krewbase All tools
← All states

Contractor License in Nevada

State license

Nevada requires a state license from the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) for all contracting work regardless of project size. Each license carries a monetary limit (the maximum single-contract value you can undertake) set by your financial statement.

Quick facts

When a license is neededNo dollar exemption. A license is required for any contracting work; the license's monetary limit caps the size of contracts you may take.
ExperienceAt least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee, foreman, or contractor within the past 15 years in the requested classification; accredited training can substitute for up to 3 years.
ExamYes. Two PSI exams: the Business and Law (Construction Management Survey / CMS) exam and a trade-specific exam. Candidates get three attempts per exam with a two-week wait between failures.
BondYes. A surety bond set by the Board ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 based on license type, requested monetary limit, financial responsibility, experience, and character. Swimming pool contractors face additional consumer-protection bonds ($10,000-$400,000).
InsuranceWorkers' compensation is required if you have employees. General liability is not universally mandated by statute but is expected for many classifications; residential work also involves the Residential Recovery Fund.
FeesApplication approximately $300 and the biennial license fee approximately $600, plus a Residential Recovery Fund assessment for residential work; bond premiums are separate.
RenewalEvery 2 years (biennial).
ReciprocityNevada has reciprocity agreements with Arizona, California, and Utah for certain classifications that can waive the trade exam for qualifying applicants.
Main agencyNevada State Contractors Board
Official sitehttps://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/license-requirements/
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Nevada board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Nevada

  1. Select your classification (A, B, or a C specialty) and confirm 4 years of qualifying experience within the past 15 years.
  2. Pass the Business and Law (CMS) exam and the trade-specific exam through PSI.
  3. Prepare a financial statement (self-prepared, compiled, or CPA-reviewed/audited depending on the monetary limit you request).
  4. Submit the NSCB application with experience documentation, the financial statement, and bank verification.
  5. Post the Board-set surety bond (between $1,000 and $500,000) for your approved monetary limit.
  6. Pay application and biennial license fees plus any Residential Recovery Fund assessment, then renew every 2 years.

Frequently asked questions

What is a monetary limit?

It is the maximum value of construction contracts you may undertake at a single site for a single client. Your financial statement determines the limit the Board assigns to your license.

Do I always need a financial statement?

Yes. NSCB requires a financial statement regardless of the monetary limit requested; higher limits require CPA-compiled, reviewed, or audited statements.

How much experience is required?

Four full years as a journeyman, supervisor, foreman, or contractor within the past 15 years. Accredited training can substitute for up to 3 of those years.

How large is the bond?

The Board sets a surety bond between $1,000 and $500,000 based on your license type, monetary limit, financial responsibility, experience, and character.

Does Nevada have reciprocity?

Yes. Nevada has agreements with Arizona, California, and Utah that can waive the trade exam for qualifying applicants in certain classifications.

Sources

Run the business side from your phone

Krewbase is built by the crew behind Workhand, a job app for contractors. Estimates, invoices, per-job profit, photos, and crew chat, made for small construction teams. Free to start.

See Workhand

Guide compiled from official Nevada licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.