Construction / Electrical Contractor License / Nevada
- Nevada
- C-2 Electrical Contractor
- Contractor license
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Nevada C-2 Electrical Contractor License
How to qualify for a Nevada C-2 electrical contractor license, pass the trade and Contractor Management Survey exams, and apply with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Nevada State Contractors Board requirements
Application fee
$300
Plus $140 PSI exams and $600 license fee
Exam time
6 hrs
C-2 trade (4 hrs) + Contractor Management Survey (2 hrs)
Time to get license
~4 yrs
Journeyman, foreman, supervisor or contractor experience
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE for this license
Overview
Do you need a Nevada electrical contractor license?
To contract for electrical work in Nevada, you need a C-2 Electrical license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. It covers installing electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways and conduit.
License required when
- You contract to install electrical wires, fixtures or appliances
- You contract to install electrical apparatus, raceways or conduit
- You run an electrical contracting business in Nevada
Common exceptions
- Our sources don’t list exemptions for this license, so check with the Board before relying on one
- Licensed contractors from California, Arizona and Utah may get their experience recognized and skip the trade exam, but they still need a Nevada license
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalty amounts. The Nevada State Contractors Board can take action against people who contract without a license, so get your C-2 before you bid.
Your fast-track Nevada electrical contractor license checklist
The Nevada application, one page
- Proof of 4 years of qualifying experience
- Application submitted online to the Board
- Passing scores for the C-2 and Contractor Management Survey exams
- Cash or surety bond
- Industrial insurance and workers’ comp
- Financial statement and bank verification form
Types
Nevada electrical contractor license types and classifications
Nevada licenses electrical contractors under the C-2 classification. You pass a C-2 trade exam and the Contractor Management Survey exam.
C-2
Electrical
Electrical Contractor
Install any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatuses, raceways and conduits.
Exam
C-2 + CMS
Limit
Set by the Board
Requirements
Nevada electrical contractor license requirements, class by class
New applicants and reciprocity applicants from California, Arizona or Utah meet most of the same requirements. Reciprocity can recognize your experience and may remove the trade exam.
| Requirement | New applicant | Reciprocity (CA, AZ, UT) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 4 yrs as journeyman, foreman, supervisor or contractor | May be recognized from your home state |
| C-2 trade exam | Required | May be waived |
| Contractor Management Survey | Required | Not stated |
| Bond | Cash or surety, amount set by the Board | Cash or surety, amount set by the Board |
| Insurance | Industrial insurance and workers’ comp | Industrial insurance and workers’ comp |
| Financials | Financial statement and bank verification form | Financial statement and bank verification form |
| Minimum age | Not stated | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Nevada electrical contractor license, step by step
- Confirm your experienceBefore you apply
You need at least 4 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the C-2 classification. - Apply to the BoardOnline
Submit your application through nvcontractorsboard.com. - Get your eligibility letterAfter approval
If approved, the Board mails a Candidate Eligibility letter with a PSI registration form and scheduling instructions. - Pass both examsExam day
Schedule with PSI at psiexams.com or 855-205-5827. Take the C-2 trade exam and the Contractor Management Survey. - Post your bond and insuranceBefore licensing
Provide a cash or surety bond in the amount the Board sets, plus proof of industrial insurance and workers’ comp. - Receive your licenseFinal step
Finish your application with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Exam
What to expect on the Nevada electrical contractor exam
Nevada applicants pass two open-book exams: the C-2 Electrical trade exam and the Contractor Management Survey on business and law. Both are given by PSI.
Format
Open book
Questions
80 + 60
Passing score
56 of 80; 75% CMS
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- C-2 Electrical: 80 questions, 56 correct to pass, 4 hours
- Contractor Management Survey: 60 questions, 75% to pass, 120 minutes
- C-2 topics include services and feeders, grounding and bonding, motors, low voltage, fire alarm systems and transmission lines
- CMS topics include licensing, lien law, tax and labor laws, contracts and risk management
Retake policy
- Retake rules: wait 2 weeks before retaking a failed portion; a third failure voids your application
- Retake fees: same as the first attempt, $95 for one portion or $140 with the CMS
- Schedule with PSI only after you receive your Candidate Eligibility letter
- Call PSI at 855-205-5827 with scheduling questions
Exam references · Open book
Both Nevada exams are open book: the approved references can be tabbed, highlighted and brought into the test, but online course material isn’t allowed. The list covers the C-2 Electrical Contractor trade exam and the Contractor Management Survey (CMS) business and law exam; books marked study only aren’t permitted in the room.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) — C-2 trade exam | 2017 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code — C-2 trade exam | 2013 | Allowed in exam |
| Nevada Construction Business and Law Manual — Contractor Management Survey exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NEC Handbook — C-2 trade exam | 2017 | Not stated |
| Ugly’s Electrical References | 2020 | Study only |
| OSHA 1926 Construction Industry Regulations | Not stated | Study only |
| Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook | Not stated | Study only |
| National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) C2 | 2012 | Study only |
The NESC 2012 edition is listed as out of print.
Prep
Best Nevada electrical contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Nevada electrical contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | Fixed | $300 |
| PSI exams (CMS + trade, booked together) | Fixed | $140 |
| License fee (2 years) | Fixed | $600 |
| License bond | Variable | Set by the Board |
| Industrial insurance and workers’ comp | Variable | Varies |
| Approved reference books | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Application, CMS + one trade exam, and first 2-year license; excludes bond, insurance and fingerprinting | $1,040 |
Fees from the Nevada State Contractors Board application packet, NAC 624.130 and the PSI candidate information bulletins, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Nevada accept out-of-state electrical contractor licenses?
Nevada has reciprocity agreements with California, Arizona and Utah. They recognize experience qualifications for certain trades and may eliminate the trade exam.
California — experience recognized, trade exam may be waived
Applies to certain trades. Confirm with the Board that it covers your electrical license.
Arizona — experience recognized, trade exam may be waived
Applies to certain trades. Confirm with the Board that it covers your electrical license.
Utah — experience recognized, trade exam may be waived
Applies to certain trades. Confirm with the Board that it covers your electrical license.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant and take both exams.
Local
Do Nevada cities and counties have their own electrical contractor licensing rules?
Your C-2 license is statewide, but cities and counties still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- C-2 licensing and bonding
- Exam eligibility
- Reciprocity agreements
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Electrical permits
- Job inspections
- Any local business license, so check with your city or county
Governance
Who regulates electrical contractors in Nevada
Oversight responsibilities
- Reviews applications and issues Candidate Eligibility letters
- Issues and renews contractor licenses
- Sets license bond amounts
- Recognizes experience under reciprocity agreements
Maintenance
How to renew your Nevada electrical contractor license and keep it active
Nevada doesn’t require continuing education for the C-2 license. Licenses expire every 2 years and renew for $600, with a $150 fee if you file late.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$600
Late penalty
$150 late filing fee
Renewing your license?
See the Nevada CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Nevada electrical contractor license FAQs
How much experience do I need for a Nevada C-2 license?
At least 4 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the classification.
What exams do I take?
Two: the C-2 Electrical exam (80 questions, 56 correct to pass) and the Contractor Management Survey (60 questions, 75% to pass).
Are the Nevada exams open book?
Yes. Both exams are open book with approved references.
Do I need a bond?
Yes. You need a cash or surety bond in an amount the Board sets.
Is continuing education required?
No. Nevada doesn’t require CE for this license.
Does Nevada have reciprocity for electrical contractors?
Nevada has agreements with California, Arizona and Utah that recognize experience for certain trades and may remove the trade exam.
Sources
Official sources for the Nevada electrical contractor license
- Nevada State Contractors Board
- PSI, Nevada contractor exam catalog
- Nevada State Contractors Board, C-2 Electrical classification
- Nevada State Contractors Board, License application packet (fees)
- PSI, Nevada Contractors C Classification candidate information bulletin
- PSI, Nevada Contractor Management Examination candidate information bulletin
- Nevada Administrative Code, NAC 624.130 Fees
- Nevada Revised Statutes, NRS 624.283 License expiration and renewal
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Nevada State Contractors Board.