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Verified by NH Board of Education

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in New Hampshire

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for kindergarten teachers, except special education in New Hampshire, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in New Hampshire

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee

  2. 2

    Alternative methods of qualification:

  3. 3

    Alternative 1: Completion of an approved program of professional preparation in education

  4. 4

    Alternative 2: Completion of a comparable program outside of New Hampshire

  5. 5

    Alternative 3: Qualification based on Demonstrated Competencies and Equivalent Experiences, requiring both written examination and oral review

  6. 6

    Alternative 4: Individualized Professional Development Plan, restricted to critical shortage areas, career and technical specialty areas, and business administrators (New Hampshire residency is required)

  7. 7

    Alternative 5: A site-based Individual Certification Plan, on-the-job training allowing an individual to attain certification in elementary and secondary teaching areas if academic requirements of an entry-level baccalaureate with 30 credits in the content area and an overall GPA of 2.5 or better are met, and if a local school district is willing to assume responsibility for training and supervising the teacher candidate (New Hampshire residency is required)

  8. 8

    A beginning educator certificate is issued to those with less than three years of teaching experience, including teaching experi

  9. 9

    Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee - Alternative methods of qualification: - Alternative 1: Completion of an approved program of professional preparation in education - Alternative 2: Completion of a comparabl

  10. 10

    Education: Degree required.

  11. 11

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  12. 12

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  13. 13

    Certification: Certification required.

  14. 14

    Includes teachers of career and technical education.

  15. 15

    Some teachers instruct adults or out-of-school youth in basic education, high school equivalency, or English as a second language.

  16. 16

    - Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee.

  17. 17

    - Alternative 1: Completion of an approved program of professional preparation in education.

  18. 18

    - Alternative 3: Qualification based on Demonstrated Competencies and Equivalent Experiences, requiring both written examination and oral review.

  19. 19

    - Alternative 5: A site-based Individual Certification Plan, on-the-job training allowing an individual to attain certification in elementary and secondary teaching areas if academic requirements of an entry-level baccalaureate with 30 credits in the content area and an overall GPA of 2.5 or better are met, and if a local school district is willing to assume responsibility for training and supervising the teacher candidate (New Hampshire residency is required).

Exam and processing details

  • written examination and oral review

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certification Requirements:

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NH Department of Education • Division of Educator Support and Higher Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $60,530 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #25 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New Hampshire eligibility requirements for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (A beginning educator certificate is issued to those with less than three years of teaching experience, including teaching experi).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required written examination and oral review.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee; A beginning educator certificate is issued to those with less than three years of teaching experience, including teaching experi).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NH Department of Education~Division of Educator Support and Higher Education and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Hampshire

With a median salary of $60,530, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire earn 1% below the national median of $61,430. New Hampshire ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,490

Median annual salary

$60,530

Hourly estimate

$29.10
1% below national median

Difference: -$900

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,340
  • P2525th percentile$46,770
  • P50Median$60,530
  • P7575th percentile$76,160
  • P9090th percentile$85,080

State vs National Median

State: $60,530
National: $61,430

Total employment: 550 | Annual openings: N/A

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#25 of 50 statesfor Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Rhode Island$86,390
#2California$84,550
#3Washington$84,500
#4Connecticut$83,920
#5Massachusetts$82,440

Nearby States Comparison

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Hampshire$60,530Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Maine$59,470Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$61,040Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$82,440Specific course requiredNo 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 Hampshire58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Maine68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required 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 Education • Division of Educator Support and Higher Education

25 Hall Street, Concord, NH, 03301

Phone: 6032712409

Related Careers in New Hampshire

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$83,100Specific course requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$85,980Specific course requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$101,830Specific course requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$66,680Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in New Hampshire?

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

What exams are required for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations.

What education do you need to become a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in New Hampshire?

The board typically expects Degree required for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in New Hampshire.

What is the typical Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in New Hampshire?

The median annual salary for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire is $60,530. Salaries range from $43,340 (10th percentile) to $85,080 (90th percentile).

How does the Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire earn 1% below the national median of $61,430, with a state median of $60,530.

How many Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations work in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire employs approximately 550 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education license to New Hampshire from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Hampshire?

The licensing agency is NH Department of Education / Division of Educator Support and Higher Education. Review agency details at https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-educator-support-and-higher-education/bureau-of-credentialing.

How often do you renew a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education license in New Hampshire?

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