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How to get a Classification B: General Building license in Nevada

Nevada licenses general contractors statewide through the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).1 For the Classification B: General Building 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.

Last checked · 15 official sources

Who issues it

Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)

Training and experience

Experience: at least 4 years2

Exam

Business and Law (CMS) examination3

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $3002
Initial license fee: $6001

Renewal

Every 2 years1

From another state

License by endorsement, Exam waiver and Military service members and spouses526 Details

On this page
  1. Nevada general contractor licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Classification B: General Building license
  4. Renewal and continuing education
  5. Moving to Nevada with a license from another state
  6. B-7 Restricted License
  7. Classification A: General Engineering
  8. Classification AB: General Building and General Engineering
  9. Classification E-1: License to build upon or improve own commercial property
  10. Classification E-2: License to build upon or improve own commercial property
  11. Rural License
  12. Subclassification B-1: Premanufactured Housing
  13. Subclassification B-2: Residential and Small Commercial
  14. Subclassification B-3: Speculative Building
  15. Subclassification B-4: Service Stations
  16. Subclassification B-5: Prefabricated Steel Structures
  17. Subclassification B-6: Commercial Remodeling
  18. Subclassification B-7: Residential Remodeling
  19. Check a license or report a problem
  20. Laws and rules
  21. Rule changes since January 2024
  22. Common questions
  23. General contractor licenses in other states

Nevada general contractor licenses

Nevada issues 14 general contractor credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
B-7 Restricted LicenseB-7 remodeling work limited to $7,000 including labor and materials, with no life safety trades. It may not increase enclosed space.2Experience 2 years2Yes2$3002
Classification A: General EngineeringGeneral engineering: fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill. Subclassifications A-1 to A-25 are narrower licenses within this class.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Classification AB: General Building and General EngineeringBoth general building and general engineering, for applicants who can support an unlimited license in both classes.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Classification B: General BuildingConstruction or remodeling of buildings or structures requiring more than two unrelated building trades, as a prime contractor.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Classification E-1: License to build upon or improve own commercial propertyAn owner not regularly in construction may build on or improve their own commercial property, not exceeding three stories above ground. Plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and fire protection work must go to licensed specialists. A separate license is needed for each property.7––$3002
Classification E-2: License to build upon or improve own commercial propertyAn owner not regularly in construction may build on or improve their own commercial property, exceeding three stories above ground. Plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and fire protection work must go to licensed specialists. A separate license is needed for each property.7––$3002
Rural License (attainable housing)Work relating to attainable housing only, in the rural areas named in the Director’s shortage declaration, which covers almost every county except Clark and Washoe.8–––
Subclassification B-1: Premanufactured HousingPlacing and installing premanufactured units for residential buildings up to three stories above ground.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification B-2: Residential and Small CommercialBuilding and remodeling houses and other structures up to three stories above ground and one below.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification B-3: Speculative BuildingBuilding on the contractor’s own property for sale or speculation.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification B-4: Service StationsStructures and equipment used to service vehicles.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification B-5: Prefabricated Steel StructuresBuilding with prefabricated steel.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification B-6: Commercial RemodelingRemodeling interior spaces, including in buildings over three stories. No structural, mechanical, fire protection or life safety work.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification B-7: Residential RemodelingRemodeling an existing single-family home or unit. It may not increase the enclosed space.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Nevada general contractor licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 14)

Requirements

Residency or citizenship
Nevada residence is not required.1

How to apply

Processing time
The Board publishes no fixed time; it says processing times change and your license analyst can advise.1

2. Every license level except Rural License (attainable housing)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$3002NSCBNot refundable
Initial license fee$6001NSCBDue after approval, not with the application

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years1
Renewal fee
$6007 (Active license)
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $1507
Late renewal fee: $757
Renewal fee: $3007 (inactive 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

3. Every license level except Classification E-1: License to build upon or improve own commercial property and Classification E-2: License to build upon or improve own commercial property

Requirements

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

How to apply

4. Every license level except B-7 Restricted License and Rural License (attainable housing)

Renewal

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

5. Every license level except Classification E-1: License to build upon or improve own commercial property, Classification E-2: License to build upon or improve own commercial property and Rural License (attainable housing)

Requirements

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: Endorsement and the NASCLA exam waive only the trade exam: the qualifier still takes Business and Law.5
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.10
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

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Other fee$20011NSCBFor 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$757NSCB–
To consider a request for a permanent increase or decrease of a licensee’s monetary limit$2507NSCB–
To consider a request to change the qualified person or other principal listed on a license$2507NSCB–
Other fee$2507NSCB–
Duplicate or replacement license$257NSCB–

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

  1. Get a Nevada Business ID from the Secretary of State.2
  2. Complete the application online or on the PDF form, with experience documents, resume, financial statement, bank verification, background disclosures and ID copies.10 app.nvcontractorsboard.com10
  3. Pay the $300 nonrefundable application fee.2
  4. Submit fingerprints only after the Board asks for them.12
  5. After experience is verified, use the eligibility form to schedule the required exams with PSI and pass within 6 months of filing.2
  6. After approval, send the $600 license fee, the license bond, workers’ compensation proof or exemption, and the Residential Recovery Fund registration or exemption.1
Temporary or provisional license
Provisional licenses exist only for attainable housing in declared rural shortage areas; see the rural record.8

6. Every license level except B-7 Restricted License, Classification E-1: License to build upon or improve own commercial property and Classification E-2: License to build upon or improve own commercial property

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Not required3

7. Every license level except B-7 Restricted License, Classification E-1: License to build upon or improve own commercial property, Classification E-2: License to build upon or improve own commercial property and Rural License (attainable housing)

Requirements

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
Trade examination for the classification requested13
Given by: PSI3
When you can take it: Same eligibility form as the Business and Law exam.2
Retakes: Three attempts per exam, with a two-week wait between tries.3
Time limit: Pass within 6 months after filing the application.7
Surety bond
$1,000 to $500,00011 (Amount set by the Board at license approval)

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

8. Classification B: General Building and Subclassification B-2: Residential and Small Commercial

Requirements

Also required
Minimum monetary limit of $200,000.2

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
A passing NASCLA accredited general building exam can waive the Nevada trade exam. Experience documents are still required.2

9. Classification E-1: License to build upon or improve own commercial property and Classification E-2: License to build upon or improve own commercial property

How to apply

  1. Submit written evidence of eligibility to the Board. Ask the Board which form and documents it needs: no source read gives a procedure for this license.7

Who needs a Classification B: General Building license

Construction or remodeling of buildings or structures requiring more than two unrelated building trades, as a prime contractor.7

Exemptions and dollar thresholds:

  • Repairs under $1,000 including labor and materials are exempt, unless a permit is needed, the work is plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, heating or air-conditioning or another classification that significantly affects public health and safety, it is part of a larger project of $500 or more, or a licensee does it.14
  • An owner building or improving a home for their own occupancy, not for sale or lease, is exempt but must apply to the Board.14
  • Finished products that do not become a permanent fixed part of the structure are exempt.14

Renewal and continuing education

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Nevada Classification B: General Building 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 B: General Building license. The other general contractor licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Nevada can waive experience certificates, and sometimes the trade exam, for applicants licensed in a state on its equivalency chart.5
States on Nevada's list
Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, South 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 Alabama
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for Arizona
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for California
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for Florida
Experience only; Nevada trade exam required.5
Condition for Hawaii
Experience only; Nevada trade exam required.5
Condition for Louisiana
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for New Mexico
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for North Carolina
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for South Carolina
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for Tennessee
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for West Virginia
Experience only; Nevada trade exam required.5
Conditions
Active license in the endorsing state with the same qualified individual for the past 4 years.5
No misconduct investigation, discipline or pending proceedings in any jurisdiction.5
The qualifier still passes the Nevada Business and Law exam, and all other documents are still required.5

B-7 Restricted License

B-7 remodeling work limited to $7,000 including labor and materials, with no life safety trades. It may not increase enclosed space.2

Requirements

Education or training
A business counseling or similar class, completed within one year before applying.2
Experience
At least 2 years2
At least two years of experience in a certain trade.2
Substitute: Training at an accredited college or university, an apprenticeship or an equivalent program the Board accepts, or another program or qualification the Board accepts.2
Surety bond
$2,0002 (Minimum; the Board may set it higher)
Also required
Maximum monetary limit of $7,000.2

Renewal

When it expires
Valid two years, then renew or apply for a non-restricted license.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Classification A: General Engineering

General engineering: fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill. Subclassifications A-1 to A-25 are narrower licenses within this class.7

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Nevada can waive experience certificates, and sometimes the trade exam, for applicants licensed in a state on its equivalency chart.5
States on Nevada's list
Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Mexico 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.5
Condition for California
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for Hawaii
Experience only; Nevada trade exam required.5
Condition for New Mexico
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for West Virginia
Experience only; Nevada trade exam required.5
Conditions
Active license in the endorsing state with the same qualified individual for the past 4 years.5
No misconduct investigation, discipline or pending proceedings in any jurisdiction.5
The qualifier still passes the Nevada Business and Law exam, and all other documents are still required.5

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Classification AB: General Building and General Engineering

Both general building and general engineering, for applicants who can support an unlimited license in both classes.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Classification E-1: License to build upon or improve own commercial property

An owner not regularly in construction may build on or improve their own commercial property, not exceeding three stories above ground. Plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and fire protection work must go to licensed specialists. A separate license is needed for each property.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.

Classification E-2: License to build upon or improve own commercial property

An owner not regularly in construction may build on or improve their own commercial property, exceeding three stories above ground. Plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and fire protection work must go to licensed specialists. A separate license is needed for each property.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.

Rural License

Work relating to attainable housing only, in the rural areas named in the Director’s shortage declaration, which covers almost every county except Clark and Washoe.8

Requirements

Experience
Must meet the requirements of a provisional license or a license by endorsement.8
Business requirements
Needs a contract for an attainable housing project in a rural area, with evidence of a grant from the Nevada Attainable Housing Account.8

How to apply

  1. Confirm the project is an attainable housing project in a declared rural area and that grant money has been received.8
  2. Submit the signed rural application with the verification form, background forms, ID copies and fingerprints.8 Form (PDF, nvcontractorsboard.com)8

Renewal

When it expires
Expires December 31, 2029.8

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
A completed License Verification Form from a state accepted under the endorsement program is required.8

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Veterans and military spouses get expedited review by a dedicated, specially trained staff member. Members called to active duty when their license expires may have late renewal fees waived.6

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification B-1: Premanufactured Housing

Placing and installing premanufactured units for residential buildings up to three stories above ground.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification B-2: Residential and Small Commercial

Building and remodeling houses and other structures up to three stories above ground and one below.7

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Nevada can waive experience certificates, and sometimes the trade exam, for applicants licensed in a state on its equivalency chart.5
States on Nevada's list
Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida and Hawaii5
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 Alabama
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for Arizona
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for California
Experience and trade exam equivalent.5
Condition for Florida
Experience only; Nevada trade exam required.5
Condition for Hawaii
Experience only; Nevada trade exam required.5
Conditions
Active license in the endorsing state with the same qualified individual for the past 4 years.5
No misconduct investigation, discipline or pending proceedings in any jurisdiction.5
The qualifier still passes the Nevada Business and Law exam, and all other documents are still required.5

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification B-3: Speculative Building

Building on the contractor’s own property for sale or speculation.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification B-4: Service Stations

Structures and equipment used to service vehicles.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification B-5: Prefabricated Steel Structures

Building with prefabricated steel.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification B-6: Commercial Remodeling

Remodeling interior spaces, including in buildings over three stories. No structural, mechanical, fire protection or life safety work.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification B-7: Residential Remodeling

Remodeling an existing single-family home or unit. It may not increase the enclosed space.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a general contractor 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.

File a complaint
nvcontractorsboard.com7

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • October 1, 2025: SB130 created the B-7 restricted license, effective October 1, 2025.2

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Classification B: General Building license in Nevada?

The rules set at least 4 years2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: The Board publishes no fixed time; it says processing times change and your license analyst can advise.1

Can I transfer my general contractor license to Nevada?

NSCB publishes these routes for the Classification B: General Building license: license by endorsement5 and exam waiver2. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Classification B: General Building license in Nevada?

Every 2 years1. The renewal fee is $6007.

General contractor licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. FAQ for General RequirementsNevada State Contractors BoardDated September 14, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. New License ApplicationNevada State Contractors BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  3. License RequirementsNevada State Contractors BoardDated January 9, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Criminal Background ChecksNevada State Contractors BoardDated April 8, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Licensure by EndorsementNevada State Contractors BoardDated February 11, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Veterans Assistance ProgramNevada State Contractors BoardDated July 9, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  7. NAC Chapter 624Nevada LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Rural Housing License ApplicationNevada State Contractors BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  9. License RenewalsNevada State Contractors BoardDated August 28, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Contractors License ApplicationNevada State Contractors BoardDated July 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  11. BondsNevada State Contractors BoardDated March 13, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Background Disclosure StatementNevada State Contractors BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  13. License ExaminationsNevada State Contractors BoardDated August 9, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  14. ExemptionsNevada State Contractors BoardDated April 5, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  15. ResourcesNevada State Contractors BoardDated July 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026