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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,040 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Exam fee (single exam) | $95 |
Renewal: $600 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Business and Law (CMS)
B - General Building Trade Exam
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.
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 →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 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. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
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
Local requirements on top of your Nevada license
The NSCB general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in Nevada. On top of it, most Nevada cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in Nevada as a general contractor — 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→
Register locally.
Most Nevada cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
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 general contractor 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $600.
Other licenses in Nevada
- Electrician license in Nevada
Statewide license required · $1,040 in initial government fees · NSCB
- Plumber license in Nevada
Statewide license required · $1,040 in initial government fees · NSCB
- HVAC Technician license in Nevada
Statewide license required · $1,040 in initial government fees · NSCB
- Roofing Contractor license in Nevada
Statewide license required · $1,040 in initial government fees · NSCB
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. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Nevada?
4 full years of experience at journeyman level, or as foreman, supervisor, or contractor in the classification applied for, within the last 15 years
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Nevada?
You must pass the Business and Law (CMS) and B - General Building Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Nevada?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. 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.
Does Nevada have general contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, Nevada has reciprocity agreements with 3 states that may apply to general contractors. 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 a general contractor license in Nevada?
Processing time is typically 8-12 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Nevada?
No, Nevada does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Nevada— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: NSCB