Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NH Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in New Hampshire, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee
- 2
Minimum of a Bachelor's degree
- 3
General special education teachers are certified as either or both of the following:
- 4
Early childhood general special education teacher for children from birth up to age eight
- 5
Elementary/secondary general special education teacher for children age five up to age 21
- 6
Alternative methods of qualification for certification:
- 7
Alternative 1: Completion of an approved program of professional preparation in special education
- 8
Alternative 2: Completion of a comparable program outside of New Hampshire
- 9
Alternative 3: Qualification ba
- 10
Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee - Minimum of a Bachelor's degree - General special education teachers are certified as either or both of the following: - Early childhood general special education teacher fo
- 11
Education: Degree required.
- 12
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 13
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 14
Certification: Certification required.
- 15
Special Education is instruction specifically designed to meet the unique needs of an educationally disabled child aged 3 to 21 who has been identified and evaluated by a school district and determined to be intellectually impaired, hearing impaired, speech or language impaired or both, visually impaired including blindness, seriously emotionally disturbed, orthopedically impaired, otherwise severely health impaired, deaf, blind, multi-disabled, traumatic brain injured, autistic, or as having specific learning disabilities.
- 16
General special education certification qualifies a teacher to teach children with disabilities who are able to benefit from general and special education but do not require the knowledge of a special educator with a categorical endorsement
- and whose placement is in general education for more than 50 percent of the day.
- 17
Teachers working with children requiring more extensive knowledge and skills must obtain a categorical endorsement in emotional or behavioral problems
- hearing impairment
- intellectual disabilities
- physical disabilities
- visual disabilities
- or learning disabilities.
- 18
- Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee.
- 19
- Minimum of a Bachelor's degree.
- 20
- General special education teachers are certified as either or both of the following:.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification qualifies a teacher to teach children with disabilities who are able to benefit from general and special education but do not require the knowledge of a special educato
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NH Department of Education • Division of Educator Support and Higher Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,420 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#23 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Early childhood general special education teacher for children from birth up to age eight; Elementary/secondary general special education teacher for children age five up to age 21).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee; Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee - Minimum of a Bachelor's degree - General special education teac...).
- 5. Submit the application to NH Department of Education~Division of Educator Support and Higher Education and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Hampshire
With a median salary of $62,420, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Hampshire earn 1% below the national median of $63,000. New Hampshire ranks #23 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
$62,420Hourly estimate
$30.011% below national median
Difference: -$580
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#23 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $62,420 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maine | $59,860 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $63,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $78,820 | 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 | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Maine | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- 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
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,100 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $85,980 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,830 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,680 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.
What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in New Hampshire?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in New Hampshire.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Hampshire is $62,420. Salaries range from $45,480 (10th percentile) to $82,680 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Hampshire earn 1% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $62,420.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire employs approximately 980 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in New Hampshire?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.