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Nevada Contractors Frequently Asked Questions

NV Contractor Application FAQs

Will the Nevada State Contractors Board acknowledge receipt of my application?

No. You may contact the NSCB staff to obtain verbal acknowledgment. If by mail, please wait five business days after mailing. If delivered in person or by delivery service, please wait one business day after delivery. Please note the Board offices only receive deliveries between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Mon thru Fri, excluding holidays. We have no provision for accepting applications outside regular business hours.

How will I know if my contractor application is approved?

When the application is received, you will receive a testing authorization form if testing is required. Once all the required application information is received, reviewed, and approved, you will receive a Contingent Letter of Approval indicating any remaining items, such as proof of Workman’s Comp Insurance and posting the required bond. Once all requirements are met, and a license number is assigned, it will appear on our website. A license wall card and pocket cards will be mailed to you.

Fingerprint Waiver and Background Information

Fingerprints will be used to conduct a background investigation for all officers and qualified individuals included on an application. The Fingerprint Background Waiver form must be submitted with the application. Only submit fingerprints once authorized to do so.

Nevada Contractor Examination Frequently Asked Questions

What examination(s) am I required to take and pass?

A Business and Law (CMS) examination will be required for all future contractors. A trade examination may be required depending on the classification requested. You will receive an Examination Eligibility form after the application is submitted and experience is verified. Find a link to the Candidate information bulletin exam content outlines, and order forms for the “CMS” exam and trade here.

What does the examination content consist of?

Please visit PSI© 's website for the examination content outline at www.psiexams.com.
PSI© Website
Class A Exam Information
Class B Exam Information
Class C Exam Information
1-800-733-9267

How often are the examinations administered for Nevada applicants?

At most Nevada PSI© testing locations, the examinations are offered 6-7 days a week. Please contact PSI© to check on the availability of the examinations in Nevada.

Experience Requirements FAQs for Nevada Contractors

What kind of experience is required for a contractor's license?

The trade-qualified individual must have, within the ten years immediately preceding the filing of this application, at least four years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the specific classification requested. Training received in a program offered at an accredited college, university, or equivalent program accepted by the Board may be used to satisfy up to, but at most, three years of experience. Proof of transferable military training may also be used to satisfy the work experience requirement. Please review the Contractor’s License Application for more information regarding the experience requirements.

How much experience is required?

The trade qualifier must be able to demonstrate the required work experience for at least four years out of the last ten years immediately preceding the application date.

NV Contractor General Requirements FAQs

Who can apply for a contractor's license?

A business consisting of a sole proprietorship (individual), a partnership, a limited liability company, or a corporation may apply for a contractor's license if they have a regularly employed person with the necessary experience, knowledge, and skills who serves as the qualifying party. All persons listed on the application must be 18 or older.

A corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company must be registered with the Nevada Secretary of State and in good standing with that agency before applying for a contractor's license. The corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company must remain in an excellent place to retain its contractor's license.

Licensure by Endorsement Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nevada recognize contractor's licenses issued by other states?

No, you can NOT use another state's license to work in Nevada. You must apply for and be issued a license in Nevada by the Nevada State Contractors Board. However, you may qualify for a trade exam waiver by endorsement if you are licensed in one of the states listed on the State Equivalency Chart.

What is needed to apply for waiver of the experience and/or examination requirement based on Licensure by Endorsement?

In order to be considered for licensure by endorsement you must submit with your application a Request for Verification of License, completed by your endorsing state. Please review the Contractor’s License Application for more information regarding the experience requirements.

Contractor Bond Requirements FAQs in Nevada

Are there any bond requirements for a contractor's license?

Yes. You are responsible for filing a Contractor's Bond in the amount required by the Board. The bond may be in the form of a surety bond or a cash deposit. Additional information on bonding requirements is provided in the license application packet. Residential pool contractors are also required to provide a consumer protection bond. This may be in the form of a Surety Bond or cash deposit in an amount based on the monetary limit placed on the license.

How long is a bond valid?

The surety bond must be continuous. This means that there is no termination date on the bond. You may be required to pay premiums to the insurance company periodically to keep the bond in force. The bonding company has the right to cancel the bond but must send a notice to you and the Nevada State Contractors Board sixty days before the cancellation date. You will have to replace the bond, or your license will be suspended. If your bond is in cash, the agency will retain the bond until two years after the license terminates. If no claims are made against the bond at that time, you may apply to have the bond released to you.

​​Nevada Qualifying Party FAQs

To whom does the term "qualifying party" refer?

The "qualifying party" means a person regularly employed by the licensee and actively engaged in the classification of work for which the person qualifies on behalf of the licensee. The qualifying party must have the necessary experience, knowledge, and skills to supervise or perform the contracting work.

Can the same person serve as the qualifying party for more than one license?

A person may serve as the qualifying party for additional licenses if one of the following conditions exists: One Licensee owns at least twenty-five percent of each licensed entity for which the person acts in a qualifying capacity. The qualifying person owns at least 25% of all licensees that the person wishes to qualify for. If the qualifying person holds a sole proprietor license, that person may be eligible for one additional license without meeting the ownership requirements.