How to Get Your Contractor’s License in Nevada

Obtaining a valid license is the essential first step for anyone serious about a career in contracting. A contractor’s license allows you to bid on projects, supervise construction jobs, and be your own boss. It also lets property owners know that you’re competent and trustworthy, making them more likely to do business with you.

While you do not have to be a Nevada resident to obtain a state contractor’s license, do know that other states may have different requirements, and Nevada does not recognize contractor licenses earned in other states.

The following step-by-step guide to getting your contractor’s license is based on the rules set forth by the Nevada State Contractor’s Board.

 1. Make sure you’re qualified

Before you begin the application process, you’ll want to make sure that you meet all of the necessary licensing qualifications so that you can get approved the very first time you apply.

Obtaining an NV Business License & Experience

In the state of Nevada, applicants will need to meet two major requirements. The first is that you’ll need to have a state business license, which requires a separate application to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State’s office.

The website for the Nevada Secretary of State will walk you through the process of doing this, including filing the name of your business and setting up a company.

The second major requirement is at least 4 years (within the last 10 years) of experience in the classification you’re applying for. This experience must be at the level of a journeyman (meaning that you’re able to perform the work without supervision) or higher.

You will also need to undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting, and must provide evidence of being in good financial standing by way of financial statements.

While there are no educational requirements, education from an accredited school program approved by the Board can be used to satisfy up to three years of the four-year experience requirement.

 2. Know the type of license you need

There are three types of contractor’s licenses in Nevada:

• General Engineering Contractor License (Class A): A Class A license is best suited for contractors who oversee construction projects (most often repairs) that require technical engineering knowledge.
• General Building Contractor License (Class B): A General Building license allows you to legally oversee most commercial and residential construction and remodeling projects.
• General Building and General Engineering (Class AB): For general contractors and technical skills
• Specialty License (Class C): If your experience doesn’t fall into one of the above categories, then it most likely falls into one of the 36 specialty classifications.

Each license classification has its own set of rules and allowances outlined in full on the NSCB website, so you’ll need to choose the one that best suits the type of work that you do. A complete list of classifications and sub-classifications can be found on the Nevada State Contractors Board website.

 3. Complete your application

Once you’ve made sure that you quality for a contractor’s license in Nevada and know which license type is the most relevant to you, it’s time to actually fill out your application. The licensing application itself and any related forms can be downloaded directly from the Nevada State Contractor’s Board site.

With your application, you’ll also need to submit the following:

• Non-refundable $300 application fee
• Detailed resume
• At least four reference certificates proving your experience for each trade
• Background disclosure and fingerprints for background check purposes
• Financial statement

Take your time filling out the application to avoid any mistakes that could lead to the denial of your application. If your application is denied for any reason, you’ll have up to 60 days to appeal the rejection. If it’s denied due to missing information, you’ll have 60 days to resubmit the form without penalty.

In addition to the initial $300 application fee, you’ll also be required to pay a biennial (every two years) $600 license fee if your application is approved. After your application is approved, you will need to pay $600 for a two-year license. You will be required to renew your license every two years.

The financial statement you need to submit with your application is dependent on the monetary limit you are requesting. This refers to the maximum contract you can take on for an individual client.

Nevada contractors fall into one of four categories for their limit:

• $250,000 or more
• Between $50,000 and $250,000
• Between $10,000 and $50,000
• Less than $10,000

4. Take the licensing exam

After your application has been reviewed and accepted, the last thing you’ll need to do before you can get your Nevada contractor’s license is pass the state licensing exam.

Unless you qualify for a waiver, all applicants are required to take a general Business and Law exam. The exam is multiple choice and covers topics related to business management and construction law.

Depending on the classification you’re applying for, you may also be required to pass an additional multiple-choice trade exam.

You will need to pay the $140 exam fees if you take your trade exam and Business and Law exams together; otherwise the fees will be $95 for each one. You will be asked to pay the administrator, PSI, the fees directly.

If you fail your exam, you have to wait two weeks before you can try again. Should you fail a third time, you will need to submit a new application after waiting 30 days.

Nevada Contractor License Reciprocity

While the state of Nevada does not recognize out of state contractor licenses, if you are from another state you may be exempt from some of the exam requirements to earn your license in Nevada.

Nevada contractor license reciprocity is based on:

• Passing an equivalent trade exam in a participating state
• Holding an active license in the endorsing state for the past 4 years
• Submitting a completed out-of-state license verification form with your application

If you meet all of these criteria and are approved for endorsement, you will still need to pass the general business and law exam prior to having your license issued.

Nevada Bond Requirements for Contractors

The Nevada State Contractors Board requires all licensed contractors to maintain a bond for their business. The required bond amount can range from $1,000 to $500,000 and is determined when your contractor’s license is approved.

The amount required depends on several factors, including:

• The classification of your contractor’s license
• The monetary limit listed on your application’s financial statement
• Your past, current, and anticipated financial obligations
• Your experience and character

Before the state issues your Nevada contractor’s license, you must provide one of the following:

• A surety bond issued by a surety company authorized to conduct business in Nevada and rated “A” or better for long-term obligations.
• A cash bond in the form of a cashier’s check payable to the Nevada State Contractors Board. Contractors who choose a cash bond must also pay a $200 biennial administrative fee.

Failing to provide the required bond will result in the denial of your license application. Additionally, if you fail to maintain your bond after obtaining your license, the Nevada State Contractors Board may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew your contractor’s license.

Additional Requirement for Swimming Pool Contractors

Swimming pool contractors may also be required to obtain a consumer protection bond ranging from $10,000 to $400,000, depending on the applicable requirements.

How much do contractors make in Nevada?

The average annual income for a Nevada contractor in 2026 is $55,377, or roughly $26.62 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

The average salary can range quite a bit, however: anywhere from $15,331 to as much as $160,710., suggesting there is considerable opportunities for advancement in the field based on your experience, location, and skill.

The Top cities in Nevada in terms of contractor salary are:

• Wells ($52,933)
• Carson City ($50,397)
• North Las Vegas ($49,177)
• Las Vegas ($49,164)
• Henderson ($48,775)

Preparing with Contractor Training Center

When it comes to preparing for your exams, the easiest thing to do is to sign up for an online Nevada contractor exam prep class. Not only will you be able to study from the comfort of your own home, you’ll also have access to practice tests and application assistance services.

Keep in mind that while you can study from home, you cannot take the Board exam from home – you’ll need to travel to one of three testing locations throughout the state.

At Contractor Training Center, our goal is to assist you with the application process and prepare you for the licensing exam so that you pass on the very first try. Sign up for one of our online Nevada contractor exam prep courses today to take the first step toward obtaining your license and growing your business.