Nevada Contractor License Requirements

General Requirements

In order to become a licensed contractor in the state of Nevada you will need at least 4 years of experience. Experience must be at a journeyman level or as a foreman, supervising employee or contractor. The following explains each.

• Journeyman is a person who has finished an apprenticeship program or is an experienced worker, trainee’s do not qualify. This person is able to perform the trade without supervision and is fully qualified.
• Foremen or supervisor is a person with the knowledge and skill of a journeyman and directly supervises the physical construction.
• Contractor is a person who manages daily activities of a construction business including the field supervision.

Along with your application you have to submit 4 notarized reference certificates for each trade qualifier. These reference persons must of observed the work you have done and can be employers other than the applying company, supervisors, journeyman, contractors, union reps, building inspectors, or engineers. For self-employed contractors, customers whom you have performed work can complete the references.

A detailed resume of experience must also be provided. This should include your name, current address, phone number and dates of employment for each employer. Describe the work performed in detail. Secify types of construction projects, trades, crafts and tasks and duties performed. For self-employed persons include customers for whom you worked, include their complete mailing address and phone number.

These are just the basic general requirements. For a detailed list of everything you need to meet visit this page.

All other specific requirements can be found on the Nevada State Contractors Board website.

The application and all required documents can be found here.

After approval of your application, you have to complete the following steps:

• Submit a biennial license fee of $600.00 for each application
• Submit the required license bond in the amount indicated on your approval letter
• Submit proof of compliance with Industrial Insurance (Workers’ Compensation Insurance) or an exemption affidavit if you are not required to obtain it.
• Prior to issuance of a license, each applicant must either register with the Residential Recovery Fund and pay the assessed Residential Recovery Fund Fee or complete a certificate of exemption.

Examination

You are required to pass the written Business and Law (Construction Management Survey exam) and trade examinations unless you meets the requirements for a waiver.

Exam Waiver

If, within the last five (5) years, you have served as a qualified individual on a license in the State of Nevada in the same classification for which you have applied, or you meet the reciprocity agreement with California, Utah or Arizona. To be considered for reciprocity, the following is required:

• The trade qualifier must have held a license, which has been active and in good standing, in one of the participating states for at least five (5) out of the last seven (7) years
• The trade qualifier must have taken and passed an equivalent examination in that state
• Proof of compliance with the above stated requirements must be submitted with the application.

The reciprocity agreement applies to the trade examination only. This act of reciprocity does not include any of the plumbing, electrical, or fire protection trades. Technical exams will be required for those classifications deemed to fall within these trades.