At a Glance: New Hampshire Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | Home builders must register; trades require license |
| Application Fee | $150–$350 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Exam Cost | $65–$120 |
| Experience Required | 2–4 years |
| Insurance Required | General Liability; Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Annual or biennial |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your New Hampshire Contractor License
- Determine if you need home builder registration or trade license
- Pass applicable exam via PSI
- Obtain insurance
- Apply to OPLC online
- Register with local municipality for permits
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI
Cost: $65–$120
Topics covered: NH Code, Trade knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
General Liability; Workers' Comp required
Beyond what New Hampshire requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
New Hampshire has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
No active reciprocity agreements.
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the New Hampshire licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires home builders to register but has relatively simple requirements compared to neighboring states. Electrical and plumbing require full state licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in New Hampshire?Yes. In New Hampshire, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at Home builders must register; trades require license. The licensing is managed by the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
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How much does a New Hampshire contractor license cost?The application fee for a New Hampshire contractor license is $150–$350. An exam fee of $65–$120 is also required for the PSI exam. Renewal is Annual or biennial.
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Is an exam required for a New Hampshire contractor license?Yes. New Hampshire requires passing the PSI exam (cost: $65–$120) covering NH Code and Trade knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a New Hampshire contractor license?New Hampshire requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability; Workers' Comp required. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
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How long does it take to get a contractor license in New Hampshire?Getting a New Hampshire contractor license typically involves 5 steps: obtaining required experience (2–4 years), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.