How to get a Classification C-2: Electrical license in Nevada
Nevada licenses electricians statewide through the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).1 For the Classification C-2: Electrical license you need at least 4 years2 of experience, a passing score on the Business and Law (CMS) examination3 and a criminal background check4. The board lists $300 for the application2 and $600 for the initial license1, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years1.
Who issues it
Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)
Training and experience
Experience: at least 4 years2
Exam
Business and Law (CMS) examination3
Renewal
Every 2 years1
On this page
- Nevada electrician licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Classification C-2: Electrical license
- Requirements for a Classification C-2: Electrical license
- Renewal and continuing education
- Moving to Nevada with a license from another state
- Subclassification C-2a: Electrical Wiring
- Subclassification C-2b: Integrated Ceilings
- Subclassification C-2c: Fire Detection
- Subclassification C-2d: Low Voltage Systems
- Subclassification C-2e: Lines to Transmit Electricity
- Subclassification C-2f: Residential Wiring
- Subclassification C-2g: Photovoltaics
- City and county rules
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Electrician licenses in other states
Nevada electrician licenses
Nevada issues 8 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classification C-2: Electrical | Install any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatuses, raceways and conduits; install, modify and maintain residential and commercial wind-energy systems; and do any work of the C-2 subclassifications.7 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes2 | $3002 |
| Subclassification C-2a: Electrical Wiring | Electrical Wiring work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes2 | $3002 |
| Subclassification C-2b: Integrated Ceilings | Integrated Ceilings work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes2 | $3002 |
| Subclassification C-2c: Fire Detection | Fire Detection work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes2 | $3002 |
| Subclassification C-2d: Low Voltage Systems | Low Voltage Systems work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes2 | $3002 |
| Subclassification C-2e: Lines to Transmit Electricity | Lines to Transmit Electricity work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes2 | $3002 |
| Subclassification C-2f: Residential Wiring | Residential Wiring work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes2 | $3002 |
| Subclassification C-2g: Photovoltaics | Photovoltaics work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes2 | $3002 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for every Nevada electrician license on this page, so they are shown once here. Each license's own section lists only what differs.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Not required3
- Experience
- At least 4 years2
Within the 15 years before filing, the trade qualifier needs at least 4 full years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the classification requested.2
Substitute: A current master certification from a government agency in a substantially similar discipline, or proof of transferable military experience and training.7
Substitute: Training can replace up to 3 years of the experience.3 - Exam
- Business and Law (CMS) examination3
Given by: PSI3
When you can take it: After the application is filed and staff verify experience; an eligibility form with a Candidate ID follows.2
Retakes: Three attempts per exam, with a two-week wait between tries. After a third failure the application is void; reapply with a new application and fee after 30 days.3
Time limit: Pass within 6 months after filing the application.7
Exam waived: Licensure by endorsement can waive only the trade exam (and experience certificates); the qualifier still takes Business and Law.5 - Background check
- Background check required4
Fingerprints required2
A conviction is not an automatic bar; the Board reviews each case, including the nature of the crime, time passed and rehabilitation.4 - Residency or citizenship
- Nevada residence is not required.1
- Surety bond
- $1,000 to $500,0008 (Amount set by the Board at license approval)
- Insurance
- Workers’ compensation proof or a signed exemption affidavit is a condition of licensure and renewal.1
- Business requirements
- Each license needs a qualified individual who is a bona fide member or employee. One person can be both management and trade qualifier.9
- Business requirements
- The license belongs to the business, which needs a Nevada Business ID and a Nevada registered agent.3
- Business requirements
- A financial statement is required at every monetary limit; the type depends on the limit requested.3
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $3002 | NSCB | Not refundable |
| Initial license fee | $6001 | NSCB | Due after approval, not with the application |
| Other fee | $2008 | NSCB | For an administrative fee if the applicant or licensee has established a cash deposit with the Board. Only if a cash deposit replaces the surety bond |
| To consider an application for an increase of a licensee’s monetary limit for a single project | $757 | NSCB | – |
| To consider a request for a permanent increase or decrease of a licensee’s monetary limit | $2507 | NSCB | – |
| To consider a request to change the qualified person or other principal listed on a license | $2507 | NSCB | – |
| Other fee | $2507 | NSCB | – |
| Duplicate or replacement license | $257 | NSCB | – |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI3, when you schedule.
How to apply
- Get a Nevada Business ID from the Secretary of State.2
- Complete the application online or on the PDF form, with experience documents, resume, financial statement, bank verification, background disclosures and ID copies.9 app.nvcontractorsboard.com9
- Pay the $300 nonrefundable application fee.2
- Submit fingerprints only after the Board asks for them.10
- After experience is verified, use the eligibility form to schedule the required exams with PSI and pass within 6 months of filing.2
- After approval, send the $600 license fee, the license bond, workers’ compensation proof or exemption, and the Residential Recovery Fund registration or exemption.1
- Apply online
- app.nvcontractorsboard.com9
- Application form
- Form (PDF, nvcontractorsboard.com)2
- Temporary or provisional license
- Provisional licenses exist only for attainable housing in declared rural shortage areas; see the rural record.11
- Processing time
- The Board publishes no fixed time; it says processing times change and your license analyst can advise.1
Renewal
- How often
- Every 2 years1
- When it expires
- Runs two years from the last day of the month of issue. File the renewal by the last day of the month the license expires.1
- Renewal fee
- $6007 (Active license)
- If it expires
- A late fee applies if the license is not renewed before it expires. If renewal is not attempted within the first 6 months of the new biennium, the Board will deny, revoke or refuse to renew the license. NAC 624 adds: "In either situation, the licensee must apply for a new license."7
An inactive license expires if not reactivated within 8 years of going inactive.7 - Renew online
- app.nvcontractorsboard.com12
From another state
- Route
- Military service members and spouses
- What the board says
- Spouses of active-duty or veteran members relocating a construction business to Nevada can use the Veterans Assistance Program: a dedicated staff member checks whether they qualify for waiver of the experience and/or trade exam requirements, to expedite the application.6
Who needs a Classification C-2: Electrical license
Install any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatuses, raceways and conduits; install, modify and maintain residential and commercial wind-energy systems; and do any work of the C-2 subclassifications.7
Exemptions and dollar thresholds:
- Electrical work never qualifies for the under-$1,000 repair exemption: work "of a type performed by a plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, heating or air-conditioning contractor" needs a license at any price. Owners building or improving their own home (not for sale or lease) can apply to the Board for an owner-builder exemption.13
- Finished products that do not become a permanent fixed part of the structure are exempt.13
Requirements for a Classification C-2: Electrical license
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Nevada Classification C-2: Electrical license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Moving to Nevada with a license from another state
These are the routes NSCB publishes for the Classification C-2: Electrical license.
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- Nevada can waive the experience certificates, and for most listed states the trade exam, for C-2 applicants holding the listed equivalent electrical license for the past 4 years; the Business and Law exam is still required.5
- States on Nevada's list
- Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia5
This is the list of states whose licenses Nevada accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Nevada license. - Condition for Arizona
- Experience and trade exam equivalent (Arizona CR-11 Electrical).5
- Condition for California
- Experience and trade exam equivalent (California C-10 Electrical Contractor).5
- Condition for Connecticut
- Experience and trade exam equivalent (Connecticut E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor).5
- Condition for Florida
- Experience only (Florida EC Electrical Contractor); Nevada trade exam required.5
- Condition for Louisiana
- Experience and trade exam equivalent (Louisiana 9 Electrical Work (Statewide)).5
- Condition for North Carolina
- Experience and trade exam equivalent (North Carolina Electrical Contracting Unlimited (U)).5
- Condition for Tennessee
- Experience and trade exam equivalent (Tennessee CE Electrical Contracting).5
- Condition for West Virginia
- Experience only (West Virginia A – Electrical Contractor); Nevada trade exam required.5
Subclassification C-2a: Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7
Requirements
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Subclassification C-2b: Integrated Ceilings
Integrated Ceilings work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7
Requirements
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Subclassification C-2c: Fire Detection
Fire Detection work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7
Requirements
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Subclassification C-2d: Low Voltage Systems
Low Voltage Systems work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7
Requirements
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Subclassification C-2e: Lines to Transmit Electricity
Lines to Transmit Electricity work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7
Requirements
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Subclassification C-2f: Residential Wiring
Residential Wiring work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7
Requirements
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Subclassification C-2g: Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics work only, as defined in NAC 624.200(2).7
Requirements
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
Classification C-2: ElectricalThe state C-2 license is what cities and counties check at permit time; Clark County also requires a local business license and on-site certified electricians. Reno requires journeyman certificates for anyone doing electrical work.15
| City or county | What it requires | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Clark County (unincorporated) | Unincorporated Clark County issues electrical permits only to contractors holding a Nevada C-2 (or C-1/C-21 for their trades) license and a Clark County business license, and requires a master electrician, electrical qualified individual or journeyman electrician on site supervising permitted electrical work.15 | Official page16 |
| Las Vegas | Only a Nevada-licensed contractor may obtain a commercial building permit.17 | Official page17 |
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire an electrician in Nevada, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Nevada is on the Nevada license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- app.nvcontractorsboard.com18
- File a complaint
- nvcontractorsboard.com7
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Classification C-2: Electrical license in Nevada?
Can I transfer my electrician license to Nevada?
NSCB publishes this route for the Classification C-2: Electrical license: license by endorsement5. Conditions and forms.
Electrician licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- FAQ for General RequirementsNevada State Contractors BoardDated September 14, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- New License ApplicationNevada State Contractors BoardChecked November 7, 2026
- License RequirementsNevada State Contractors BoardDated January 9, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Criminal Background ChecksNevada State Contractors BoardDated April 8, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Licensure by EndorsementNevada State Contractors BoardDated February 11, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Veterans Assistance ProgramNevada State Contractors BoardDated July 9, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- NAC Chapter 624Nevada LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- BondsNevada State Contractors BoardDated March 13, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Contractors License ApplicationNevada State Contractors BoardDated July 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Background Disclosure StatementNevada State Contractors BoardChecked November 7, 2026
- Rural Housing License ApplicationNevada State Contractors BoardChecked November 7, 2026
- License RenewalsNevada State Contractors BoardDated August 28, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- ExemptionsNevada State Contractors BoardDated April 5, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- License ExaminationsNevada State Contractors BoardDated August 9, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- 2018 Clark County Building Administrative Code (reprint of CCC ch. 22.02, printed 10-2022)Clark County Department of Building & Fire PreventionDated March 1, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
- Licensing / Payment Requirements | Clark County Building & Fire PreventionClark County Department of Building & Fire PreventionChecked November 7, 2026
- Building Permits | City of Las VegasCity of Las VegasChecked November 7, 2026
- ResourcesNevada State Contractors BoardDated July 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026