You can still take the COURSE online, but you must take the TEST in person.
See here
http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/index.htm
I heard a few people complain about the general certification requirement and I'm sure it has had a small effect. The biggest annoyance is the confusing reciprocity. If you have a certification from another state or organization, are you covered? The answer is alway "it depends" and it's not always easy for potential visitors to find out. I had one person, on another forum tell me he was going to Lake George because he wasn't sure he was covered here.