New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam: Free Practice Test and Everything You Need to Know

New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam Free Practice Test and Everything You Need to Know
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Want to become a licensed cosmetologist in New Hampshire? Your journey starts here. If you’re preparing for the NH State Board of Cosmetology Exam, understanding what’s required and how to prepare can make all the difference.

Don’t waste time guessing what’s on the test. This guide gives you everything you need to know, from state requirements to smart study strategies. Also, attend our free practice test designed to help you pass with confidence.

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STEP 1: VERIFY YOUR ELIGIBILITY

The initial step in applying for the NH State Board of Cosmetology Exam is to first verify your eligibility with the criteria set by the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam.

The minimum practical working hours set by the NH State Board of Cosmetology are as follows:

LicenseFormal Education HoursApprenticeship Hours
Cosmetologist1,5003,000
Barber (cutting only)8001,600
Master Barber (cutting + chemical)1,5003,000
Esthetician6001,200
Nail Technician300600
Cosmetology InstructorCosmetology license + 8 years work experience OR 500 hours with 1 year work experience OR 800 hours with no work experienceN/A
ElectrologistContact tattoo boardN/A
Permanent MakeupContact tattoo boardN/A

STEP 2: APPLY FOR THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAM

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam, the next step is to apply online through the official website of Prov, Inc. If you prefer a paper application, contact your cosmetology school to obtain one.

To apply online, visit the Prov registration portal. New users need to sign up by providing details like your name, email address, and password. Returning users can log in with their email and password to start the application process.

If you completed your cosmetology training in another state, you’ll need to use the out-of-state application form available on Prov’s website.

Tip: Apply early to secure your preferred test date, and keep your payment confirmation handy!

STEP 3: PAY YOUR EXAM FEES

Once you have applied for the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam, the next step is to pay the exam fees. At the time of application, candidates are expected to pay the examination fees. 

  • Written Exam Fee: $88 per exam
  • Practical Exam Fee: $99 per exam
  • License Renewal Fee: $40 biennially, due every two years during the licensee’s birth month

STEP 4: SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM

Once you’ve paid the exam fees ($88 for written, $99 for practical), schedule your exam through Prov’s online portal. Prov, Inc. administers the NIC exams in New Hampshire.

  • How to Schedule: Log in to the portal to pick your written and practical exam dates. It shows available slots for the next 30 days and testing centers near your zip code (practical exams are at Prov’s Concord, NH center).
  • Confirmation: After scheduling, you’ll get an admission letter via email. Print it for exam day.
  • Choose a Location: Select a preferred testing site for the written exam (remote or in-person at Prov’s centers in Concord, Nashua, or Newington).
  • Rescheduling/Retaking: Need to change or retake? Contact Prov at (801) 733-4455 at least 7 days before your test date to avoid forfeiting fees. Rescheduling is free if done on time; otherwise, you’ll repay exam fees.

Tip: Book early to secure your spot and double-check your admission letter details!

STEP 5: ON THE EXAMINATION DAY

On the day of the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam, candidates are expected to be present at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled examination time. You must bring your admission letter along with a valid photo identification card issued by the government. Make sure that the identification card you present at the time of verification includes your signature and photo.

Some appropriate forms of identification are as follows:

  • Current driver’s license.
  • State-issued identification card.
  • Military identification card.
  • Voter’s Registration card.
  • Government Passport.

You will be required to reapply and repay the examination fees if you arrive late for the exam. Candidates who do not provide valid and appropriate identification will not be admitted for the examination. Walk-in candidates will also not be admitted for the examination in the state of New Hampshire.

STEP 6: TAKE THE EXAM

Once you have completed the verification process, the next step is to take the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam. The exam consists of 2 parts, namely:

  • The NIC practical exam.
  • The NIC written exam.

THE NIC PRACTICAL EXAM:

The NIC practical exam is a hands-on, practical exam. The duration of the NIC practical exam is about 2 to 3 hours long. Candidates are expected to bring their own mannequin head if required. You should also bring all the necessary supplies required to perform the practical examination and label them in English.

THE NIC THEORY EXAM:

The NIC theory exam is a computer-based, written examination that consists of 110 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Out of the 110 MCQs, only 100 questions will be scored. The duration of the NIC theory exam is about 90 minutes.

STEP 7: RESULTS ANALYSIS

Once you have completed the NH State Board of Cosmetology Exam, the next step is the result analysis. The exam results will be posted on the official website and can be downloaded from there.

Generally, it takes about 7 to 10 business days for them to post the results on their official website. The passing score for the NH State Board of Cosmetology Exam is 75% or above. If you fail any one or both of the exams, you will have to reapply and repay the required fees to retake the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam.

STEP 8: RECEIVE YOUR NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY LICENSE

Once you have passed both the written and practical exams in the state of New Hampshire, the final step is to apply for the NH State Board of Cosmetology License.

For license lookup, you must visit the license lookup section on the official website. License lookup helps you find out if your license has been issued by the state of New Hampshire or not.

To renew your license, click here. You must log into the portal to renew your New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology License. You should receive a renewal notification at least 15 to 60 days prior to the expiration date.

New Hampshire allows candidates to transfer their cosmetology license from a different state to New Hampshire through reciprocity. You will have to fill out the reciprocity application form and submit it along with the necessary fees to be able to apply for reciprocity of licensure in the state of New Hampshire. Make sure to meet all the requirements set by the state to be able to apply for reciprocity of licensure.

Study Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Study Smart: Break your study into chunks—hair one day, nails the next. Use flashcards for state laws.
  • Practice Timing: For the practical, rehearse full procedures within 2-3 hours.
  • Avoid Rushing: On the written exam, read each question twice—rushing leads to silly errors.
  • Double-Check Supplies: Forgetting a labeled tool can tank your practical score.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Hampshire Cosmetology Exams

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LICENSES AVAILABLE IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE?

Some of the different types of licenses available in the state of New Hampshire are as follows:

  • A Cosmetologist license.
  • A Barber license (cutting only).
  • A Master Barber license (cutting + chemical).
  • An Esthetician license.
  • A Nail Technician license.
  • A Cosmetology Instructor license.
  • An Electrologist license.
  • A Permanent Makeup license.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY FOR LICENSURE?

You can contact the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology for licensure by visiting the official website of the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. You can learn more about license renewal, license lookup, and license transfer on their official website.

HOW DO I VERIFY MY NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY LICENSURE?

You can verify your New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology License by performing a license search. To perform a license lookup in the state of New Hampshire, visit the official website and go to the license lookup page.

HOW LONG IS COSMETOLOGY A LICENSE VALID IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?

In the state of New Hampshire, a cosmetology license is valid for about 2 years. You will have to renew your cosmetology license every 2 years during your birth month to be able to practice as a cosmetologist in the state.

HOW DO I TRANSFER MY COSMETOLOGY LICENSE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE?

You will have to fill out the reciprocity application form and submit it along with the necessary fees to be able to apply for reciprocity of licensure in the state of New Hampshire. Make sure to meet all the requirements set by the state to be able to apply for reciprocity of licensure.

HOW DO I RENEW MY COSMETOLOGY LICENSE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?

To renew your license, click here. You must log into the portal to renew your New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology License. You should receive a renewal notification at least 15 to 60 days prior to the expiration date.

HOW LONG ARE THE COSMETOLOGY EXAMS?

In the state of New Hampshire, the cosmetology exam consists of 2 sections. The NIC practical exam, which is approximately 2 to 3 hours long, and the NIC written exam, which is 90 minutes long.

CAN I RENEW MY LICENSE FOR A SHORTENED PERIOD IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE IF I DO NOT NEED THE LICENSE FOR THE FULL LICENSE CYCLE?

No. The New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology only lets you renew your license for a period of 2 years.

HOW CAN I CONTACT PROV TO GET MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE EXAM?

For questions about the New Hampshire cosmetology exam, contact Prov, Inc. at:

  • Phone/Text: (801) 733-4455 (8:00 AM to 12:00 AM ET, Monday–Friday)
  • Toll-Free: (877) 228-3926
  • Email: support@provexam.com
  • Website: provexam.com

CAN I TAKE A PRACTICE TEST?

Yes, you can make use of the practice test on our official website. Make sure to try out our free practice test to help you efficiently prepare for your cosmetology exam.

WHAT IS THE PASSING SCORE FOR THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAM?

The passing score is 75% or above for the NH State Board of Cosmetology Exam.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN I TAKE THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATIONS IF I FAIL?

You can retake the New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Exam as many times as needed if you fail. There’s no waiting period, and you can schedule a new test date as soon as the next available slot. However, you’ll need to pay the exam fees again each time you retake.

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