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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 get you job-ready 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:
- Start as an apprentice - Work under a licensed electrician.
- Complete classroom training - Enroll in a state-approved program.
- Log experience hours - Keep accurate records.
- Apply for the journeyman exam - Submit proof of training and work.
- 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.
Manchester School of Technology - Electrical Technology Program
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Program Length: 2 years (high school students) with pathways for adult learning
- Offers hands-on electrical wiring labs, code training, and safety practices.
- Connects students to local apprenticeship opportunities.
- Location: Portsmouth, NH
- Program Length: Certificate or Associate Degree options
- Includes electrical theory, blueprint reading, and NEC (National Electrical Code) study.
- Partnerships with local employers for cooperative education.
- Location: Laconia, NH
- Program Length: 1-year certificate or 2-year associate degree
- Courses cover residential, commercial, and industrial wiring.
- Strong job placement support and industry-experienced instructors.
New Hampshire Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NHJATC)
- Location: Concord, NH (serving statewide)
- Program Length: 5 years combining paid work and classroom training
- Sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and NECA.
- Students earn while they train and meet both classroom and work-hour requirements.
- Location: Nashua, NH
- Program Length: Associate Degree (2 years) or diploma (shorter option)
- Emphasis on NEC compliance, safety, and troubleshooting.
- Day and evening class options.
| School / Program | Location | Program Length | Notable Features |
| Manchester School of Technology | Manchester | 2 years (HS) / adult options | Strong lab training; local connections |
| Great Bay Community College | Portsmouth | 1-2 years | NEC training; employer partnerships |
| Lakes Region Community College | Laconia | 1-2 years | Multi-setting wiring; job placement |
| NHJATC | Concord (statewide) | 5 years | Earn while you learn; union-backed |
| Nashua Community College | Nashua | 1-2 years | Flexible schedules; troubleshooting focus |
How to Apply to an Electrician Program in NH
To get started:
- Check admission requirements - Some programs require a high school diploma or GED.
- Gather documents - Transcripts, proof of age, and any related work experience.
- Contact the admissions office - Confirm program start dates and costs.
- Plan for tools and materials - Many schools require you to buy your own hand tools.
- 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:
- Review the schools listed above and visit their websites.
- Confirm they are approved by the NH Electricians' Board.
- Apply and start building your classroom hours.
- 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
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