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Verified by NH Board of Public Safety

Firefighter Licensing in New Hampshire

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in New Hampshire, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Firefighter in New Hampshire

Estimated timeline: 18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must be at least 18 years of age

  2. 2

    Must be of good character

  3. 3

    High school diploma or equivalent

  4. 4

    Must pass medical and physical fitness requirements

  5. 5

    Background check &ndash

    • no felony convictions
  6. 6

    Must pass an oral interview

  7. 7

    Complete a program of fire training within the first year of hire as a career firefighter

  8. 8

    Education: Specific course required.

  9. 9

    Experience: No experience required.

  10. 10

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  11. 11

    Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.

  12. 12

    Certification: Certification required.

  13. 13

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  14. 14

    There are no state training or certification requirements for call or volunteer firefighters.

  15. 15

    - Background check &ndash

    • no felony convictions.
  16. 16

    - Complete a program of fire training within the first year of hire as a career firefighter.

  17. 17

    Examination: Physical agility test and written exam (general knowledge).

  18. 18

    Continuing Education: Not required.

Exam and processing details

  • Physical agility test and written exam (general knowledge)

Continuing education and program notes

  • Not required
Fee TypeAmount
Firefighter I and II Certification$5,000

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NH Department of Safety • Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,030 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #24 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age; Must be of good character).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required Physical agility test and written exam (general knowledge).
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background check – no felony convictions; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Firefighter I and II Certification: $5,000).
  7. 7. Submit the application to NH Department of Safety~Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Hampshire

With a median salary of $57,030, Firefighters in New Hampshire earn 4% below the national median of $59,530. New Hampshire ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,490

Median annual salary

$57,030

Hourly estimate

$27.42
4% below national median

Difference: -$2,500

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,770
  • P2525th percentile$39,740
  • P50Median$57,030
  • P7575th percentile$68,010
  • P9090th percentile$83,770

State vs National Median

State: $57,030
National: $59,530

Total employment: 2,880 | Annual openings: N/A

Firefighter Salary Ranking

#24 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$93,490
#2New York$88,380
#3New Jersey$87,660
#4California$83,400
#5Illinois$79,080

Nearby States Comparison

Firefighter licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Hampshire$57,030Specific course requiredNo exam required18 years
Maine$47,490No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$46,130Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$73,110Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New Hampshire54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maine54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NH Department of Safety • Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services

33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH, 03305

Phone: 6032234200

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in New Hampshire

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$61,420Specific course required1 month
Police Officer$67,620Specific course requiredVaries by board
Security Guards$44,510Varies by state board18 years
Acupuncturist$83,110Degree required21 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Firefighter in New Hampshire?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Firefighters in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.

What education do you need to become a Firefighter in New Hampshire?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Firefighter licensure in New Hampshire.

What is the typical Firefighter salary in New Hampshire?

The median annual salary for Firefighters in New Hampshire is $57,030. Salaries range from $34,770 (10th percentile) to $83,770 (90th percentile).

How does the Firefighter salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?

Firefighters in New Hampshire earn 4% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $57,030.

How many Firefighters work in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire employs approximately 2,880 Firefighters according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Firefighter license to New Hampshire from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in New Hampshire?

The licensing agency is NH Department of Safety / Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services. Review agency details at https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/fstems/.

How often do you renew a Firefighter license in New Hampshire?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.