Cosmetologist
New Hampshire
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification)
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Cycle
$247
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school (or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship training)
Be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED
Register with Prov, Inc. to schedule written and practical exams
Pass the NIC Written Exam and NH State Law Exam with a score of 75% or better
Pass the NIC Practical Exam with a score of 75% or better
Submit licensure application with $55 fee to NH OPLC
Receive cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Applicants may complete 3,000 hours of supervised apprentice training over a minimum of 18 months as an alternative to cosmetology school.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedCosmetologists in New Hampshire are licensed to provide hair cutting, coloring, and styling; manicures and pedicures; facials and skin care; and makeup application. They are full-service professionals authorized to work across hair, skin, and nails.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Written Exam
- Administered by
- Prov, Inc.
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $88
Computer-based exam with 110 multiple-choice questions, but only 100 are scored. Includes NIC written exam plus NH State Law exam. Fee covers both written and state law portions.
Practical Exam
NIC Practical Exam
- Administered by
- Prov, Inc.
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $104
Hands-on practical exam taken at Prov's Testing Center in Concord, NH. Candidates demonstrate competency in hair, skin, and nail services.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $55 |
Exam Fee Written + state law exam ($88) plus practical exam ($104) | $192 |
License Fee License fee is included in the application fee | $0 |
Total Government Fees Application ($55) + exam fees ($192). License fee included in application. | $247 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$23,000
Varies by school; Keene Beauty Academy lists tuition at ~$19,500 plus fees. Average NH cosmetology school cost is ~$15,284. NOT a government fee.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
Up to 2 years (expires on last day of birth month in even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$55
Continuing Education
Not required
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Mostly verifiedNew Hampshire accepts applications from cosmetologists licensed in other states. Applicants must demonstrate equivalent training and may need to pass the NH State Law exam.
Additional Requirements: May need to pass NH State Law exam
Related Licenses in New Hampshire
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
New Hampshire requires passing three exams (NIC Written, NIC Practical, and NH State Law) for licensure. The state also offers an apprenticeship path requiring double the school hours (3,000 vs 1,500).
Exams transitioned from DL Roope to Prov, Inc. as the exam administrator.
Apprentice registration fee is $25 with biennial apprentice renewal at $85.
Licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in even-numbered years.
Sources
Official NH OPLC website
Accessed 2026-02-24
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Official NH OPLC fee schedule
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Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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