You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
What to Expect From a Barber Program in New Hampshire
800 Education Hours
Required to earn a barbering license
Before being granted your barber license in New Hampshire, you must complete at least 800 training hours in a state-approved barber school. During your time at barber school, your education covers a wide variety of topics, including:
Chemistry, sterilization, and antiseptics
Diseases of the skin, glands, and nails
Hair cutting
Hair styling
Hygiene and sanitation
Massage
Scientific fundamentals of barbering
Shaving
New Hampshire also offers a Master Barber license, which requires 1,500 training hours or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship. This covers additional topics that the regular barber license doesn't include, like:
Hair coloring and bleaching
Permanent waves
Fitting hairpieces
New Hampshire Barber Licensing Requirements
Once you complete 800 training hours at a New Hampshire barber school, you can take your theory and practical exams administered by D.L. Roope. The practical exam costs $119, and the theory exam costs $74.
You must achieve a score of at least 75 to pass each exam, and results are generally available online within seven to 10 business days.
Theory Exam
New Hampshire's barber theory exam was developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), and you can apply online to take it as soon as you finish your barber school program. Your school can also provide a paper application if you'd prefer. It can be taken in English, Vietnamese, Korean, or Spanish.
You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, which contains 60 items (of which 50 are weighted and contribute to your final score). It's split into the following sections
Scientific Concepts – 40%
Anatomy and physiology
Basic chemistry of barber products
Hair conditions, disorders, and diseases
Infection control and safety
Skin conditions, disorders, and diseases
Implements and Equipment – 10%
Equipment safety and sanitation
Hair tools
Hair Care Services – 30%
Client consultation
Hair care
Hair design
Head shaving
Facial Hair and Skin Care Services – 20%
Client consultation
Electro-therapy and light therapy
Facial hair and skin care draping
Facial hair and skin care principles, procedures, and safety
Practical Exam
On the day of your practical exam, arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time with all the necessary supplies and present the examiner with your admission letter and a valid, signed government-issued photo ID. The exam can only be taken in English.
The practical test takes two hours to complete and is split into the following timed sections:
Work area and client preparation, set up supplies (10 minutes)
Hair cutting (40 minutes)
Work area and new client preparation, set up supplies (15 minutes)
Straight razor shaving (variable timing)
Blood exposure procedure (10 minutes)
ADA Accommodations
Candidates with a disability and require accommodations can request the required forms from their school or contact D.L. Roope directly for assistance.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in New Hampshire?
1,600 Apprenticeship Hours
Required to earn a barbering license
Yes, you can apprentice as a barber in New Hampshire. Barbering apprenticeships consist of 1,600 training hours over at least 12 months, and you must be supervised by a licensed barber who has been working within the state for two years or more.
New Hampshire Barber License Reciprocity
If you've already gained your barber license out-of-state, you may be able to transfer it for use in New Hampshire via reciprocity.
The educational requirements in your licensing state should match (or exceed) those required in New Hampshire, and you need to provide certain evidence to the state board before your license is granted, such as:
An official certificate of licensure from your previous state
A copy of a high school diploma (or equivalent)
A $100 reciprocity fee
A copy of your school transcript, including total number of hours.
Barber License Renewal in New Hampshire
2 Years
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
All barber licenses in New Hampshire must be renewed every two years on the last day of the month in which the license was first issued. For example, if your license was issued on January 1, 2023, it must be renewed by January 31, 2025. Each renewal costs $50 and should be completed online.
There is no continuing education required for barber license renewals in New Hampshire. However, you should stay on top of new trends and industry developments to give your clients the best service possible.
Contact the New Hampshire State Board of Barbering
New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
New Hampshire Barber Association This is the NH wing of the National Barber Association, with information and guidance on licensing, exams, professional recognition, and more.
FAQs About Barbering Learn more about this creative career with our guide to all things barber!
