Occupational licensing · New Hampshire · burden rank #49 of 51
New Hampshire Occupational Licensing Requirements
New Hampshire's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
New Hampshire sits in the low-burden band (#49 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Veterinarian; Electrician; Elevator Installer. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Veterinarian; Pharmacist; Physician Assistant; Psychologist. Nearest burden-rank peers: Vermont; Maine. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #49 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,520
- Avg initial fee
- $50
New Hampshire vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
65 Among the freest in the bottom 1% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Veterinarian; Electrician; Elevator Installer. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Veterinarian; Pharmacist; Physician Assistant; Psychologist. Nearest burden-rank peers: Vermont; Maine. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In New Hampshire, Psychologist lists 5,000 education hours with an exam and a $100 initial fee. Compare the same license in Vermont on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Veterinarian
In New Hampshire, Veterinarian lists 4,000 education hours with an exam and a $100 initial fee. Compare the same license in Vermont on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among New Hampshire's higher initial fees at $100 after 4,000 education hours. Open Maine for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Pharmacist
Pharmacist is among New Hampshire's higher initial fees at $100 after 4,000 education hours. Open Maine for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare New Hampshire against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with New Hampshire already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for New Hampshire: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#49 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Maine · burden #48/51
- Vermont · burden #47/51
- Wyoming · burden #46/51
- South Dakota · burden #45/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($50 here).
- Maine · avg $57 initial fee
- Vermont · avg $60 initial fee
- Wyoming · avg $65 initial fee
- South Dakota · avg $71 initial fee
44 of 97 professions below carry a category estimate mark: their figures are a category average, not yet confirmed with the New Hampshire licensing board. Treat those rows as directional and check the board before relying on them. See the methodology limitations.
Agriculture in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Water Well Driller category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Animal Care in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Farrier / Horseshoer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 4,000 | Yes | $100 | $100 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,500 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
Construction in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 4,000 | Yes | $30 | $25 | 1 yr | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 4,000 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Glazier category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs North Carolina |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| 2,000 | Yes | $25 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
| Land Surveyor category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Locksmith category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Mobile Home Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Painter (Contractor) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $25 | $25 | 3 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 4,000 | Yes | $30 | $30 | 1 yr | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Roofer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Security Alarm Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Septic System Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
Cosmetology in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and North Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $35 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs North Carolina |
| Body Piercer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $35 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 120 | Yes | $25 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 260 | Yes | $25 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
| Hair Braider category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 330 | Yes | $40 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 150 | Yes | $25 | $20 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Tattoo Artist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Design in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Education in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | No | $25 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $35 | $35 | 5 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $35 | $35 | 5 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $35 | $35 | 5 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Substitute Teacher category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Engineering in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Jersey |
| Professional Geologist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Finance in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Debt Collector category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 20 | Yes | $20 | $20 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 20 | Yes | $30 | $30 | 1 yr | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Tax Preparer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Food & Hospitality in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Healthcare in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 2,500 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Dental Assistant category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 2,500 | Yes | $75 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Dietetic Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 120 | Yes | $25 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Hearing Aid Specialist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Home Health Aide category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $75 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Medical Assistant category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Medical Lab Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 3,000 | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Optician (Dispensing) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| 4,000 | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,200 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 4,000 | Yes | $100 | $100 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Pharmacy Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Phlebotomist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Jersey.
| 3,000 | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Jersey |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 3,000 | Yes | $100 | $100 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,800 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 2,000 | Yes | $75 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,500 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 3,000 | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Surgical Technologist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
Legal & Security in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 8 | No | $25 | $20 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Notary Public category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| 40 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
| Process Server category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Mental Health in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| 3,000 | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 2,500 | Yes | $60 | $60 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 2,500 | Yes | $75 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 5,000 | Yes | $100 | $100 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Miscellaneous in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Athletic Agent category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Auctioneer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| Sign Language Interpreter category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Real Estate in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| 40 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 40 | Yes | $30 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 60 | Yes | $50 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Transportation in New Hampshire
| NH profession | NH edu hrs | NH exam | NH initial $ | NH renew $ | NH cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $20 | $20 | 4 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 160 | Yes | $20 | $20 | 4 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 40 | Yes | $20 | $20 | 4 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Tow Truck Operator category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
New Hampshire ranks #49 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Bottom 10% lowest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare New Hampshire directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for New Hampshire
NCSL and state-board extracts for New Hampshire. Burden peers on this ladder include Vermont, Maine; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for New Hampshire render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.