Nevada Electrician License Requirements
Official classification: C-2 Electrical Contractor · Issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).
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In Nevada, electricians must hold the C-2 Electrical Contractor, issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed electrician in Nevada
Follow these steps to earn your C-2 Electrical Contractor. Every figure is verified against the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB); full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. At least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the classification, within the 15 years immediately before filing the application. Up to 3 years may be substituted with accredited training or education.
- Pass the C-2 Electrical trade exam and Business & Law / Construction Management Survey (CMS) exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Nevada requires Surety bond required, set case-by-case from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the license type, the monetary limit requested, and the applicant's financial responsibility, experience and character. A cashier's check may be deposited in lieu of a bond, with a $200 biennial administrative fee for cash deposits.
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not mandated by NSCB for licensure), and workers' compensation coverage.
- Clear the background check. Required; applicants submit a Background Disclosure Statement and Fingerprint Authorization (fingerprinting) as part of the application.
- Meet the credit / financial requirement. A financial statement is required regardless of the monetary limit requested and sets the license's monetary limit. Documentation rigor scales with the limit (self/CPA-compiled up to $25,000; reviewed or audited CPA statement for higher limits). A Bank Verification Form is also required.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) — $300 (non-refundable) application fee, plus a $600 (two-year license), plus a Residential Recovery Fund fee scaled to the license's monetary limit license fee. Processing time: Application is processed after a waiting period (1 business day if delivered in person, 5 business days if mailed); total review time varies.
- Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses).
Nevada electrician license lookup
To confirm an electrician is properly licensed in Nevada — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- C-2 Electrical — Specialty (Class C) license covering electrical work; subclassifications include C-2a Electrical Wiring, C-2c Fire Detection, C-2d Low Voltage, C-2e Lines to Transmit Electricity, C-2f Residential Wiring, and C-2g Photovoltaics.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | At least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the classification, within the 15 years immediately before filing the application. Up to 3 years may be substituted with accredited training or education. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $300 (non-refundable) |
| License fee | $600 (two-year license), plus a Residential Recovery Fund fee scaled to the license's monetary limit |
| Renewal fee | $600 every 2 years, plus a Residential Recovery Fund fee scaled to the license's monetary limit |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses) |
| Continuing education | None required by NSCB |
| Bond required | Surety bond required, set case-by-case from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the license type, the monetary limit requested, and the applicant's financial responsibility, experience and character. A cashier's check may be deposited in lieu of a bond, with a $200 biennial administrative fee for cash deposits. |
| Liability insurance | Not mandated by NSCB for licensure |
| Property damage | Not mandated by NSCB for licensure |
| Workers' comp | Required if you have employees (NRS 616B.627); proof of coverage or an affidavit of exemption must be submitted at application and each renewal |
| Background check | Required; applicants submit a Background Disclosure Statement and Fingerprint Authorization (fingerprinting) as part of the application. |
| Credit requirement | A financial statement is required regardless of the monetary limit requested and sets the license's monetary limit. Documentation rigor scales with the limit (self/CPA-compiled up to $25,000; reviewed or audited CPA statement for higher limits). A Bank Verification Form is also required. |
| Reciprocity | Alabama; Arizona; California; Connecticut; Florida; Hawaii; Louisiana; New Mexico; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee; West Virginia |
| Processing time | Application is processed after a waiting period (1 business day if delivered in person, 5 business days if mailed); total review time varies. |
Exams
| C-2 Electrical trade exam | Provider: PSI · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by NSCB · Fee: Approximately $95, or $140 when scheduled with the law exam (paid to PSI) |
|---|---|
| Business & Law / Construction Management Survey (CMS) exam | Provider: PSI · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by NSCB · Fee: Approximately $95 (paid to PSI) |
Local / municipal notes
Licensure by endorsement covers only the trade exam and/or experience requirement; all other documentation is still required, and the applicant must have held an active license in the endorsing state with the same qualified individual for 4 years.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Nevada electrician license cost?
Application: $300 (non-refundable). License: $600 (two-year license), plus a Residential Recovery Fund fee scaled to the license's monetary limit. Renewal: $600 every 2 years, plus a Residential Recovery Fund fee scaled to the license's monetary limit.
How do I look up a electrician license in Nevada?
Search the official license database at app.nvcontractorsboard.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do electricians in Nevada need a surety bond?
Surety bond required, set case-by-case from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the license type, the monetary limit requested, and the applicant's financial responsibility, experience and character. A cashier's check may be deposited in lieu of a bond, with a $200 biennial administrative fee for cash deposits.
What experience is required for a Nevada electrician license?
At least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the classification, within the 15 years immediately before filing the application. Up to 3 years may be substituted with accredited training or education.
Is insurance required for electricians in Nevada?
Liability: Not mandated by NSCB for licensure Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees (NRS 616B.627); proof of coverage or an affidavit of exemption must be submitted at application and each renewal
How often must a Nevada electrician license be renewed?
Every 2 years (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses).
Official sources
nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/license-requirements
nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/bonds
nvcontractorsboard.com/resources/faq-central
nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/license-classifications
nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/licensure-by-endorsement