Construction / Roofing Contractor License / Nevada
- Nevada
- Roofing Contractor
- C-15 & C-15a
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Nevada C-15 Roofing Contractor License
This page covers both Nevada roofing classifications, C-15 Roofing and Siding and C-15a Roofing, from experience and bonding to the two open-book exams you’ll need to pass.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Nevada State Contractors Board requirements
Application fee
$300
Plus $140 PSI exam fee (trade + CMS) and $600 license fee
Exam time
2 hrs
C-15 trade exam; CMS and C-15a times not stated
Time to get license
~4 yrs
Minimum experience in the classification, then pre-approval and exams
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE for roofing contractor licenses
Overview
Do you need a Nevada roofing contractor license?
Yes, if you contract to install, alter or repair roofing in Nevada, you need a license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Roofers pick C-15a for roofing only, or C-15 if they also do siding, insulation and waterproofing.
License required when
- Installing, altering or repairing watertight and weatherproof roofing such as shingles, shakes, tile, slate, built-up and urethane
- Installing or repairing siding to make walls watertight (C-15 only)
- Installing building insulation materials (C-15 only)
- Applying rubber, latex, asphalt and similar coatings to keep water out of surfaces (C-15 only)
Common exceptions
- C-15a doesn’t cover siding or weather-stripping devices, so that work needs the C-15 classification
- Work outside the roofing scope needs the matching specialty license
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list penalty amounts. In general, the Nevada State Contractors Board can investigate unlicensed contracting and take enforcement action, so get licensed before you bid or start work.
Your fast-track Nevada roofing contractor license checklist
The Nevada application, one page
- 4 years of experience in your classification
- Candidate Eligibility letter from the Board
- Passing scores for the CMS and C-15 or C-15a exams
- Cash or surety bond in the Board’s amount
- Industrial insurance and workers’ comp proof
- Financial statement and bank verification form
Types
Nevada roofing contractor license types and classifications
Nevada has two roofing classifications. Both need the Contractor Management Survey exam plus a trade exam, and both share the same experience, bond and insurance rules.
C-15
Broader scope
Roofing and Siding
Roofing, plus siding, building insulation and waterproofing coatings that keep water out of walls and surfaces.
Exam
CMS + C-15
Limit
Not stated
C-15a
Roofing only
Roofing
Installing, altering and repairing watertight, weatherproof roofing materials. No siding or weather-stripping devices.
Exam
CMS + C-15a
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Nevada roofing contractor license requirements, class by class
The requirements are the same for both classifications. Only the trade exam changes.
| Requirement | C-15 Roofing and Siding | C-15a Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years as journeyman, foreman, supervisor or contractor | 4 years as journeyman, foreman, supervisor or contractor |
| Trade exam | C-15: 60 questions, 45 correct to pass | C-15a: 50 questions, 38 correct to pass |
| Business exam | Contractor Management Survey, 75% | Contractor Management Survey, 75% |
| Bond | Cash or surety bond, amount set by the Board | Cash or surety bond, 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 |
| Continuing ed | Not required | Not required |
Steps
How to get your Nevada roofing contractor license, step by step
- Pick C-15 or C-15aBefore you start
Choose C-15a if you only do roofing. Choose C-15 if you also install siding, insulation or waterproofing coatings. - Document your experienceBefore you apply
You need at least 4 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the classification you’re requesting. - Get exam pre-approvalBefore you apply
Request and submit your application online through the Board’s website. If you’re approved, the Board mails a Candidate Eligibility letter with a PSI registration form and scheduling instructions. - Pass both exams with PSIExam day
Schedule the C-15 or C-15a exam and the Contractor Management Survey with PSI at 855-205-5827. Testing centers are in larger cities around the state. - Line up your bond, insurance and financialsBefore you apply
Get a cash or surety bond in the amount the Board sets, proof of industrial insurance and workers’ comp, and your financial statement and bank verification form. - Apply for your licenseBoard review
Finish your application with the Nevada State Contractors Board online at nvcontractorsboard.com, or call 702-486-1100 with questions.
Exam
What to expect on the Nevada roofing contractor exam
Every Nevada roofer passes two exams: the Contractor Management Survey and the C-15 or C-15a trade exam. Both are open book, and you can tab and highlight your approved references.
Format
Open book
Questions
60 (C-15) or 50 (C-15a)
Passing score
45 or 38 correct; CMS 75%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- C-15: 60 questions, 45 correct to pass, 2 hours
- C-15a: 50 questions, 38 correct to pass
- C-15 topics: safety, roofing substrates, steep roofing, repairs, elastomeric and built-up roofing, sheet metal and flashing, siding, photovoltaic systems
- CMS: 75% to pass; covers licensing, estimating, lien law, financial management, tax and labor laws, contracts and risk
- The 2018 International Building Code is an allowed reference for the roofing exams
Retake policy
- Wait 2 weeks before retaking a failed portion
- Each retake is a new PSI registration: $95 for one portion, $140 for a trade exam plus the CMS
- After a third failure your application is void and you reapply with the Board
- Testing centers are set up in larger cities across Nevada
Exam references · Open book
Nevada’s roofing exams and the Contractor Management Survey (CMS) exam are open book: the approved references can be tabbed, highlighted and brought into the test. The list covers the C-15 and C-15a roofing exams and the CMS exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code (IBC) — C-15 and C-15a exams | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-Slope Roof Systems — C-15 and C-15a exams | Not stated | Study only |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems — C-15 and C-15a exams | Not stated | Study only |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems — C-15 and C-15a exams | Not stated | Study only |
| OSHA 1926 Construction Industry Regulations — C-15 and C-15a exams | Not stated | Study only |
| Roofing Construction & Estimating, Revised — C-15 and C-15a exams | Not stated | Study only |
| Carpentry and Building Construction, Student Edition — C-15 and C-15a exams | 2016 | Study only |
| NRCA Guidelines for Rooftop-mounted Photovoltaic Systems — C-15 and C-15a exams | Not stated | Study only |
| Nevada Construction Business and Law Manual — Contractor Management Survey exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
The NRCA photovoltaic guidelines are listed as out of print.
Prep
Best Nevada roofing contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Nevada roofing contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $300 |
| PSI exams (C-15 or C-15a + CMS) | Fixed | $140 |
| License fee (2 years) | Fixed | $600 |
| Cash or surety bond | Variable | Set by the Board |
| Industrial insurance and workers’ comp | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes bond, insurance and reference books | $1,040 |
Fees from the Nevada State Contractors Board application form and brochure, NAC 624.130 and the PSI Nevada candidate bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Nevada accept out-of-state roofing contractor licenses?
Nevada has reciprocity agreements with California, Arizona and Utah. These states recognize experience for certain trades and may waive the trade exam, so check with the Board before you apply.
California — trade exam may be waived
Experience qualifications for certain trades are recognized. Ask the Board whether roofing qualifies.
Arizona — trade exam may be waived
Experience qualifications for certain trades are recognized. Ask the Board whether roofing qualifies.
Utah — trade exam may be waived
Experience qualifications for certain trades are recognized. Ask the Board whether roofing qualifies.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant and pass both the trade exam and the Contractor Management Survey.
Local
Do Nevada cities and counties have their own roofing contractor licensing rules?
Your state license covers roofing work across Nevada. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections on each job.
State handles
- Contractor licenses and the C-15 and C-15a classifications
- Exam pre-approval and Candidate Eligibility letters
- Bond amounts for each license
- Experience and financial review
City & county handle
- Building permits and inspections
- Local business licenses
- Local code enforcement on the job site
Governance
Who regulates roofing contractors in Nevada
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues contractor licenses, including C-15 and C-15a
- Pre-approves exam candidates and mails Candidate Eligibility letters
- Sets the bond amount for each license
- Reviews experience, insurance and financials
Maintenance
How to renew your Nevada roofing contractor license and keep it active
Nevada doesn’t require continuing education for roofing contractor licenses. Licenses renew every 2 years for $600, and a late renewal adds a $150 fee.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$600
Late penalty
$150
FAQ
Nevada roofing contractor license FAQs
What’s the difference between C-15 and C-15a?
C-15a covers roofing only. C-15 adds siding, building insulation and waterproofing coatings for walls and surfaces.
How much experience do I need for a Nevada roofing license?
At least 4 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the classification you’re requesting.
Is the Nevada roofing exam open book?
Yes. Both the roofing exam and the Contractor Management Survey are open book, and you can tab and highlight your approved references.
What score do I need to pass?
The C-15 exam needs 45 of 60 correct and the C-15a needs 38 of 50. The Contractor Management Survey needs 75%.
Do I need continuing education to renew?
No. Nevada doesn’t require continuing education for roofing contractor licenses.
Does my California, Arizona or Utah license help?
It may. Nevada has reciprocity with those states for certain trades, which can waive the trade exam. Check with the Board for roofing.
Do I need a bond?
Yes. You need a cash or surety bond in an amount the Board sets for your license.
Sources
Official sources for the Nevada roofing contractor license
- Nevada State Contractors Board
- PSI, Nevada contractor exam catalog
- Nevada C-15 and C-15a classification scope of work
- Nevada State Contractors Board, License application form
- Nevada State Contractors Board, Applying for a contractor’s license brochure
- Nevada Administrative Code chapter 624 (NAC 624.130 fees)
- PSI, Nevada C classification candidate information bulletin
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.