New Hampshire Contractor Licensing Guide: How to Get Licensed by Trade
In New Hampshire, most electrical and plumbing work requires state-issued licensure through the Office of Professional Licensure & Certification (OPLC). Unlike many states, NH does not issue a general contractor license—instead, it regulates specific trades directly. Small business owners must comply with trade-specific statutes under RSA 310-A (electrical) and RSA 310-C (plumbing), including experience, education, bonding, and examination mandates.
License Categories & Eligibility by Trade
New Hampshire issues distinct licenses for electricians and plumbers through the OPLC, with no statewide general contractor license. Electricians must obtain either a Journeyman or Master Electrician license under RSA 310-A. To qualify for Journeyman status, applicants need at least 8,000 hours (≈4 years) of supervised electrical work and completion of an approved apprenticeship or equivalent training. Master Electricians require an additional 4,000 hours beyond Journeyman status plus passing the Master exam. Plumbers are licensed under RSA 310-C as either Journeymen or Masters; eligibility demands 8,000 hours of plumbing experience for Journeyman and another 4,000 for Master. Both trades require U.S. citizenship or legal residency, good moral character, and no disqualifying criminal history. Independent contractors performing electrical or plumbing work must hold the appropriate license—there is no exemption for low-value jobs or DIY projects. Applicants must submit Form EL-1 (electrician) or PL-1 (plumber), proof of experience (notarized affidavits from employers or supervisors), and transcripts or certificates from accredited programs. OPLC verifies all documentation before scheduling exams.
Bond, Insurance & Financial Requirements
All licensed electricians and plumbers operating as sole proprietors or businesses in New Hampshire must post a $10,000 surety bond issued by a company licensed in NH. This bond protects consumers against financial loss due to violations of RSA 310-A or RSA 310-C and is mandatory before license issuance. The bond must name the State of New Hampshire as obligee and remain continuously in force throughout licensure. In addition, NH law requires contractors to carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate—though many clients and municipalities require higher coverage. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory if the contractor employs staff, even part-time. Proof of both bond and insurance must be submitted via OPLC Form BOND-1 and INS-1, respectively, and renewed annually alongside the license. Failure to maintain active bond or insurance results in automatic license suspension. Contractors may use a single bond covering multiple license types if authorized, but each trade license must be individually bonded unless explicitly exempted by OPLC. Bond providers must be listed on the NH Department of Insurance’s approved surety list, and policies must include cancellation notice provisions sent directly to OPLC.
Examination Process & Application Workflow
The NH OPLC administers trade-specific written exams developed by PSI Services LLC. Electrician candidates take the NASCLA-accredited Electrical Contractor exam (for Masters) or the Journeyman-level exam, both covering the 2023 NEC, NH Administrative Rules Env-E 1000 Series, and state statutes. Plumbing candidates sit for the NH-specific Plumbing Contractor exam, based on the 2021 IPC, NH Code of Administrative Rules Env-P 1000 Series, and RSA 310-C. Exams are closed-book, computer-based, and offered at PSI test centers across NH and neighboring states. Applicants must first submit a complete application—including fees ($150 for initial license, $75 for exam-only registration), experience verification, bond/insurance proof, and fingerprints for background checks—before receiving exam eligibility. Once approved, OPLC emails a PSI authorization letter with scheduling instructions. Candidates have one year to sit for the exam; failure requires reapplication and fee payment. Passing scores are 70% or higher. Upon passing, OPLC issues a temporary license valid for 90 days while final credentialing completes. All applicants must also complete the NH OPLC-approved 3-hour continuing education course on NH laws and ethics prior to initial licensure.
License Renewal, CE, and Compliance Maintenance
NH electrician and plumber licenses expire biennially on the licensee’s birthday in odd-numbered years (e.g., May 15, 2025). Renewal requires submitting Form REN-1, paying a $125 fee, verifying active $10,000 bond and liability insurance, and completing 12 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every two years—including 2 hours in NH-specific laws and rules, 2 hours in workplace safety, and 8 hours in technical subjects relevant to the trade. CE must be completed through OPLC-authorized providers and documented with certificates uploaded to the online portal. Late renewals incur a $50 penalty and risk suspension after 60 days past expiration. Suspended licenses require reinstatement applications, additional fees, and possible retesting. Licensees must report address, business name, or ownership changes within 30 days using Form CHG-1. OPLC conducts random audits—failure to produce verifiable CE records or bond/insurance documentation triggers disciplinary action, including fines up to $5,000 per violation. Contractors must retain all records (experience logs, CE certificates, bond copies) for five years. The OPLC online portal (https://www.oplc.nh.gov) enables real-time license status checks, CE tracking, and electronic submissions—critical for pyme owners managing compliance without dedicated HR or legal staff.
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Do I need a separate license to do both electrical and plumbing work in NH?
Yes. NH issues distinct licenses for each trade—electrical under RSA 310-A and plumbing under RSA 310-C. Holding a Master Electrician license does not authorize plumbing work, and vice versa. You must apply, test, bond, and renew separately for each trade, even if performed by the same business entity.
Can I transfer my out-of-state electrician or plumber license to New Hampshire?
No. NH does not offer reciprocity or license endorsement for electricians or plumbers from other states. All applicants must meet NH’s experience, exam, bond, and insurance requirements regardless of prior licensure elsewhere—even from states with similar standards like Massachusetts or Vermont.
What happens if my NH contractor bond lapses during the license term?
OPLC will suspend your license immediately upon notification of bond lapse from the surety company. You cannot legally perform electrical or plumbing work until you submit a new valid bond and pay a $100 reinstatement fee. Repeated lapses may trigger disciplinary hearings and potential license revocation.
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