If you want to become a plumber in New Hampshire, your training matters. This trade requires technical skill, safety knowledge, and an understanding of state plumbing codes. Choosing the right school or training program is the first step toward earning your license.
In New Hampshire, you can either start at a trade school, join an apprenticeship, or combine both. Each path will prepare you to meet state licensing requirements.
How Plumbing licensing works in New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires plumbers to be licensed by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). You must complete both classroom training and supervised hands-on experience.
According to the New Hampshire Plumber’s Licensing Board, you need 8,000 hours (about four years) of practical experience plus 570 hours of related instruction for a journeyman license.
The typical path looks like this:
Enroll in a plumbing trade program to learn the basics and safety procedures.
Work as an apprentice under a licensed plumber.
Complete the required classroom instruction hours.
Pass the state journeyman plumber exam.
After more experience, you can apply for a master plumber license.
Best Plumbing schools and programs in New Hampshire
Below are some of the most respected schools and apprenticeship programs in the state.
#1
Chancellor Institute
📍
Ft Laurderdale, FL
•In-state option
Located in Ft Laurderdale, FL Chancellor Institute is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Practical Nursing (LPN).
Tuition
Contact school for pricing
Contact
2900 W Cypress Creek Rd Suite 7 Ft Laurderdale, FL 33309
Located in Charlotte Amalie, VI University of the Virgin Islands is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Technology, and Information Technology Systems.
Tuition
Contact school for pricing
Contact
2 John Brewers Bay Charlotte Amalie, VI 00802-9990
Located in Fajardo, PR Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Barbering, Beauty Cosmetology, and Corrections.
Tuition
Contact school for pricing
Contact
Calle Union-Batey Central Highway 195 Fajardo, PR 00738-7003
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Education-PRAMI
📍
Fajardo, PR
•4626.9 miles away
Located in Fajardo, PR Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Education-PRAMI is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology and Maintenance Technician.
Located in Humacao, PR University of Puerto Rico-Humacao is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Electrician, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Physical Therapist Assistant.
Located in Humacao, PR CEM College-Humacao is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, and Pharmacy Technician. The campus serves roughly 174 learners.
Located in Humacao, PR EDP University of Puerto Rico-Humacao is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Fashion Design, Information Technology Systems, and Medical Billing & Coding Specialist.
Located in Humacao, PR Humacao Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Computer Programming, Dental Assistant, and Electrical Systems Installation.
Located in Humacao, PR Industrial Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Barbering. The campus serves roughly 96 learners.
Located in San Lorenzo, PR MyrAngel Beauty Institute is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Barbering, Beauty Cosmetology, and Cosmetologist.
Research schools and programs near you using the list above.
Decide whether to start with full-time school training, direct-to-apprenticeship, or both.
Contact the admissions office for application deadlines and entry requirements.
Enroll and start your training in safety, piping systems, and plumbing codes.
Begin your apprenticeship to log on-the-job hours toward your license.
State exam and licensing notes
The OPLC plumbing exam covers New Hampshire plumbing code, system design, and safety. You must show proof of required hours before applying for the test.
Many applicants fail the first attempt due to weak code knowledge. Make sure your school or apprenticeship includes comprehensive code review sessions.
Why proper training matters
Plumbing isn’t just about fittings and pipes. A good training program will teach:
State code compliance to. Avoid costly mistakes.
Customer service skills that. Keep clients satisfied.
Safety procedures that protect you and others on the job.
Hands-on troubleshooting to solve problems quickly.
Skipping formal training makes it harder to pass the license exam and can limit job opportunities.
Summary and next steps
If you want a plumbing career in New Hampshire, choose a program that clearly supports the licensing requirements. Trade schools like Manchester School of Technology and Seacoast School of Technology are great starting points. If you prefer to earn while you learn, PHCC-NH and ABC NH/VT both offer strong apprenticeship programs.
Here’s what to do:
Pick a school or apprenticeship that meets the 570-hour classroom requirement.
Make sure you’ll get on-the-job hours recorded toward your 8,000-hour goal.
Study New Hampshire’s plumbing code early-it will. Make the licensing exam much easier.
Your next move is to contact at least two programs today and compare schedules, tuition, and career services. The sooner you start, the sooner you can work toward your journeyman license.
