Nevada requires each applicant to pass a general business and law or “CMS” examination, and a trade examination specific to the classification of license for which you have applied. An exam eligibility letter will be provided to you after your application has been filed with the Nevada State Contractors Board, and board staff has verified your experience.

A candidate information bulletin and exam content outline can be obtained using the links provided to the right. The content outlines include the subject areas covered in each examination, and the number of questions asked in each subject area.  Additionally, a list of reference material is provided that can be used to prepare for the exam.

REFERENCE SOURCES: Most Reference materials listed in the content outlines may be found at one of the following locations:

• Bookmark, Inc.
• www.bookmarki.com
• 800-642-1288

• Builders Book Depot
• www.buildersbookdepot.com
• 800-284-3434

• PSI Online Store
• www.psionlinestore.com
• 866-589-3088

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to attend a “licensing school” in order to pass the examination?

The Nevada State Contractors Board does not recommend or endorse any licensing school.  It is the Board’s belief that if a candidate is qualified, possesses the required experience, and prepares for the examination, he or she will successfully complete the exam.

Are study materials or practice examinations available?

Each of the exam content outline include a list of reference material that can be used to prepare for the exam. Nevada does not offer practice exams.

Can the reference material be used during the examination?

The general business and law or “CMS” exam is open book. You may use the Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada.

Trade exams are closed book, with the exception of certain code references.  You should refer to the exam content outline for your particular exam to determine which reference, if any, can be used during the exam.

If I have already taken an examination for a contractor’s license in the State of Nevada, will I be required to take the exam again if I apply for another license?

In most cases you will not be required to take an exam if you have actively served as a qualified employee, within the last seven (7) years, on another license in the same classification. The Nevada State Contractors Board reserves the right to require any applicant to take and pass an examination.

If I am licensed in another state, will I be required to pass an examination in Nevada?

Nevada has limited reciprocal agreements with the states of Arizona, California, and Utah. This agreement applies to the trade examination only. This act of reciprocity does not include any of the plumbing or electrical trades. To be considered for reciprocity, the following is required:

• The trade qualifier must have been licensed and in good standing in one of the participating states for at least five (5) out of the last seven (7) years. 

• The trade qualifier must  have taken and passed an equivalent examination in that state.

How often are the examinations administered?

Examinations are offered seven (7) days a week in the Las Vegas area. In the Reno area, exams are given every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Exams are also offered in the Elko are on a limited schedule.

How do I register to take an examination?

An exam eligibility letter will be provided to you after your application has been filed with the Nevada State Contractors Board, and board staff has verified your experience. Once you have received the eligibility letter you can schedule an exam date by following the instruction included with the notice.

When will I be notified regarding the result of my examination?

Your score will be given to you immediately following completion of the examination.

How may times can I take the examination?

You are allowed three attempts to pass the exam. If an exam is failed on the third attempt, the application becomes void. You can reapply after a thirty (30) day waiting period.