Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NH Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in New Hampshire, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must be hired by a law enforcement agency
- 2
High school diploma or GED
- 3
No serious criminal or motor vehicle record
- 4
Good credit history
- 5
Pass a background investigation and a fingerprint check
- 6
Pass a psychological evaluation and medical exam by a licensed health professional
- 7
Pass a physical fitness test
- 8
Meet minimum visual acuity and hearing standards
- 9
Must be a United States citizen
- 10
Must be hired by a law enforcement agency - High school diploma or GED - No serious criminal or motor vehicle record - Good credit history - Pass a background investigation and a fingerprint check - Pass a psychological evaluation and medical e
- 11
Education: Specific course required.
- 12
Experience: No experience required.
- 13
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 14
Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.
- 15
Certification: Certification required.
- 16
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 17
The NH Police Standards and Training Council is responsible for providing mandatory training for all full-time and part-time police officers.
- 18
State Troopers, Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs, Conservation Officers, Liquor Investigators, Gaming Investigators, Corrections Officers, Probation and Parole Officers, University Police Officers, and Marine Patrol Officers, as well as municipal Police Officers all attend training at New Hampshire Police Standards.
- 19
PSTC also conducts academies for part-time law enforcement officers, who must complete a 200-hour curriculum.
- 20
The Council also holds in-service training seminars and school for full-time and part-time officers, regionally and in Concord.
Exam and processing details
- Pass a psychological evaluation and medical exam by a licensed health professional
Continuing education and program notes
- certification within six months of hire
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NH Police Standards and Training Council • Arthur D. Kehas Criminal Justice Training Facility and Campus
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$67,620 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be a United States citizen).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Pass a psychological evaluation and medical exam by a licensed health professional.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Pass a background investigation and a fingerprint check; Must be hired by a law enforcement agency - High school diploma or GED - No serious criminal or motor vehicle record - Good credit histor...).
- 6. Submit the application to NH Police Standards and Training Council~Arthur D. Kehas Criminal Justice Training Facility and Campus 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 $67,620, Police Officers in New Hampshire earn 11% below the national median of $76,290. New Hampshire ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,490Median annual salary
$67,620Hourly estimate
$32.5111% below national median
Difference: -$8,670
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#30 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $115,400 |
| #2 | Washington | $102,640 |
| #3 | Illinois | $101,530 |
| #4 | Alaska | $100,300 |
| #5 | Colorado | $96,100 |
Nearby States Comparison
Police Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $67,620 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maine | $65,330 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $63,690 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $78,610 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maine | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 68 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. Continuing education compliance is 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 Police Standards and Training Council • Arthur D. Kehas Criminal Justice Training Facility and Campus
17 Institute Drive, Concord, NH, 03301
Phone: 6032712133
Related Careers in New Hampshire
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $61,420 | Specific course required | 1 month |
| Firefighter | $57,030 | Specific course required | 18 years |
| Security Guards | $44,510 | Varies by state board | 18 years |
| Acupuncturist | $83,110 | Degree required | 21 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Police Officer 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 Police Officers in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.
What education do you need to become a Police Officer in New Hampshire?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Police Officer licensure in New Hampshire.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in New Hampshire is $67,620. Salaries range from $54,410 (10th percentile) to $89,120 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
Police Officers in New Hampshire earn 11% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $67,620.
How many Police Officers work in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire employs approximately 2,550 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer 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 Police Officers in New Hampshire?
The licensing agency is NH Police Standards and Training Council / Arthur D. Kehas Criminal Justice Training Facility and Campus. Review agency details at https://www.pstc.nh.gov/.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in New Hampshire?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.