General Contractor License Requirements in Nevada
| Licensing Authority | Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) |
| License Type | B - General Building Contractor |
| Experience Required | 4 full years of experience at journeyman level, or as foreman, supervisor, or contractor in the classification applied for, within the last 15 years |
| Exam Required | Yes — Business and Law (CMS) + B - General Building Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $10,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 8-12 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $300 |
| Exam Fee | $140 |
| Initial License Fee | $600 |
| Exam fee (single exam) | $95 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,135 |
Renewal: $600 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Business and Law (CMS)
Pass: 70%
Nevada contractor lawBusiness managementSafety regulationsContract law
B - General Building Trade Exam
Pass: 70%
Building codesConstruction methodsProject managementEstimating
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
B - General Building
4 years journeyman-level or supervisory experience
Exam: Required
B-2 - Residential and Small Commercial
4 years journeyman-level or supervisory experience
Exam: Required
B-7 - Restricted (New 2026)
2 years experience; projects up to $7,000 only
Exam: Not required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. 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
Notes
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Nevada?
Yes, Nevada requires a statewide general contractor license through the Nevada State Contractors Board.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Nevada?
The estimated initial cost is $1,040, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: NSCB