Not a government site. Always confirm with the licensing board before you apply. About us

State License Requirements
Menu

How to get a Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting license in Nevada

Nevada licenses plumbers statewide through the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).1 For the Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting 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 · 19 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 and Military service members and spouses56 Details

On this page
  1. Nevada plumber licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting license
  4. Requirements for a Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting license
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Moving to Nevada with a license from another state
  7. Subclassification C-1d: Plumbing
  8. Subclassification C-1g: Pipes and Vents for Gas
  9. Subclassification C-1h: Water Heaters
  10. City and county rules
  11. Check a license or report a problem
  12. Laws and rules
  13. Common questions
  14. Plumber licenses in other states

Nevada plumber licenses

Nevada issues 4 plumber 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
Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating ContractingAny work authorized for the C-1 subclassifications: boilers (C-1a), fire sprinklers (C-1b), pipe and duct insulation (C-1c), plumbing (C-1d), sheet metal (C-1e), heating/cooling/circulating air without refrigeration (C-1f), gas pipes and vents (C-1g), water heaters (C-1h), chilled-water piping (C-1i), firefighter breathing-air systems (C-1j) and industrial piping (C-1k).7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification C-1d: PlumbingWater supply, sanitary waste and vent systems; roof drainage; hydronic heating up to 200,000 BTU; landscape irrigation; potable-water heating including solar; permanent gas supply for residential and industrial purposes; medical gas, compressed air and vacuum piping; plus water and gas piping from the building edge to the utility meter.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification C-1g: Pipes and Vents for GasGas piping from the LP or natural gas supply into a building or structure, and the related vents.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002
Subclassification C-1h: Water HeatersInstalling, replacing and repairing water heaters, including connection to existing potable water and gas lines, venting and incidental connections.7Experience 4 years2Yes2$3002

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for every Nevada plumber 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

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$3002NSCBNot refundable
Initial license fee$6001NSCBDue after approval, not with the application
Other fee$2008NSCBFor 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.9 app.nvcontractorsboard.com9
  3. Pay the $300 nonrefundable application fee.2
  4. Submit fingerprints only after the Board asks for them.10
  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.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)
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

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-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting license

Any work authorized for the C-1 subclassifications: boilers (C-1a), fire sprinklers (C-1b), pipe and duct insulation (C-1c), plumbing (C-1d), sheet metal (C-1e), heating/cooling/circulating air without refrigeration (C-1f), gas pipes and vents (C-1g), water heaters (C-1h), chilled-water piping (C-1i), firefighter breathing-air systems (C-1j) and industrial piping (C-1k).7

Exemptions and dollar thresholds:

  • Plumbing and heating 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-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting license

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Exam
Trade examination for Classification C-114
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

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Nevada Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting 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-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting license.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Nevada can waive the experience certificates, and for AZ, CA and TN also the trade exam, for C-1 applicants holding the listed equivalent license with the same qualified individual for the past 4 years; the Business and Law exam is still required.5
States on Nevada's list
Arizona, California, Florida and Tennessee5
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-77 Plumbing Including Solar).5
Condition for California
Experience and trade exam equivalent (California C-36 Plumbing Contractor and C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor, both required).5
Condition for Florida
Experience only (Florida CF – Plumbing Contractor); Nevada trade exam required.5
Condition for Tennessee
Experience and trade exam equivalent (Tennessee CMC Full Mechanical Contractor).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

Subclassification C-1d: Plumbing

Water supply, sanitary waste and vent systems; roof drainage; hydronic heating up to 200,000 BTU; landscape irrigation; potable-water heating including solar; permanent gas supply for residential and industrial purposes; medical gas, compressed air and vacuum piping; plus water and gas piping from the building edge to the utility meter.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade examination for Subclassification C-1d14
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

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification C-1g: Pipes and Vents for Gas

Gas piping from the LP or natural gas supply into a building or structure, and the related vents.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade examination for Subclassification C-1g14
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

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Subclassification C-1h: Water Heaters

Installing, replacing and repairing water heaters, including connection to existing potable water and gas lines, venting and incidental connections.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade examination for Subclassification C-1h14
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

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating ContractingCities and counties check the state C-1 license at permit time. Clark County also requires a local business license, a master/qualified individual or journeyman plumber on site, and a journeyman or master plumber ID card for every individual plumber; Reno requires a journeyman certificate for anyone doing plumbing.15

City or countyWhat it requiresLink
Clark County (unincorporated)Clark County: permits for plumbing go only to contractors holding a Nevada C-1 license (plus a Clark County business license); a master plumber, plumbing qualified individual or journeyman plumber must be on site supervising permitted plumbing work. Every individual doing plumbing must carry a photo ID card issued through the Nevada State Board of Plumbing Examiners (exams by NITC), at journeyman or master level; journeyman is the minimum level for working without supervision.15Official page16
Las VegasOnly a Nevada-licensed contractor may obtain a commercial building permit. Clark County's guide says its ID-card rule applies to plumbing work "within any Clark County jurisdiction".17Official page17
RenoReno: anyone doing plumbing installations must hold a valid journeyman certificate; apprentices need a card from an approved apprenticeship program. Exceptions: homeowners; contractors' subordinate employees under a written on-site supervision agreement; holders of reciprocal licenses from another jurisdiction, who must get Reno certification after 12 months working in the city. Applicants apply to the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE) and take an open-book exam based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (full exam, or a shorter online re-certification exam for renewals), then receive a journeyman or master journeyman plumber card.18Official page18

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a plumber 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.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting 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 plumber license to Nevada?

NSCB publishes this route for the Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting license: license by endorsement5. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting license in Nevada?

Every 2 years1. The renewal fee is $6007.

Plumber 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. BondsNevada State Contractors BoardDated March 13, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Contractors License ApplicationNevada State Contractors BoardDated July 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Background Disclosure StatementNevada State Contractors BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Rural Housing License ApplicationNevada State Contractors BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  12. License RenewalsNevada State Contractors BoardDated August 28, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  13. ExemptionsNevada State Contractors BoardDated April 5, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  14. License ExaminationsNevada State Contractors BoardDated August 9, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  15. 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
  16. BPG-153 Plumbing License Requirements Building Permit GuideClark County Department of Building & Fire PreventionDated February 17, 2017Checked November 7, 2026
  17. Building Permits | City of Las VegasCity of Las VegasChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Electrical / Plumbing Journeyman Cards | City of RenoCity of RenoChecked November 7, 2026
  19. ResourcesNevada State Contractors BoardDated July 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026