Become a Teacher in New Hampshire

Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. CertificationMap.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 10/16/2016

This page is sponsored by our partner Rossier Online, a master level teaching degree program delivered online that enables you to earn a Master’s degree and teaching credential. Learn more about how the University of Southern California can help you become a transformative teacher in New Hampshire.

To become a certified teacher in New Hampshire, you will need to fulfill these requirements:

• Step One: Complete a bachelor's degree and other prerequisite coursework required.
• Step Two: Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program
• Step Three: Pass required exams.
• Step Four: Submit a New Hampshire teaching credential application.

Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating CertificationMap.com with new information on a regular basis.

Step One: New Hampshire Prerequisite Coursework

All states require that certified teachers at a minimum have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states have undergraduate credit hour requirements for certification in specialty areas. New Hampshire, however, does not have any undergraduate credit hour requirements.

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Master’s Requirements

Many schools of education now offer online MAT programs that provide increased flexibility by allowing aspiring or working teachers to attend class and complete coursework from any location that has an Internet connection. Online MAT programs are a practical option for students who have professional and personal commitments that make it difficult to obtain teaching certification through a full-time program.

The best online programs offer the same curriculum as the school’s on-campus program and apply the same admission requirements. Providing students with the ability to communicate with instructors and classmates in a face-to-face online environment is another hallmark of a good online program. In addition, candidates in online MAT programs should be provided with the opportunity to complete student teaching fieldwork in the local community.

Click to learn more about getting your MAT online with our partner USC Rossier School of Education.

Step Two: New Hampshire Teacher Preparation

Teacher preparation includes the completion of an accredited, state-approved teacher education program. The New Hampshire Department of Education publishes a list of approved in-state programs.

Typically, teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often include instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.

While the involvement in an education program may seem financially daunting, a number of financial resources specifically for teachers exist around the country. For more information on this, visit our page on scholarships for teachers. For more teacher scholarships specific to the State of New Hampshire, visit our New Hampshire Teacher Scholarships page.

Alternative Certification

Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree was not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. The state of New Hampshire officially recognizes ABCTE certification as a route to earning your New Hampshire teacher certification, as well as several alternative options outlined by the Bureau of Credentialing. Visit the Certification Map New Hampshire Alternative Certification Programs page for more information on alternative certification in New Hampshire.

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Step Three: New Hampshire Required Tests

New Hampshire requires that all teaching candidates complete and pass a basic skills test and all required content area assessments in order to obtain their state teaching certification.

Basic Skills

Teaching candidates are required to take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) tests before being accepted into a teaching program.

New Hampshire may accept passing scores on other tests, such as the SAT, ACT, or other states’ exams, to fulfill the basic skills requirement. Acceptance of equivalent testing is at the discretion of the Bureau of Credentialing.

Foundations of Learning

Candidates seeking certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Reading and Writing Teaching, and Reading and Writing Specialist are required to also take the Foundations of Learning exam administered by Pearson.

Content Area 

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Step Four: New Hampshire Application Requirements

Background Check

New Hampshire does not require a criminal background check when applying for initial certification. However, all individuals seeking employment within the New Hampshire Department of Education must complete a School Employee Criminal History Records Check and fingerprint clearance on both a state and federal level. Please contact your local NH school/district for additional information.

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New Hampshire Certification Reciprocity

Through the Alternative 2 certification process, New Hampshire will recognize education and/or certification in other states. Contact the New Hampshire Department of Education to inquire about your specific situation. Please see our interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.

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New Hampshire Teacher Salary

• Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: New Hampshire provides loan forgiveness support for teachers teaching in shortage subject areas
• Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: New Hampshire has no induction policies in place
• Average Elementary Teacher Salary: $50,450
• Average Secondary Teacher Salary: $50,040
• Average Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: 15

Teacher salaries were provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2015 Occupational Employment Statistics report.

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New Hampshire Certification Resources & Links

• New Hampshire Department of Education

Bureau of Credentialing
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
603-271-3494

• New Hampshire Teacher Tenure
• Teachers Test Prep: Free online Praxis Study Guides and Praxis Practice Tests, and a variety of preparation options to meet your individual needs, including prep classes, private tutoring, and online prep.
• Become a Substitute Teacher in New Hampshire