Best Electrician Schools in New Hampshire

If you want to work as an electrician in New Hampshire, the first step is getting the right training. This means choosing a school or program that fits the state’s licensing requirements and prepares you for real-world work.

In New Hampshire, you need both classroom training and hands-on experience before you can take the state licensing exam. Choosing the right school can make that process smoother and help you build practical skills faster.

Electrician licensing requirements in New Hampshire

Before you pick a program, it’s important to understand what the state requires.

The New Hampshire Electricians’ Board requires a minimum of 8,000 hours of supervised work experience plus 600 hours of related classroom instruction for journeyman licensure. Source: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

Here’s the general path:

  1. Start as an apprentice - Work under a licensed electrician.
  2. Complete classroom training - Enroll in a state-approved program.
  3. Log experience hours - Keep accurate records.
  4. Apply for the journeyman exam - Submit proof of training and work.
  5. Pass the state exam - Earn your journeyman license.

Master electrician licensing requires additional experience after becoming a journeyman.

What to look for in a New Hampshire Electrician school

When comparing schools, focus on:

  • State approval The program must be recognized by the NH Electricians’ Board.
  • Combination of lab and classroom You’ll need hands-on work plus theory.
  • Flexible schedules Especially if you plan to work while training.
  • Apprenticeship connections. Schools partnered with local contractors can help you get hours faster.
  • Instructor experience. Learn from electricians who have worked in the field.

Best Electrician schools in New Hampshire

Here are some of the top programs in the state that meet licensing requirements and have strong reputations.

#1

Great Bay Community College

Portsmouth, NH In-state option

Located in Portsmouth, NH Great Bay Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Computer Programming, Criminal Justice, and Cybersecurity. The campus serves roughly 1,262 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $7,200
  • Out-of-state tuition: $15,450
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Lakes Region Community College

Laconia, NH In-state option

Located in Laconia, NH Lakes Region Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Baking and Pastry Arts. The campus serves roughly 493 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $6,720
  • Out-of-state tuition: $14,970
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Nashua Community College

Nashua, NH In-state option

Located in Nashua, NH Nashua Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Auto Body and Collision Repair, and Automotive Technician. The campus serves roughly 1,039 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $7,140
  • Out-of-state tuition: $15,390
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

How to apply to an Electrician program in NH

To get started:

  1. Check admission requirements - Some programs require a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Gather documents - Transcripts, proof of age, and any related work experience.
  3. Contact the admissions office - Confirm program start dates and costs.
  4. Plan for tools and materials - Many schools require you to buy your own hand tools.
  5. Ask about apprenticeship placement - Some schools help connect students directly.

Apprenticeship vs. trade school

Both paths can lead to your license, but they offer different benefits.

Apprenticeship

  • Paid work from day one
  • Classroom requirements built into the program
  • Usually takes longer to finish

Trade School / Community College

  • More classroom-heavy at first
  • May. Complete academic hours faster
  • Requires finding your own apprenticeship afterwards

Staying licensed and continuing education

Once licensed in New Hampshire, electricians must complete continuing education to renew.

Journeyman and master electricians must take at least 15 hours of approved code update training each renewal cycle. Source: NH Electricians’ Board

This keeps you current with NEC changes and safety standards.

Summary and next steps

If you’re serious about becoming an electrician in New Hampshire, your first move is to pick a state-approved school or apprenticeship program. Make sure it meets the 8,000-hour work and 600-hour classroom requirement.

Here’s what you should do next:

  1. Review the schools listed above and visit their websites.
  2. Confirm they are approved by the NH Electricians’ Board.
  3. Apply and start building your classroom hours.
  4. Begin logging your work experience toward your license.

Once you’ve got both, you’ll be ready to apply for the journeyman exam and start working as a licensed electrician.


Sources:

New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification - Electricians’ Board O*NET OnLine - Electricians Summary