Nevada Contractor Licensing
Trade-by-trade licensing requirements for Nevada, sourced directly from the state regulatory board and verified by the CLR Editorial Review Desk. We currently publish 14 published trade guides, with direct links to each underlying board, statute, or candidate bulletin.
- Published guides
- 14
- Exam-backed
- 14
- Bond-backed
- 12
- Local / municipal
- 12
- Avg initial fee
- $575
How licensing works in Nevada
Nevada is not a one-size-fits-all licensing market. Across the 14 guides currently live on this state hub, 14 require a formal trade examination and 12 require a surety bond before the credential can issue. 12 of the published entries rely on city, county, or municipal registration rather than a single statewide credential, so contractors need to confirm the local building department or business-license office before bidding work.
The point of this state page is to give you a fast read on the regulatory model before you dive into a specific trade. Start with the trades grid below if you already know your specialty. If you are comparing jurisdictions, use the cost calculator for first-year cost and the reciprocity matrix for license portability.
Main boards and agencies
-
Nevada State Contractors Board
State contractor licensing authority that issues the swimming pool/spa construction classification (A-10) under Chapter 624; a state license is legally required to construct residential or commercial pools and spas.
Open agency site -
Nevada Real Estate Division
Division within the Nevada Department of Business and Industry that certifies and regulates Inspectors of Structures (home inspectors). The Division and its Administrator issue certificates and administer the program, while the Real Estate Commission adopts the regulations and oversees discipline under NRS and NAC Chapter 645D.
Open agency site
Licensed trades
-
General Contractor
Nevada Class A (General Engineering) or Class B (General Building) Contractor
Verified 2026-06-05
View full report →
-
Electrician
Nevada C-2 Electrical Contractor
Verified 2026-05-28
View full report →
-
Plumber
Nevada C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor
Verified 2026-06-09
View full report →
-
HVAC Technician
Nevada C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor
Verified 2026-04-16
View full report →
-
Roofing Contractor
Nevada NSCB C-15a Roofing Contractor
Verified 2026-04-29
View full report →
-
Painting Contractor
Nevada NSCB C-12 Painting and Decorating Contractor License
Verified 2026-04-12
View full report →
-
Landscaping Contractor
Nevada C-10 Landscape Contractor (NSCB)
Verified 2026-06-07
View full report →
-
Masonry Contractor
Nevada C-13 Masonry Contractor — Nevada State Contractors Board
Verified 2026-06-10
View full report →
-
Carpentry Contractor
Nevada C-3 Carpentry / C-3a Maintenance and Minor Repair Contractor (NSCB)
Verified 2026-06-14
View full report →
-
Solar Installer
Nevada NSCB C-2 Electrical Contractor with Solar Subclass (C-2g Photovoltaic)
Verified 2026-06-18
View full report →
-
Low-Voltage Technician
Nevada NSCB C-2 Electrical Subclassifications (C-2d Sound/Communication, C-2g Fire Alarm) and PILB Electronic Security License
Verified 2026-05-17
View full report →
-
Fire Sprinkler Contractor
Nevada C-7 Fire Protection Contractor License (NSCB)
Verified 2026-05-08
View full report →
-
Home Inspector
Inspector of Structures (IOS) Certificate — Certified Residential Inspector, Certified General Inspector, or Certified Master Inspector
Verified 2026-06-29
View full report →
-
Pool Contractor
A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools (Class A specialty contractor classification)
Verified 2026-07-10
View full report →
Compare Nevada against other states
Every trade above also has a national comparison hub showing how Nevada's exam, bond, fee, and experience requirements stack up against the other 50 jurisdictions.
- GC by state
- Electrician by state
- Plumber by state
- HVAC by state
- Roofing by state
- Painting by state
- Landscaping by state
- Masonry by state
- Carpentry by state
- Solar by state
- Low-Voltage by state
- Fire Sprinkler by state
- Home Inspector by state
- Pool by state
Best starting points in Nevada
Budget
Estimate first-year cost
Compare filing fees, bond premiums, insurance assumptions, and renewal cost before you apply.
Mobility
Check reciprocity pathways
See whether this state accepts NASCLA or uses bilateral reciprocity for the trade you hold now.
Research
Search related guides
Jump directly to linked state and trade pages if you are comparing multiple jurisdictions side by side.
Related reading
Original analyses drawn from our national dataset that put Nevada's rules in context — how its requirements compare, what a record means for eligibility, and how to carry a license across state lines.
-
Can you get a contractor license with a criminal record?
A 50-state breakdown of background checks, which offenses actually disqualify, and how long a conviction counts.
-
Contractor license difficulty index
Where each state ranks on exam, experience, and bond burden — hardest to easiest.
-
License costs ranked by state
Cheapest to most expensive states once fees, bond, and first-year insurance are counted.
-
How to transfer a license to another state
Which states accept NASCLA or bilateral reciprocity, and what re-testing each requires.