Your chapter sets the number
The national organization leaves the service requirement to each chapter. Typical rules from 2025-26 chapter handbooks:
| Chapter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chapter A | 16 hours a year (8 per semester) |
| Chapter B | 25 verified hours |
| Chapter C | 10 hours as a junior, 15 as a senior |
| Chapter D | 20 hours every year to stay a member |
Ask your adviser for your chapter's handbook, deadlines and the form they want.
What usually counts
- Usually yes: unpaid service for a nonprofit, school, church or community group.
- Often no: paid work, chores, helping a single relative, or service you were paid in kind for.
- Always: a supervisor who can confirm your hours.
One record for every requirement
The same hours can often count for NHS, a graduation requirement and a scholarship. In My Award Tracker, add a custom goal like “NHS service hours” with your chapter's number, have supervisors confirm by email, and print an hours form or a verified record with a QR code for your adviser.
Frequently asked questions
How many service hours does the National Honor Society require?
There is no national minimum. Each local chapter sets its own requirement, often between 10 and 25 hours a year.
What counts as NHS service?
Usually unpaid service that helps others, approved by your chapter adviser. Many chapters do not count paid work, family obligations or service for a single person.
Do NHS hours count for other requirements?
Often yes. The same hours may count toward a state graduation requirement or a scholarship, as long as each program accepts them. Keep one record with dates, organizations and supervisor confirmations.