GetTradeLicense

Electrician License Requirements in Nevada

Licensing AuthorityNevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)
License TypeC-2 - Electrical Contractor
Experience Required4 full years of journeyman-level electrical experience within the last 15 years
Exam RequiredYes — Business and Law (CMS) + C-2 Electrical Trade Exam
Bond RequiredYes — $10,000
InsuranceGeneral liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing EducationNot required
Processing Time8-12 weeks

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee$300
Exam Fee$140
Initial License Fee$600
Est. Initial Total$1,040

Renewal: $600 every 2 years

Exam Requirements

Business and Law (CMS)

Pass: 70%
Nevada contractor lawBusiness managementSafety regulations

C-2 Electrical Trade Exam

Pass: 70%
National Electrical CodeElectrical systemsSafetyEstimating

Exam provider: PSI

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.

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→

License Reciprocity

This state has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.

arizonaTrade exam waived via licensure by endorsement if actively licensed in AZ for 4+ years with no disciplinary actions
californiaTrade exam waived via licensure by endorsement if actively licensed in CA for 4+ years with no disciplinary actions
utahTrade exam waived via licensure by endorsement if actively licensed in UT for 4+ years with no disciplinary actions

You're licensed in Nevada as an electrician — 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.

  1. Form the business and get an EIN.

    The Nevada State Contractors Board issues the C-2 - Electrical 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.

  2. Post the bond.

    Nevada requires a $10,000 surety bond. Bond amount determined by NSCB based on license type and monetary limit; ranges from $1,000 to $500,000. How contractor bonds work→

  3. 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 is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→

  4. 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 electrician 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→

  5. Keep the license.

    Renewal is every 2 years at $600.

Other licenses in Nevada

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an electrician license in Nevada?

Yes, Nevada requires a statewide electrician license through the Nevada State Contractors Board.

How much does an electrician license cost in Nevada?

The estimated initial cost is $1,040, including application, exam, and license fees. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.

What experience do I need for an electrician license in Nevada?

4 full years of journeyman-level electrical experience within the last 15 years

What exams are required for an electrician license in Nevada?

You must pass the Business and Law (CMS) and C-2 Electrical Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.

Do I need a bond for an electrician license in Nevada?

Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. Bond amount determined by NSCB based on license type and monetary limit; ranges from $1,000 to $500,000

Does Nevada have electrician license reciprocity?

Yes, Nevada has reciprocity agreements with 3 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.

How long does it take to get an electrician license in Nevada?

Processing time is typically 8-12 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Is continuing education required for electricians in Nevada?

No, Nevada does not currently require continuing education for electrician license renewal.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: NSCB