Verified by NH Board of Healthcare

Optometrist Licensing in New Hampshire

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

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Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optometrist in New Hampshire

Estimated timeline: 1-18 years

Core Requirements

1
Must be over 18 years of age
2
Good moral character
3
Complete a minimum of two years at a college of arts and sciences
4
Graduate from an accredited college of optometry, maintaining a minimum of four years in optometric training
5
Must pass the National Board Examinations
6
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
7
Optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma must complete 40 hours of classroom education approved by the Board on topics related to glaucoma
8
Letters of reference from two practicing optometrists who know the applicant professionally
9
Must be over 18 years of age - Good moral character - Complete a minimum of two years at a college of arts and sciences - Graduate from an accredited college of optometry, maintaining a minimum of four years in optometric training - Must pass t
10
Education: Degree required.
11
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
12
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
13
License Type: Stand-alone license.
14
- Graduate from an accredited college of optometry, maintaining a minimum of four years in optometric training.
15
- Optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma must complete 40 hours of classroom education approved by the Board on topics related to glaucoma.
16
Examination: Written examinations required &ndash
- National Board of Examiners in Optometry Exam Parts I, II, and III
- and State examinations.
17
An additional examination is required for optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma.
18
Continuing Education: All TPA (therapeutic pharmaceutical agents) certified licensed optometrists shall complete a minimum of 50 credit hours of approved continuing education requirements every calendar year, at least 20 credit hours of which shall be in Class I, and the remainder of which shall be Class II.
19
An optometrist with prescriptive authority to treat glaucoma shall complete ten of the required hours in glaucoma-specific education, with a minimum of seven hours in Class I, and the remaind.

Exam and processing details

Written examinations required &ndash
National Board of Examiners in Optometry Exam Parts I, II, and III
and State examinations. An additional examination is required for optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma.

Continuing education and program notes

All TPA (therapeutic pharmaceutical agents) certified licensed optometrists shall complete a minimum of 50 credit hours of approved continuing education requirements every calendar year, at least 20 credit hours of which shall be in Class I, and the remainder of which shall be Class II.
An optometrist with prescriptive authority to treat glaucoma shall complete ten of the required hours in glaucoma-specific education, with a minimum of seven hours in Class I, and the remaind

Application Snapshot

Licensing Authority
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
Current Filing Fee
See agency
Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
Salary Position
$130,310 median (3% below national)
State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be over 18 years of age; Good moral character).
2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
3. Document required supervised experience (Optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma must complete 40 hours of classroom education approved by the Board on topics relate...).
4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Written examinations required – National Board of Examiners in Optometry Exam Parts I, II, and III; and State examinations. An additional examination is required for optom....
5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Letters of reference from two practicing optometrists who know the applicant professionally; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
6. Submit the application to Office of Professional Licensure and Certification and monitor board communications.
7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Hampshire

With a median salary of $130,310, Optometrists in New Hampshire earn 3% below the national median of $134,830. New Hampshire ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,490

Median annual salary

$130,310

Hourly estimate

$62.65

3% below national median

Difference: -$4,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation

P1010th percentile$69,000
P2525th percentile$119,990
P50Median$130,310
P7575th percentile$159,560
P9090th percentile$236,210

State vs National Median

State: $130,310

National: $134,830

Total employment: 200 | Annual openings: N/A

Optometrist Salary Ranking

#26 of 50 statesfor Optometrist median salary

Rank	State	Median Salary
#1	Alaska	$165,830
#2	New York	$163,040
#3	Maryland	$157,830
#4	Washington	$157,650
#5	New Jersey	$156,000

Nearby States Comparison

Optometrist licensing across the region

State	Median Salary	Education	Exam	Timeline
New Hampshire	$130,310	Degree required	Third-party exam required	1-18 years
Maine	$133,470	Specific course required	Third-party exam required	Varies by board
Vermont	$156,000	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Varies by board
Massachusetts	$150,820	Degree required	Third-party exam required	2-4 years

License by Endorsement

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

State	Reciprocity Score	Tier	Notes
New Hampshire	58	Medium	State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Maine	62	Medium	State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont	50	Low	State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts	50	Low	State-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

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH, 03301

Phone: 6032712152

Visit Official Website Call Board Open in Maps

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FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Optometrists in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.

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

The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in New Hampshire.

What is the typical Optometrist salary in New Hampshire?

The median annual salary for Optometrists in New Hampshire is $130,310. Salaries range from $69,000 (10th percentile) to $236,210 (90th percentile).

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

Optometrists in New Hampshire earn 3% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $130,310.

How many Optometrists work in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire employs approximately 200 Optometrists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Optometrist 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 Optometrists in New Hampshire?

The licensing agency is Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Review agency details at https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-optometry.

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

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