Best Electrician Schools in New Hampshire

Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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If you want to become an electrician in New Hampshire, the first step is getting proper training. You can’t work as a licensed electrician in the state without completing the required education and apprenticeship hours. Choosing the right school will set the foundation for your entire career.

In New Hampshire, you can train at technical institutes, community colleges, and through apprenticeship programs. Many programs combine classroom learning with hands-on training so you’re comfortable working on real electrical systems before you’re on a job site.

Electrician Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire

Before picking a school, understand the state’s rules. The New Hampshire Electricians’ Board regulates licensing. You must meet specific education and supervised work requirements to qualify.

According to the state:

Applicants must complete at least 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work and 600 hours of approved classroom instruction to be eligible for the journeyman electrician exam. 1

Here’s the basic path:

  1. Enroll in an approved training program or apprenticeship.
  2. Work under a licensed electrician to gain on-the-job hours.
  3. Complete required classroom instruction covering electrical theory, code, and safety.
  4. Apply for the journeyman exam with documented hours and instruction.
  5. Pass the state exam to receive your license.

Best Electrician Schools in New Hampshire

Here are some of the top programs and schools that can help you meet state licensing requirements.

1. Manchester Community College (MCC) – Manchester, NH

Program: Electrical Technology
Type: Associate degree or certificate
MCC offers both degree and certificate options in Electrical Technology. Courses cover National Electrical Code, electrical theory, blueprint reading, and motor controls. The program includes lab work on real equipment.

Why choose MCC:

  • Experienced instructors from the trade
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Pathway to further education or direct workforce entry

2. Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) – Laconia, NH

Program: Electrical Systems Installation and Maintenance
LRCC’s program is built for those seeking to enter an apprenticeship quickly after school. Their curriculum is tightly aligned with state licensing requirements and includes intensive hands-on training.

Why choose LRCC:

  • Focus on both residential and commercial wiring
  • Strong industry connections for job placement
  • Small class sizes for better instructor access

3. Nashua Community College – Nashua, NH

Program: Electrical Engineering Technology
While more technology-focused, Nashua Community College offers coursework that can apply toward electrician licensing when paired with apprenticeship work.

Why choose NCC:

  • Blends electrical systems theory with modern technical skills
  • Opportunities for applied internships
  • Access to advanced tools and lab spaces

4. New Hampshire JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) – Manchester, NH

Program: 5-Year Electrical Apprenticeship
This union-run apprenticeship program combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. It’s designed to take you from no experience to journeyman licensing.

Why choose JATC:

  • Earn while you learn
  • No tuition debt for most participants
  • Direct pathway to electrical union membership

5. Seacoast School of Technology – Exeter, NH

Program: Electrical Technology (High School)
For high school students, Seacoast School offers a head start into the trade. Graduates can transition directly into apprenticeships or technical colleges.

Why choose Seacoast:

  • Early introduction to the trade
  • Builds technical confidence before entering a formal apprenticeship

Comparing Program Lengths

School / Program Type Approx. Duration
Manchester Community College Associate or Certificate 1–2 years
Lakes Region Community College Certificate ~1 year
Nashua Community College Associate 2 years
NH JATC Apprenticeship Apprenticeship 5 years
Seacoast School of Technology High School Program 2 years (junior & senior)

How to Choose the Right Program

When comparing electrician schools in New Hampshire, keep these points in mind:

  • State Approval: Make sure the program meets NH licensing standards.
  • Schedule Flexibility: Night and weekend options can help if you’re working.
  • Hands-On Focus: Prioritize programs with lab work and real-world practice.
  • Industry Connections: Schools linked to local contractors can speed job placement.

Steps After School

After completing your program:

  1. Track your apprenticeship hours — you need 8,000 total.
  2. Keep your classroom instruction records — 600 hours minimum.
  3. Apply for the journeyman exam with the Electricians’ Board.
    New Hampshire Electricians’ Board Official Site
  4. Pass the exam — study the NEC and state-specific rules.
  5. Start working as a licensed journeyman.

Final Thoughts

A good electrician school in New Hampshire will prepare you for both the technical work and the licensing process. Choose a program with solid hands-on training, experienced instructors, and a clear path to apprenticeship.

Here’s what to do next:

  • Research the schools above and verify current course offerings.
  • Contact admissions to confirm tuition costs and schedules.
  • Enroll in an approved program and start building your on-the-job hours.

The earlier you start, the sooner you can become a licensed electrician in New Hampshire.



  1. New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification – Electricians' Board Licensing Requirements: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board


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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.