Contractor Licensing in Nevada: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Nevada requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Initial cost is $1,040.
Nevada requires statewide contractor licensing through the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) for all construction trades. All contractors must pass a business and law (CMS) exam plus a trade-specific exam, post a surety bond, and maintain workers compensation insurance. The Board issues licenses across Class A (General Engineering), Class B (General Building), and Class C (Specialty) classifications. In 2026, Nevada launched a new B-7 restricted license to expand workforce access.
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Reciprocity Agreements
Nevada has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams. Full Nevada reciprocity guide: which states, what is waived, what it costs →
Nevada Licensing Overview
Nevada requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $1,040 to $1,040, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Nevada also participates in reciprocity agreements with 3 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Nevada Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $300 | $140 | $600 | $10,000 | $1,040 |
| Electrician | $300 | $140 | $600 | $10,000 | $1,040 |
| Plumber | $300 | $140 | $600 | $10,000 | $1,040 |
| HVAC Technician | $300 | $140 | $600 | $10,000 | $1,040 |
| Roofing Contractor | $300 | $140 | $600 | $10,000 | $1,040 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Nevada
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Nevada. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Key Facts About Nevada Contractor Licensing
- Workers compensation required for all contractors with employees. Sole proprietors without employees may file an exemption affidavit.
- Nevada has reciprocity agreements with 3 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- 2026 change: New B-7 restricted license launched — requires only 2 years experience, no trade exam, limited to projects up to $7,000
- NASCLA Accredited General Building Exam may be accepted in lieu of state trade exam
- EPA 608 certification also required for refrigerant handling
You're licensed in Nevada — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Nevada State Contractors Board issues the B - General Building Contractor; the business that invoices Nevada customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Nevada requires a $10,000 surety bond. Bond ranges from $1,000 to $500,000 based on license type, monetary limit, financial responsibility, and applicant history. Minimum $10,000 for most general building contractors. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
Nevada does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers compensation required for all contractors with employees. Sole proprietors without employees may file an exemption affidavit. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nevada require a contractor license?
Yes, Nevada requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Nevada?
The estimated initial cost is $1,040, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Nevada have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Nevada has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Nevada?
Workers compensation required for all contractors with employees. Sole proprietors without employees may file an exemption affidavit.
Official Nevada Licensing Resources
- Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) — for general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor