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The human body has several natural defenses against the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. These defenses range from physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes to internal immune responses. However, certain activities could invite the spread of disease if additional measures aren't taken to protect public health and safety.

If you work in the world of body modification, including professions like microblading, tattooing, and piercing, you must obtain a license from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

Because these professions involve breaking the skin, you will have to stay up-to-date with health and safety training to maintain your license. This means completing continuing education (CE) credits covering disease transmission prevention and bloodborne pathogens to qualify for license renewal.

New Hampshire Continuing Education

Body art professionals must renew their licenses every two years. Your license will expire on the last day of your birth month in a renewal year, which occurs two years after the license was issued. If you received your license in 2026, and your birthday is May 10, the license will expire May 31, 2028.

The OPLC is required to send you a notification at least two months before your license is set to expire, reminding you that it's time to renew. However, it is your responsibility to complete requirements and submit your application in a timely manner to avoid a lapse. Make sure to update your address as needed to ensure notifications reach you.

To be eligible for license renewal, you must complete a 3-hour CE course for your profession that covers topics like:

• Sterilization
• Preventing disease transmission
• Blood-borne pathogens
• Skin diseases
• First aid/CPR

You must submit proof of completion to the OPLC with your application and renewal fee before your license expires.

What Happens if You Fail to Complete CE?

It is illegal to provide tattooing, piercing, and microblading services without a valid license, and you may face legal penalties if you continue working after your license expires.

If you submit a complete application and CE within 30 days of your license expiring, you may not face any late fees, although you still can't practice until your license is renewed.

After 30 days, you may still renew your license, but you'll have to submit paperwork for renewal and reinstatement and pay additional reinstatement fees.

If your license has been expired for a year or more, it is considered lapsed and may no longer be renewed. In this case, you will have to apply for a new license and meet all applicable qualifications.

How to Choose the Best CE Program

The best way to complete your CE for license renewal is to go through an approved program that offers self-paced learning with 24/7 online access for your convenience. Look for programs that provide an instant certificate of completion.

Is your New Hampshire tattooing, body piercing, or microblading license about to expire? Contact RocketCert now to learn more about approved continuing education courses.