Nevada HVAC License Requirements
Official classification: C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor · Issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).
❄️ HVACNV ✔ Verified 2026-06-18
License types
- C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning — Specialty (Class C) license for refrigeration and air conditioning. Subclassification C-21a covers devices controlling air temperatures below 50 degrees F, related insulation, ducts, blowers, registers, humidity and thermostatic controls, plus limited related gas and electrical connections.
- C-1 Plumbing and Heating (heating) — Heating work may fall under the C-1 classification; confirm whether your scope of work requires C-21, C-1, or both.
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. |
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Exams
| C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 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) |
HVAC liability & workers' comp insurance —
required for most license holders. Compare quotes in minutes.
Local / municipal notes
Map your scope carefully: refrigeration/AC is C-21, but heating can fall under C-1 Plumbing and Heating. Confirm the correct classification with NSCB before applying.
Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-18 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) before applying. This is not legal advice.
Official sources
https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/license-requirements/
https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/bonds/
https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/resources/faq-central/
https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/license-classifications/
https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/licensing/raise-your-license-limit/