Are you ready to explore a career as an electrician? This guide will explain the steps to get a New Hampshire electrical license. Plus, you’ll learn how to secure a job or start your own business in the electrician industry.

Does New Hampshire require an electrical license?

Yes, the state requires a New Hampshire electrical license.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, you can apply to get a journeyman electrician license and a master electrician license. Journeyman electricians install, maintain, repair, and alter any kind of wire, conduit, equipment, or fixtures that use or transmit electrical energy. However, these tasks must be performed under the supervision of a master electrician. The average salary for a journeyman electrician in New Hampshire is $48,000.

A master electrician can perform all of the same tasks as a journeyman without supervision. The average salary for a master electrician is $62,000.

How to get an electrician license in New Hampshire

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must obtain 600 hours of electrical schooling and 8,000 hours of experience. To gain experience, you’ll want to enroll in an apprenticeship program.

An apprenticeship is a four-year program that will provide you with practical training. The 600 hours of classroom training is divided into 150 hours each year. If you want to be an apprentice, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a diploma.

To prepare for your journeyman license, you can get an associate’s degree to cover 2,000 of the 8,000 hours of experience. The best schools for prospective electricians in New Hampshire include the Lakes Region Community College and the Manchester Community College. Both of these colleges offer associate’s degrees in electrical engineering as well as electrical power and control technologies. Tuition rates at these colleges are between $10,000-$15,000. A substantial amount of your tuition may be covered with financial aid through FAFSA. Next, you will need to pass a lengthy exam. The first section of this exam contains 50 questions about the National Electrical Code. The second portion of the exam consists of another 50 questions about electrical installations as well as the RSA 319-C. The final section of the exam consists of an additional 10 questions on the RSA 319-C as well as 25 questions on administrative rules. To pass the exam, you will need to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in each section. You can take some free practice tests for the exam at this link.

If you want to become a master electrician, you must pass the necessary examination and garner a total of 2,000 hours of experience as a journeyman. The costs related to these licenses are $270 for a master electrician license and $150 for a journeyman electrician license. Both of these licenses are issued directly by the Electrician’s Board at the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

Should I join an electrician union in New Hampshire?

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is the main electrician union that you can join in New Hampshire. Many electricians choose to join a union, which allows them to receive better benefits, working conditions, and pay. Consider participating in a union when you receive your New Hampshire electrical license.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Some online resources that can aid in your job search include Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn. These sites offer extensive details on the job listing as well as an easy way to apply.

For the interview, you’ll want to dress well and fully prepared to answer any questions about the electrician industry. Expect to receive questions similar to the ones that were found on the exams. Remember to remain calm and professional throughout the entire interview.

Electrician insurance in New Hampshire

Whether you obtain a journeyman electrician license or master electrician license, you don’t need to electrician insurance in New Hampshire. However, if you plan to start a business, you should purchase general liability insurance. As an electrician, you will be working with electrical currents that can lead to injury, property damage, or death.

Electrician industry trends

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Alabama is the second-largest hydroelectric power producer east of the Rocky Mountains.” They also produce the sixth-most net electricity throughout the entire country.

Alabama’s use of hydroelectric dams on the state’s rivers has created thousands of jobs for both rural and city electricians. With the nation trending towards alternative sources of energy, electricians can expect more jobs like these to be created over the next decade.

Trade shows are the best way for electricians to familiarize themselves with new tools and trends in the electrical industry. This list of upcoming national trade shows can help you network and connect with industry leaders in your area.

Is my license only valid in New Hampshire?

The state of New Hampshire has multiple reciprocal agreements with other states, including Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts.

Another agreement has been made with the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance that allows journeyman licenses to be used in a variety of additional states, including Colorado, Alaska, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Wisconsin.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in New Hampshire?

Journeyman and master electrician licenses need to be renewed once every three years on the last day of your birth month. You will be required to pay $150 for a journeyman license renewal and $270 for a master license renewal.