.com.
Optional Eyelash & Eyebrow Exam
As of January 1, 2026, New Hampshire offers an NIC Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician examination through Prov for candidates seeking that specialty license. Contact Prov for scheduling and fee information.
How to Renew Your New Hampshire Cosmetology License
New Hampshire cosmetology licenses renew every two years from the date of issuance. The renewal fee is $82.00 for individual practitioner licenses. New Hampshire does not require any continuing education hours for renewal.
How to Renew Online
All renewals are processed through the OPLC online portal at forms.nh.gov/license/Login.aspx. Log in with your OPLC credentials, locate your license record, and complete the renewal form with payment.
Active and Inactive Status
New Hampshire allows renewal in inactive status for licensees not currently practicing. Inactive licensees may not perform cosmetology services. To reactivate, contact OPLC at (603) 271-2152. Reactivation requirements may vary depending on how long the license has been inactive.
Lapsed Licenses
A license not renewed by the expiration date lapses. Lapsed license holders may face additional reinstatement fees and requirements. Contact OPLC at OPLCLicensing6@oplc.nh.gov to determine the reinstatement process for your situation.
Other Cosmetology License Types in New Hampshire
New Hampshire issues the following cosmetology-related license types under RSA 313-A. Training hour requirements shown are for the school pathway; apprenticeship hours are listed separately where applicable.
- Cosmetologist — 1,200 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (18 months min.). Full cosmetology scope: hair, skin, and nails.
- Barber — 800 school hours or 1,600 apprenticeship hours (12 months min.). Barbering services including haircutting and shaving.
- Master Barber — 1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (18 months min.). Advanced barbering scope.
- Esthetician — 600 school hours. Skin care services including facials, waxing, and makeup.
- Manicurist — 300 school hours. Nail services including manicures and pedicures.
- Eyelash & Eyebrow Technician — New license type effective January 1, 2026. Must pass NIC optional Eyelash & Eyebrow exam through Prov, Inc. Contact OPLC for current hour and fee requirements.
- Instructor — Must hold a current relevant practitioner license and pass the NIC Instructor exam. Teaches in OPLC-licensed schools.
- Shop Instructor — Supervises apprentices in a licensed shop setting.
- Shop — Establishment license for any location where cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or nail services are commercially performed.
- School — School license for OPLC-approved cosmetology and barbering training programs.
- Tanning Facility — Required for any establishment offering UV tanning equipment to customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many training hours are required for a New Hampshire cosmetology license?
- New Hampshire requires 1,200 school hours for a cosmetologist license through an OPLC-approved school. The apprenticeship pathway requires 3,000 hours (minimum 18 months) under a licensed supervisor in a licensed shop. Other types: Manicurist (300 school hours), Esthetician (600 school hours), Barber (800 school / 1,600 apprenticeship), Master Barber (1,500 school / 3,000 apprenticeship).
- What is the minimum age to apply for a NH cosmetology license?
- New Hampshire requires cosmetology license applicants to be at least 16 years old. There is no high school diploma or GED requirement for enrollment in a NH cosmetology school or for license application.
- How much does it cost to get a New Hampshire cosmetology license?
- Minimum costs include the OPLC application fee ($82.00), the NIC written exam through Prov ($88), and the NIC practical exam through Prov ($99), for a combined minimum of approximately $269. Additional costs include school tuition, required kit and supplies, and any retesting fees if an exam is not passed on the first attempt.
- Where are the NH cosmetology written exams held?
- The NIC written theory exam is available at four New Hampshire locations: two in Concord, one in Nashua, and one in Newington. Remote online testing is also available through Prov's proctoring platform. Register at provexam.com or call Prov at (877) 228-3926.
- Can I take the NH cosmetology practical exam remotely?
- No. The NH NIC practical exam is in-person only at the Prov Testing Center at 2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 102, Concord, NH 03301. There is no remote option for the NH practical exam, which distinguishes New Hampshire from Maine where remote practical testing via Examroom.ai is available.
- How long is a New Hampshire cosmetology license valid?
- New Hampshire cosmetology licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance. The biennial renewal fee is $82.00. No continuing education is required. Renewals are completed online at forms.nh.gov/license/Login.aspx.