Esthetician License Requirements in New Hampshire
- Training hours
- 600 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $242
- Exam
- Esthetician Written Examination, Esthetician Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old, High school diploma or equivalent (or current enrollment and on track to graduate for applicants under 21), pass a criminal background check. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. If under 21, proof of high school graduation or equivalent, or a letter showing they are on track to graduate is required. A criminal history records check and fingerprinting are required. Verified via archive snapshot [2025-07-08]. [4]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of at least 600 hours of training in a board-approved school (RSA 313-A:13) or 1,200 hours under a board-approved apprenticeship. Verified via archive snapshot [2025-05-23]. [1]
- 3
Esthetician Written Examination
Pass the Esthetician Written Examination (fee: $88). Written / Computer-Based Theory examination administered by third-party testing vendor Prov, Inc. in accordance with OPLC administrative rule Plc 1004.03. Verified via archive snapshot [2026-01-09]. [2]
- 4
Esthetician Practical Examination
Pass the Esthetician Practical Examination (fee: $99). Practical / Hands-On Practical examination administered by third-party testing vendor Prov, Inc. in accordance with OPLC administrative rule Plc 1004.03. Verified via archive snapshot [2026-01-09]. [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics with the $55 application fee. [3]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics issues your Esthetician License for New Hampshire.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [3] | $55 |
| License fee [3] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [3] | $55 |
| Esthetician Written Examination [2] | $88 |
| Esthetician Practical Examination [2] | $99 |
The Board charges a $55 personal application fee and a $55 biennial renewal fee. There is no separate license-issuance fee, so license is null. Verified via archive snapshot [2025-07-08].
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years.
Licenses must be renewed biennially by the last day of the licensee's birth month in odd-numbered years. There are no continuing education (CE) hours required for renewing an esthetician license. Verified via archive snapshot [2025-07-08].
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Licensure by endorsement is available to applicants currently licensed in another jurisdiction with substantially similar requirements (governed by OPLC rule Plc 313). Verified via archive snapshot [2026-01-09].
3 state-approved training providers in New Hampshire — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $55
- $88
- $99
Frequently asked questions
How do I schedule my esthetician exam in New Hampshire?
All testing is coordinated through Prov, Inc. You should contact Prov directly to register and schedule your theory and practical exams after you have met the school training or apprenticeship requirements.
How do I record my esthetician apprentice hours in New Hampshire?
You must record your hours on the official OPLC Apprenticeship Hour Sheet, including your apprentice registration number, and mail it to the OPLC office in Concord.
What do I need to open an esthetics shop in New Hampshire?
You must complete a shop application and questionnaire, submit a floor plan showing the shop layout, pay the application and inspection fees, and pass a shop inspection. You must also check with your town or city to ensure compliance with zoning, plumbing, electrical, and building codes.
When does my New Hampshire esthetician license expire?
Esthetician licenses are valid for two years and expire biennially on the last day of the licensee's birth month in odd-numbered years.
Are there continuing education requirements for New Hampshire estheticians?
No, New Hampshire does not require estheticians to complete any continuing education (CE) hours to renew an active license.
Sources
- [1] oplc.nh.gov/board-barbering-cosmetology-and-esthetics — accessed 2026-07-11
- [2] oplc.nh.gov/board-barbering-cosmetology-and-esthetics-laws-and-rules — accessed 2026-07-11
- [3] oplc.nh.gov/board-barbering-cosmetology-and-esthetics-license-fees — accessed 2026-07-11
- [4] oplc.nh.gov/applications-barbering-cosmetology-and-esthetics — accessed 2026-07-11