How Do I get an HVAC License in Nevada?

• Anyone bidding on Air-Conditioning or Refrigeration projects that total in over $500 in labor or materials
• In Nevada there are 7 sub classifications under the C-21 License
• If you get the C-21 Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning License, you are allowed to bid on the following types of projects:

REFRIGERATION (sub-classification C-21a) 

• Devices, machinery and units for the control of air temperatures below 50°F in 
• Refrigerators, refrigerated rooms and insulated spaces 
• Insulation, ducts, blowers, registers, controls over humidity and thermostatic controls 
• Lines for supplying natural gas not the installation of other gas or electric services for the devices, machinery or units

AIR-CONDITIONING (sub-classification C-21b)

• Equipment, devices, machinery, units and related ductwork which use evaporation, refrigeration, boilers or combustion for the control of air temperatures in structures 
• Humidity and thermostatic controls

SHEET METAL (sub-classification C-21c)  

• Sheet metal, including, without limitation, cornices, flashings, gutters, and leaders 
• Downspouts for rainwater, pans, food service equipment, ducts, louvres, patented chimneys, flues and metal roof 

MAINTENANCE (sub-classification C-21d)

• Existing units or systems of air-conditioning and refrigeration, including the compressors, motors, relays, coils, heat exchangers and other appurtenances and equipment, 
• not including the replacement of complete condenser assemblies on remote systems, air handlers or any work that may alter the design of an existing system.

SOLAR AIR-CONDITIONING (sub-classification C-21e)

• Installation of the collectors, piping, storage and other equipment used in the conversion of solar energy to energy used for the control of air temperatures.

CHILLED AND HOT WATER SYSTEMS (sub-classification C-21f)

• Boilers, chillers, coils, cooling towers, piping, pumps, storage tanks, and valves
• Other equipment used in the production and transfer of water for the control of temperatures

INDUSTRIAL PIPING (sub-classification C-21g)

• The fabrication, installation, repair and removal of piping and equipment used for the transmission of water, steam, gas, chemicals, food and other substances for industrial uses

Nevada HVAC Contractor License Requirements

You must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of Age
• Form of USA Issued Identification
• Social Security Number
• Not Currently On Probation or Parole

You must also meet the following plumber requirements

• 4 Years of Journeyman Level Experience
• Be able to document your experience if the Nevada Contractors Board request
• A Business Entity

What is a Journeyman?

Journeyman-level experience means that you have reached a certain level of mastery and knowledge of your trade.

Credit for experience in Nevada is only issued at the journeyman or supervisory level. 

You must be aware of every aspect of your trade as well as maintain a certain level of safety and quality control.

• Journeyman can perform all of the duties associated with their trade un-supervised. This person has either completed an apprenticeship or is an experienced worker
• Foreman is a supervising employee on a job-site and has full knowledge of all of the duties and skills that a journeyman would have
• Contractor is an independent tradesman who manages and supervises several phases of a construction job

The Contractors Board in Nevada may request to see the documentation of your experience in heating and air-conditioning.

It is important that you have some way to prove your claim of being a journeyman.

Depending on your county or jurisdiction there may be an additional HVAC certification required to bid on projects.

Proving Your HVAC Experience

You may document your 4 years of experience in the following ways:

• W2’s
• Tax Returns
• Check Stubs
• Contracts
• Letter from a licensed contractor

Signature from a Qualifying individual

The NSCB (Nevada State Contractors Board) will require you to submit 4 notarized references verifying your construction experience.

These references must be from people who have first-hand knowledge of your experience and who have witnessed your work. 

You may use any of the following people to sign off on your experience as an HVAC contractor:

Description of work experience

In addition to references. You must also include a detailed description of your experience. 

Each reference must include

• Name
• Current Address
• Phone Number
• Dates of Employment

Your description must go into a certain level of detail:

“Jim is a great guy and an HVAC Technician” – Is not descriptive enough

An example of a more descriptive explanation would be:

“Jim has installed A/C Units, serviced heating units, changed freon, and maintained a safe job site. He is experienced with electrical and plumbing hookups, has installed compressed and engaged in ductwork…etc”

• This classification may sometimes be referred to as the air conditioning license or simply the AC license.
• These are all position titles that fall under the C-21 license for Air-Conditioning and refrigeration.

You will want to talk about the:

• Types of construction projects
• Trades
• Crafts
• Task and Duties

Forming an HVAC Business in Nevada

You will have to form a legal entity before you can get a license and offer HVAC services. You can learn more about setting up a business entity on the Nevada Secretary of State Website

You must first choose a name and then you can choose the type of entity you want for your HVAC company.

Typically, construction companies choose either:

• Sole Proprietor
• Partnership
• Construction LLC
• S-Corporation

For a complete explanation of the difference between these types of entities and which one makes the most sense for someone applying for a contractor license, check out this free guide!

Nevada Contractor License Exam

To get licensed and bonded in Nevada you will need to pass a two-part exam which is administered by PSI.

• Construction Management Survey Exam 
• Plumbing Trade Exam

Let's start with the Construction Management Survey Exam…

This is a LAW & BUSINESS focused test that will cover the following topics:

• Licensing
• Estimating and Bidding
• Lien Law
• Financial Management
• Tax Laws
• Labor Laws
• Project Management
• Contracts
• Risk Management
• Environmental Safety and Health Department Regulations
• Occupational Safety
• Construction Regulations

If you are unfamiliar with the contractor license laws, it could be helpful for you to enroll in a Nevada contractor license school. 

However, make sure you understand the scope of what contractor classes actually teach you. There are several schools that specialize in Nevada exam prep.

Learn more about the difference between a trade school and a contractor license school!

Nevada HVAC License Exam

The trade portion of the test will cover:

NSCB Testing Information

You must first register for an examination at the (NSCB) Nevada State Contractors Board website.

Once the board accepts your application packet, they will mail you a candidate eligibility letter that will include a PSI Registration Form with instructions on how to select an exam date. 

• You will get 3 chances to pass the exam (2 weeks between each exam date)

• One Examination $95
• Two Examinations $140 (if the second exam is the Construction Management Exam)
• Computerized Test
• Bring 2 forms of Identification
• Open Book
• Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled exam time
• You will have to forfeit your exam fee if you cancel less than 2 days before your date, are late or fail to bring identification

Nevada Contractor Exam Locations

There are three available testing locations:

NSCB Licensing Fees and Application

How much is a Nevada HVAC license? Currently, the NCSB fees include:

• The Application Fee is currently ———$300 
• License Activation ———– $680 (every two years)
• Bond Fee for Cash Bond ————- $200
• Residential Recovery Fund ———— $200 – $1000 (for residential contractors only)

Submit Application – You can find an application here

Send to:

2310 CORPORATE CIRCLE, SUITE 200, 

HENDERSON, NEVADA, 89074

Nevada Contractor License Lookup Page

For consumers looking for a licensed and bonded contractor in the state of Nevada

You may be also required to register and get a Nevada state business license. The Nevada Department of business and Industry has information about this process.

Nevada Contractor License Reciprocity Agreement

Can I use my Nevada Contractor license in California? 

Contractor License reciprocity is an agreement between the Contractor licensing boards of two different states.

It can mean that they have similar building standards, allowing contractors to work freely between states.

In the context of licensing, it means that a contractor who is licensed in one state, may not need to retake an exam to get licensed in another state.

Learn more about Nevada's reciprocity agreement with California, Arizona, and Utah!

HVAC Apprenticeships

Whether you are looking to get a journeyman card in Nevada or begin a career in the HVAC construction trade.

One of the best ways to build a solid foundation in your career is by looking into an apprenticeship program school. These types of schools can provide you with valuable HVAC technician training. 

The average HVAC technician salary is $50,400. There are many opportunities within this specialized trade. 

If you are new to the world of construction and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.

Learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!

Those looking to do pursue a career in construction should be able to read construction blueprints and identify basic lines and symbols.

Construction blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.

Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill for those looking to get a contractor license.

See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!

Nevada OSHA Guidelines

Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.

That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.

In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.

Safety is a huge part of HVAC installation. HVAC mechanics should know how to safely install air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

If you or your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business. 

For employment with a licensed contractor in Nevada, you may be asked to complete some level of Nevada OSHA Safety Training.

Conclusion

Getting a Nevada state contractor license can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business or become an RMO for an existing HVAC company!

The Construction industry is highly lucrative. 

If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about HVAC contractor licenses in California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida

The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end.

If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.