How to Become a Cosmetologist in New Hampshire

Who can apply

• You must have completed high school or its equivalent (RSA 313-A:11).
• You must be of good professional character.
• You must complete at least 1,200 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school, or 3,000 hours over at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist.
• You must register as an apprentice before starting school or an apprenticeship; you must be at least 16 to register (RSA 313-A:24).
• You must pass the written and practical exams.

Step by step

1. Register with OPLC as an apprentice ($55) before you enroll in school or start an apprenticeship.
2. Complete 1,200 school hours, or 3,000 hours over at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist.
3. Apply to OPLC for the cosmetologist license and pay the $55 application fee.
4. Register with Prov, Inc. at provexam.com/register and pay the exam fees.
5. Pass the NIC cosmetology written exam (remote or at a Prov center) and the practical exam at Prov's testing center in Concord.
6. OPLC issues your license, valid for 2 years.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: At least 1,200 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school, or at least 3,000 hours over at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist who has practiced in New Hampshire for at least 2 years. The school requirement dropped from 1,500 to 1,200 hours when SB 194 (2025 chapter 91) took effect on August 9, 2025. Every student and apprentice must hold an apprentice certificate; a salon may have no more than one cosmetology apprentice per licensed professional.

Exam: Prov, Inc. gives the National-Interstate Council (NIC) cosmetology exams for New Hampshire. You must pass both a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam costs $88 and the practical exam costs $99; retakes cost the same. Written exams can be taken remotely (Mac, PC or Chromebook, not a tablet) or at a Prov center. All practical exams are at Prov's testing center in Concord, NH. Results go to you and the state within 1 to 3 days. While you wait to test, you can apply for a temporary permit to work under a licensed practitioner in a registered salon.

What it costs in New Hampshire

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Licenses issued since July 15, 2023 are valid for 2 years from the date of issue (RSA 310:8). The renewal fee is $55. OPLC sends a notice at least 2 months before expiration. If you do not renew on time the license expires and you cannot practice; after one year it lapses and you must reinstate. RSA 313-A sets no continuing education requirement for cosmetologists.

Good to know in New Hampshire

Licensed in another state: Under HB 594, you can get a New Hampshire license by reciprocity if you hold a license in good standing from a qualifying jurisdiction on OPLC's list. You do not need to send transcripts. If your state is not listed, you can ask the Executive Director to reconsider in writing.

Exemption petition: If you do not meet the education or training-hour rules, you can petition OPLC for an exemption under criteria set in Board rules.

Temporary permit limits: A temporary permit ends if you skip the exam without good reason. If you fail, OPLC may grant a second permit that expires in 60 days.

Other licenses: New Hampshire also licenses barbers, master barbers, manicurists and estheticians separately.

Sources

• NH OPLC - Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics
• NH OPLC - Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics License Fees
• NH OPLC - Reciprocity FAQ (HB 594)
• NH OPLC - FAQs (license expiration)
• RSA 313-A:11 - Qualifications; Cosmetologists
• RSA 313-A:18 - Temporary Permit
• RSA 313-A:24 - Apprentice Registration and Certificates
• RSA 310:8 - License Renewals and Reinstatements