Contractor Licensing Requirements in Nevada

Nevada requires a true state contractor license issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), one of the more rigorous licensing systems nationally. Licensing covers Class A, B, and C contractors across more than 40 specialty subclassifications, with mandatory exams, verified experience, and a board-set surety bond before a license is issued.

Nevada’s Contractor Licensing System

The NSCB licenses contractors statewide under NRS Chapter 624 — there is no separate local licensing layer for the underlying contractor’s license itself, though cities and counties still issue building permits and business licenses. Class A covers general engineering, Class B covers general building, and Class C covers specialty trades.

License Classes in Nevada

• Class A — General Engineering Contractor
• Class B — General Building Contractor (including B-2 Residential/Small Commercial and the newer B-7 Restricted Residential Remodel)
• Class C — Specialty Contractor, split into 40+ trade subclassifications (electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, etc.)
• Qualifying individual requirement — every license needs a qualifier who has passed the required exams for that classification

Exam & Experience Requirements

Applicants must pass a Business and Law (CMS) exam plus a trade exam specific to their classification, administered by PSI, unless they qualify for a waiver. Applicants must also document at least 4 years of journeyman, supervisor, or contractor experience in the requested classification within the preceding 15 years.

NASCLA Reciprocity

Nevada is a NASCLA Accredited Examination participating state through the State Contractors Board, meaning applicants for Commercial General Building classifications can use a passed NASCLA exam in place of Nevada’s own trade exam — though the state Business and Law exam and other requirements still apply.

Bonding & Insurance to Get Licensed

The NSCB sets a required surety bond individually at approval, ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 depending on license type, monetary limit, and the applicant’s financial history — don’t purchase a bond until you receive the board’s approval letter specifying the exact amount. Liability insurance and workers’ comp (if you have employees) are separate ongoing requirements tied to maintaining the license.

For exact GL and workers’ comp dollar minimums required to get licensed, see Insurance Minimums to Get Licensed.

Reciprocity with Other States

Beyond NASCLA exam acceptance for Commercial General Building applicants, Nevada does not broadly waive its licensing requirements for out-of-state contractors — experience documentation, the Business and Law exam, and bonding still apply to everyone.

Nevada Licensing Fees & Timeline

Penalties for Unlicensed Contracting

Unlicensed contracting in Nevada is a misdemeanor on the first offense (up to $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail), escalating to a gross misdemeanor on the second offense ($2,000–$4,000 fine, up to 364 days jail), and a Category E felony on the third offense ($5,000–$10,000 fine, 1–4 years in state prison) under NRS 624.700.

Resources: Nevada State Contractors Board — License Requirements, Nevada State Contractors Board — Bonds, NRS Chapter 624 — Contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing rules, fees, and exam requirements change; verify current requirements with the Nevada State Contractors Board before relying on this information for a business decision.