Listed below are commonly asked questions and answers about the general requirements for applying for a contractors license.
General Requirements
To qualify to become a licensed contractor you must have the experience and skills necessary to manage the daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision. Or, you must be represented by someone else with the necessary experience and skills, who serves as your qualifying individual.
The contractor or other person who will act as the qualifying individual must have had, within the fifteen years immediately before the filing of the application, at least four full years of experience at a journeyman level, or as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor in the classification for which you are applying.
All businesses or individuals who construct or alter any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, excavation, or other structure in Nevada must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Contractors, including subcontractors and specialty contractors must be licensed before submitting bids. Licenses may be issued to individuals, general partnerships, limited partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies or joint ventures.
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Yes. The exemptions are as follows: |
NRS 624.031 Applicability of chapter: Exemptions. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:
1. Work performed exclusively by an authorized representative of the United States Government, the State of Nevada, or an incorporated city, county, irrigation district, reclamation district, or other municipal or political corporation or subdivision of this State.
2. Any entity that is recognized as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3), which:
(a) Enters into a contract or other agreement with the State of Nevada, or an incorporated city, county, irrigation district, reclamation district, or other municipal or political corporation or subdivision of this State, to facilitate the repair or maintenance of properties, including, without limitation, weatherization and energy efficiency services;
(b) Facilitates work to be performed on such a property by a person licensed pursuant to this chapter; and
(c) Is a party with the owner of such a property and a person licensed pursuant to this chapter to a contract or agreement for the work on the property.
3. An officer of a court when acting within the scope of his or her office.
4. Work performed exclusively by a public utility operating pursuant to the regulations of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada on construction, maintenance and development work incidental to its business.
5. An owner of property who is building or improving a residential structure on the property for his or her own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease. The sale or lease, or the offering for sale or lease, of the newly built structure within 1 year after its completion creates a rebuttable presumption for the purposes of this section that the building of the structure was performed with the intent to sell or lease that structure. An owner of property who requests an exemption pursuant to this subsection must apply to the Board for the exemption. The Board shall adopt regulations setting forth the requirements for granting the exemption.
6. Any work to repair or maintain property the value of which is less than $1,000, including labor and materials, unless:
(a) A building permit is required to perform the work;
(b) The work is of a type performed by a plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, heating or air-conditioning contractor;
(c) The work is of a type performed by a contractor licensed in a classification prescribed by the Board that significantly affects the health, safety and welfare of members of the general public;
(d) The work is performed as a part of a larger project:
(1) The value of which is $500 or more; or
(2) For which contracts of less than $500 have been awarded to evade the provisions of this chapter; or
(e) The work is performed by a person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter or by an employee of that person.
7. The sale or installation of any finished product, material or article of merchandise which is not fabricated into and does not become a permanent fixed part of the structure.
8. The construction, alteration, improvement or repair of personal property.
9. The construction, alteration, improvement or repair financed in whole or in part by the Federal Government and conducted within the limits and boundaries of a site or reservation, the title of which rests in the Federal Government.
10. An owner of property, the primary use of which is as an agricultural or farming enterprise, building or improving a structure on the property for his or her use or occupancy and not intended for sale or lease.
11. Construction oversight services provided to a long-term recovery group by a qualified person within a particular geographic area that is described in a proclamation of a state of emergency or declaration of disaster by the State or Federal Government, including, without limitation, pursuant to NRS 414.070. A long-term recovery group may reimburse such reasonable expenses as the qualified person incurs in providing construction oversight services to that group. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, nothing in this subsection authorizes a person who is not a licensed contractor to perform the acts described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 624.700. As used in this subsection:
(a) “Construction oversight services” means the coordination and oversight of labor by volunteers.
(b) “Long-term recovery group” means a formal group of volunteers coordinating response and recovery efforts related to a state of emergency or disaster that is proclaimed or declared by the State or Federal Government.
(c) “Qualified person” means a person who possesses the abilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills and training that a long-term recovery group has identified as being necessary to provide construction oversight services for a project to be performed by that group.
12. A person licensed as a real estate broker, real estate broker-salesperson or real estate salesperson pursuant to chapter 645 of NRS who, acting within the scope of the license or a permit to engage in property management issued pursuant to NRS 645.6052, assists a client in scheduling work to repair or maintain residential property pursuant to a written brokerage agreement or a property management agreement. Such assistance includes, without limitation, assisting a client in the hiring of any number of licensed contractors to perform the work. Nothing in this subsection authorizes the performance of any work for which a license is required pursuant to this chapter by a person who is not licensed pursuant to this chapter or the payment of any additional compensation to a person licensed as a real estate broker, real estate broker-salesperson or real estate salesperson for assisting a client in scheduling the work. The provisions of this subsection apply only if a building permit is not required to perform the work and if the value of the work does not exceed $10,000 per residential property during the fixed term of the written brokerage agreement, if the assistance is provided pursuant to such an agreement, or during a period not to exceed 6 months if the assistance is provided pursuant to a property management agreement. As used in this subsection:
(a) “Brokerage agreement” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645.005.
(b) “Property management agreement” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645.0192.
(c) “Real estate broker” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645.030.
(d) “Real estate broker-salesperson” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645.035.
(e) “Real estate salesperson” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645.040.
(f) “Residential property” means:
(1) Improved real estate that consists of not more than four residential units; or
(2) A single-family residential unit, including a condominium, townhouse or home within a subdivision, if the unit is sold, leased or otherwise conveyed unit by unit, regardless of whether the unit is part of a larger building or parcel that consists of more than four units.
[1:Art. III:186:1941; A 1951, 47] + [2:Art. III:186:1941; 1943 NCL § 1474.14] + [3:Art. III:186:1941; A 1951, 47] + [4:Art. III:186:1941; A 1947, 307; 1951, 47] + [5:Art. III:186:1941; 1931 NCL § 1474.17] + [6:Art. III:186:1941; 1931 NCL § 1474.18] + [7:Art. III:186:1941; A 1951, 47] + [9:Art. III:186:1941; A 1947, 307; 1943 NCL § 1474.21]—(NRS A 1975, 1167; 1987, 1730; 1989, 1629; 1997, 2019, 3162; 2001, 2409; 2007, 855; 2009, 763; 2013, 578; 2017, 3963)
Under certain circumstances the Nevada State Contractors Board will waive the trade examination requirement and the experience certification requirement for applicants that qualify for licensure by endorsement. These waivers are granted for applicants who are licensed in states determined by Nevada to have substantially equivalent requirements.
In order to apply for licensure by endorsement, you will need to have been actively licensed in the endorsing state for the past four (4) years and not have had any disciplinary actions, suspension or sanctions against your license. Proof of compliance with the requirements must be submitted with the application.
If your endorsing state does not offer an equivalent trade examination, you will be required to pass the state specific examination in Nevada.
Applicants must still qualify by taking and passing the Business and Law Examination.
Unlicensed contracting is a crime in Nevada. The first offense is a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $1,000, and may be further punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months.
The second offense is a gross misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not less than $2,000 nor more than $4,000, and may be further punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 1 year.
The third or subsequent offense is a category E felony and subject to a fine of not less than $5,000 not more than $10,000 and may be further punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than 1 year and not more than 4 years.
Experience Requirements
The trade qualified individual must have, within the 15 years immediately preceding the filing of this application, at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the specific classification requested.
Training received in a program offered at an accredited college, university or equivalent program accepted by the Board may be used to satisfy up to, but not more than 3 years of experience.
Proof of transferable military training or a current master’s certification issued by a governmental agency in a discipline substantially similar to the requested classification may also be used to satisfy the work experience requirement.
Please review the Contractor’s License Application for more information regarding the experience requirements.
No. You do not have to meet any education requirements in order to qualify for a contractor’s license.
Training received in a program offered at an accredited college or university or an equivalent program accepted by the Board may be used to satisfy not more than 3 years of experience. You must provide written documentation of any training or education claimed in place of experience. Acceptable documentation includes copies of apprenticeship certificates and college transcripts.
(Please NOTE: The Nevada State Contractors Board is not affiliated with any of the license contractor examination schools and cannot make referrals or recommendations regarding them.)
License Classifications
The Nevada State Contractors Board issues licenses to contractors in particular trades or fields of the construction profession. Each separate trade is recognized as a “classification.”
The Nevada State Contractors Board issues licenses for the following classifications:
- Class “A”—General Engineering Contractor. The principal business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill.
- Class “B”—General Building Contractor. The principal business is in connection with the construction or remodeling of buildings or structures for the support, shelter and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or movable property of any kind, requiring in their construction the use of more than two unrelated building trades or crafts, upon which he or she is a prime contractor and where the construction or remodeling of a building is the primary purpose.
- Class “C”—Specialty Contractor. There are 36 separate primary “C” license classifications for contractors whose construction work requires special skill and whose principal contracting business involves the use of specialized building trades or crafts. Manufacturers are considered to be contractors if engaged in on-site construction, alteration, or repair.
You may obtain a license in any of the specialty classifications you are qualified for. A separate license is required for each primary classification. Multiple sub classifications within the same primary classification can be combined under one license.
A description of each classification can be found on the Nevada State Contractors Board Web site, or consult the Nevada State Contractors Board Handbook.
624.140 Classification A: General engineering.
624.150 Classification A: Subclassifications.
624.160 Classification B: General building.
624.170 Classification B: Subclassifications.
624.180 Classification AB: General building and general engineering.
624.190 Classification C-1: Plumbing and heating contracting; subclassifications.
624.200 Classification C-2: Electrical contracting; subclassifications.
624.210 Classification C-3: Carpentry, maintenance and minor repairs; subclassifications.
624.220 Classification C-4: Painting and decorating; subclassifications.
624.230 Classification C-5: Concrete contracting.
624.240 Classification C-6: Erecting signs; subclassifications.
624.250 Classification C-7: Elevation and conveyance; subclassifications.
624.260 Classification C-8: Glass and glazing contracting.
624.270 Classification C-9: Movement of buildings.
624.280 Classification C-10: Landscape contracting.
624.290 Classification C-11: Spraying mixtures containing cement.
624.300 Classification C-13: Using sheet metal.
624.310 Classification C-14: Steel reinforcing and erection; subclassifications.
624.320 Classification C-15: Roofing and siding; subclassifications.
624.330 Classification C-16: Finishing floors; subclassifications.
624.340 Classification C-17: Lathing and plastering; subclassifications.
624.350 Classification C-18: Masonry.
624.360 Classification C-19: Installing terrazzo and marble; subclassifications.
624.370 Classification C-20: Tiling; subclassifications.
624.380 Classification C-21: Refrigeration and air-conditioning; subclassifications.
624.400 Classification C-23: Drilling wells and installing pumps, pressure tanks and storage tanks.
624.410 Classification C-24: Erecting scaffolds and bleachers.
624.420 Classification C-25: Fencing and equipping playgrounds.
624.430 Classification C-26: Institutional contracting; subclassifications.
624.440 Classification C-27: Individual sewerage.
624.450 Classification C-28: Fabricating tanks; subclassifications.
624.470 Classification C-30: Installing equipment to treat water.
624.480 Classification C-31: Wrecking.
624.500 Classification C-33: Installing industrial machinery.
624.530 Classification C-36: Installing and applying polyurethane or other similar products and coatings.
624.540 Classification C-37: Solar contracting; subclassifications.
624.550 Classification C-38: Installing equipment used with liquefied petroleum and natural gas; subclassifications.
624.560 Classification C-39: Installing heaters.
624.570 Classification C-40: Specialties not authorized by other classifications.
624.572 Classification C-41: Fire protection contracting; subclassifications.
624.574 Classification C-42: Constructing, altering or improving video service networks.
Yes. If you are applying for a license to engage in the repair, restoration, improvement or construction of residential pools or spas, please read the Pool and Spa Regulations found on our website.
Applying for a License
You must complete the following steps:
- Obtain an Application for a Contractor’s License from any office of the Nevada State Contractors Board or by telephone from the Nevada State Contractors Board’s 24-hour automated public information line at (775) 688-1141 or (702) 486-1100, or via the Nevada State Contractors Board Web site, www.nscb.state.nv.us;
- Take the time to read and follow carefully the instructions included in the application. All reference certificates, detailed resume of experience, financial statement and s must be submitted with the application;
- Complete the application and all accompanying forms in ink or with a typewriter. The form available on our website may be completed on-line and then printed. Make sure you sign and date the application; and
- Proofread your application for any omissions. If the Board has to return the application to you or needs to request missing information, your license will be delayed.
- Submit the application, the application processing fee ($300), and all required documents to either office the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Do not submit a bond or the initial license fee with your application. Upon successful completion of your examination and/or approval of your application, you will be instructed to submit the required documents and initial license fee. You must submit ALL required documents together to avoid delays—your license will not be issued until all requirements have been met.
After approval of your application, you will be required to:
- Submit an biennial license fee of $600.00 for each application; and
- Submit the required license bond in the amount indicated on your approval letter; and
- Submit proof of compliance with Industrial Insurance (Workers’ Compensation Insurance) or an exemption affidavit if you are not required to obtain it. note : If the license is qualified by an Employee, the qualifier is an employee and Workers’ Compensation Insurance is required; and
- Prior to issuance of a license, each applicant must either register with the Residential Recovery Fund and pay the assessed Residential Recovery Fund Fee or complete a certificate of exemption.Exemption affidavits will be provided to you with your approval letter.
The Nevada State Contractors Board will send you a letter requesting any information that may be needed to complete the processing of your application and/or an Examination Eligibility Letter and Candidate Information Bulletin if an exam is required. The Examination Eligibility Letter contains the Qualifier’s Candidate ID Number, which is required for him or her to schedule the exam(s).
Because there are many factors that affect the time it takes to process an application, processing times continually change. Your assigned License Analyst can provide more information regarding the processing time.
A Contingent Approval of Application letter will be sent after approval of your application. The license will not be issued until all licensing requirements have been met as indicated in the approval letter.
If your application is accepted and it is incomplete, you must make the corrections within 30-60 days from the date of your deficiency notice. If you do not, the application will be withdrawn.
If your application is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before the Board. A hearing will be held within 90 days from receipt of your request.
No. The fee is for processing the application, whether or not the application is approved. Since each application is filed for processing as soon as it arrives at the Nevada State Contractors Board, the fee cannot be refunded.
Licensing Examinations
The qualifying individual for a contractor’s license is required to pass the written Business and Law (Construction Management Survey exam) and trade examinations unless he or she meets the requirements for a waiver. The Nevada State Contractors Board has contracted with PSI Licensure (PSI) to administer the exams. Some trades do not have exam requirements.
The Board may waive the examination requirement if the qualifying individual meets one of the following conditions:
Under certain circumstances the Nevada State Contractors Board will waive the trade examination requirement and the experience certification requirement for applicants that qualify for licensure by endorsement. These waivers are granted for applicants who are licensed in states determined by Nevada to have substantially equivalent requirements.
In order to apply for licensure by endorsement, you will need to have been actively licensed in the endorsing state for the past four (4) years and not have had any disciplinary actions, suspension or sanctions against your license. Proof of compliance with the requirements must be submitted with the application.
If your endorsing state does not offer an equivalent trade examination, you will be required to pass the state specific examination in Nevada.
You are not required to document your experience if you meet the above circumstances for waiver of the exam. However, if you are reapplying for the same classification previously held in Nevada and time has lapsed since you were last qualified in Nevada, you must provide an updated Resume of Experience reflecting employment since you were last licensed.
You may call either office of the Board to inquire if an exam is required. Otherwise, the Nevada State Contractors Board will send you an Examination Eligibility Letter and Candidate Information Bulletin if you are required to take an exam.
After your experience has been verified, an Examination Eligibility Letter, which includes your Candidate ID number, will be mailed to the address listed on the application, if an exam is required.
If the references & resume of experience provided are not sufficient to support the required experience, additional documentation may be requested before you can be approved to take the exam(s).
PLEASE NOTE : Some applications are sent for formal investigation. Each application must be accepted AND approved in order for the license to be issued, even if the qualifier has passed the exam.
There are three (3) testing centers located in the State of Nevada to choose from. The examination sites are located:
- LAS VEGAS
3210 East Tropicana Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89121 - RENO
Airport Plaza Office Building 1755 E Plumb Lane Ste 108
Reno, Nevada 89502 - ELKO
225 Silver Street Ste 102
Elko, Nevada 89801
Outside of Nevada, exams are offered at PSI managed facilities.
There are two parts to the examination process: all qualifying individuals must pass the standard Business and Law examination; in addition, qualifying individuals must pass a trade exam covering the specific trade for which they are applying. note: Not all classifications require a trade exam.
The Business and Law examination consists of multiple choice questions related to business management and construction law. Applicants can find information on the breakdown of the topics covered in the examination in the Candidate Information Bulletin that will be sent to you along with your Examination Eligibility Letter.
| The Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada is the basic study reference. The book may be ordered online at www.psionlinestore.com or call the PSI Online store toll-free at (866) 589-3088 and ask for the” Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada.”
PSI Email: ptsupport@psionline.com |
A Candidate Information Bulletin is available on the PSI website. This bulletin lists the topic areas covered by the examination, shows how each area is weighted, and recommends resource materials to study.
All trade examinations consist of multiple-choice questions. The Candidate Information Bulletin includes the percentage of correct answers needed to pass each examination.
You must provide 2 forms of identification. One must be a VALID form of government issued identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID), which bears your signature and has your photograph or a complete physical description. The second ID must have your signature and preprinted legal name. All identification provided must match the name on the Examination Registration Form.
If you cannot provide the required identification, you must call (800) 733-9267 at least 3 weeks prior to your scheduled appointment to arrange a way to meet this security requirement. Failure to provide all of the required identification at the time of the examination without notifying PSI is considered a missed appointment, and you will not be able to take the examination.
After you sign-in and present the required identification, the proctor will issue you the following examination materials:
- Scratch paper
- Figure booklet(s)
- Set of plans
Each exam has different time limits. Please refer to your Candidate information Bulletin for the length of time allowed for your particular exam.
The following summary describes the score reporting process:
On screen – your score will appear immediately on the computer screen. This will happen automatically at the end of the time allowed for the examination; if you are using review features, you will be able to obtain your score immediately when you indicate that you have finished and would like to see your results.
– If you pass, you will immediately receive a successful notification and performance summary on the screen.
– If you do not pass, you will immediately receive an unsuccessful notification on the screen along with a diagnostic report indicating your strengths and weaknesses by examination type. Registration forms for submittal to PSI to retake the examination will be available at the examination site.
On paper – an official score report will be printed at the examination site.
You will not be able to take the examination as scheduled, and you will forfeit your examination fee, if you:
You have three (3) attempts to pass each exam. A candidate who tests unsuccessfully must wait 2 weeks before retaking the examination. If you fail the third examination, the application becomes void. The applicant may apply again with a new application and fee 30 days or more after the date of the last examination. |
Yes. In accordance with NRS NR 624.730 (2): Any person who, without the authorization of the Board, provides any portion of an examination of the Board to another person, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Applicants with disabilities or those who would otherwise have difficulty taking the examination should request for alternative arrangements with PSI. Requests for any special accommodations should be made in writing, describing the specific accommodations that will be needed, and must include supporting documentation on official letterhead from a licensed professional. All examination centers are equipped to provide access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and every reasonable accommodation will be made in meeting a candidate’s needs.
No, the examinations are only offered in English at this time.
Issuing a License
A license may be issued to an individual, a general partnership, a limited partnership, a corporation, limited liability company, or a joint venture. The license belongs to the owner of an individual license, to the partnership, to the corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company as it is registered with the Nevada Secretary of State, or to the combination of licensees who are party to the joint venture.
The holder of an active license is entitled to contract for work in the classifications, which appear on the license. While the license is active, the licensee must maintain a current License Bond, a Qualified Individual, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage.
If a license is inactive, that is, currently renewed but on inactive status, the holder may not bid or contract for work. Neither the License Bond nor a Qualified Individual are required for an inactive license. Also, a licensee does not need to have proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage on file with the Nevada State Contractors Board while the license is inactive.
A qualifying individual, or simply “qualifier,” is the person listed on the Nevada State Contractors Board records who meets the experience and examination requirements for the license. A qualifying individual is required for every classification on each license issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board.
The natural person qualifying on behalf of another natural person or firm must prove that he or she is a bona fide member or employee of that person or firm and when his or her principal or employer is actively engaged as a contractor shall exercise authority in connection with the principal or employer’s contracting business in the following manner:
- To make technical and administrative decisions;
- To hire, superintend, promote, transfer, lay off, discipline or discharge other employees and to direct them, either by himself or herself or through others, or effectively to recommend such action on behalf of the principal or employer; and
- To devote himself or herself solely to the principal or employer’s business and not to take any other employment which would conflict with his or her duties under this subsection.
A person may act as a qualifying individual for more than one active license only if one of the following conditions exists:
- One person owns at least 25 percent of each licensee for which the person qualifies; or
- One licensee owns at least 25 percent of the other licensee.
If you have an individual license, your qualifier may be either an Employee or you.
If you have a partnership license, your qualifier may either be one of the partners or an Employee.
If you have a corporate license, your qualifier may be either one of the officers listed on the license or an Employee.
If you have a limited liability license, your qualifier may be either one of the members or managers listed on the license or an Employee.
If your qualifying individual is an Employee, he or she must be a bona fide employee of your company.
The Nevada State Contractors Board’s applications and other forms includes questions regarding criminal convictions and requires each person associated with the application to submit fingerprints. The conviction of a crime does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a license. NRS 624.265 requires an applicant to possess good character. Conviction of a crime can be cause to deny an application.
You will receive a wall certificate showing the name of the company to which the certificate has been issued, the license number, the classification(s) held, principal names and the date of issue and a pocket card showing the license number, business name, classification(s), and the license expiration date. The law requires that you display your wall certificate in your main office or chief place of business. You should also make it a habit to carry your pocket license, especially in situations where you think you might be soliciting business or talking to potential customers.
You should receive your wall certificate and pocket card within approximately two weeks from the time your license is issued.
Yes, there is no limit to the number of qualified individuals on a license.
Financial Requirements
Please see the Financial tab on the License Requirements page.
Fees are subject to change. Current fees are printed on the application forms and notices distributed to you. You may call the Nevada State Contractors Board or check the Web site to verify the fees. Currently, the application fee is $300.00 and the biennial license fee is $600.00.
In addition to the above fee, if you are a residential contractor who will be providing “Qualified Services” you must pay a Residential Recovery Fund Assessment. Qualified services are defined in NRS 624.440 as “any construction, remodeling, repair or improvement performed by a residential contractor on a single family residence occupied by the owner of the residence”. The fund is created from assessments of contractors who participate in the construction, remodeling, repair or improvement to residential housing. Assessments are based on the monetary limit placed on the license.
The current residential recovery fund assessment fee schedule is:
| For monetary limits up to $1,000,000 | $ 200.00 |
| For monetary limits over $1,000,000 but limited | $ 500.00 |
| For unlimited licenses | $1,000.00 |
The fee is payable before the license is issued and every two years with renewal.
All contractors are required to provide proof of compliance with Industrial insurance coverage (workers’ compensation) as a condition of licensure, to maintain a license, to activate an inactive license, or to renew a license, unless they are exempt from this requirement and have signed an exemption affidavit.
Revised May 2010
bond Requirements
Yes. The Board determines the amount of the bond at the time of license approval. The bond can vary in amount from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the type of license, monetary limit, past, present or future financial responsibility, experience, and character of the applicant.
After license approval, you will receive notification of the amount of bond required. A surety bond or a cash deposit will be required for that amount.
Swimming Pool Contractors – Bonding Requirements for contractors who perform or will perform work concerning residential pools or spas:
Consumer Protection Bond: Before granting an original contractor’s license to, or renewing the contractor’s license of, an applicant who performs or will perform work concerning residential pools or spas, the Board shall, in addition to any other conditions for the issuance or renewal of a license, require the applicant to file with the Board a bond solely for the protection of consumers in an amount fixed by the Board; or in lieu of filing a bond, establish with the Board a cash deposit as provided in this section. Failure of an applicant or licensee to file or maintain in full force the required bond or to establish the required cash deposit constitutes cause for the Board to deny, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a license.
The amount of each bond or cash deposit required by this section must be fixed by the Board with reference to the contractor’s financial and professional responsibility and the magnitude of his operations, but must be not less than $10,000 or more than $400,000.
Payment and Performance Bond: Under certain conditions, the Board may require a residential pool and spa contractor to obtain a performance bond in an amount equal not less than 50 percent of the amount of the contract. The performance bond must be solely for the protection of the owner of the property to be improved. The contractor may also be required to obtain a payment bond in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the amount of the contract. The payment bond must be solely for the protection of persons supplying labor or materials to the contractor, or to any of his subcontractors, in carrying out the provisions of the contract. In lieu of a performance or payment bond, the contractor may obtain an equivalent form of security approved by the Board.
Residential Improvement Bond – Bonding Requirements for contractors who perform work on existing residential structures:
For residential contractors performing residential improvement work, a down payment cannot exceed $1,000 or 10% of contract price, whichever is less. A down payment may only exceed this amount if the contractor posts a Consumer Protection Bond with the Board in the amount of $100,000, or if the contractor was previously granted relief of the requirement to post a license bond.
You may purchase a surety bond from a surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Nevada, and whose long-term obligations are rated “A” or better, or
Cash bonds must be in the form of a Cashier’s Check payable to the State Contractors Board for the full amount of the bond. A biennial administrative fee of $200.00 will be assessed for all cash bond deposits.
If you choose to post a cash deposit, please note that following termination of the license or relief of the bond requirement, the Nevada State Contractors Board is required to hold the cash deposit for an additional two (2) years. The requirement is based on the statute of limitations for filing claims.
Bonds must be continuous in form. A surety may cancel the bond by giving 60 days notice to the Nevada State Contractors Board. Your license must have a continuous bond with no lapse in coverage. Failure of an applicant or licensee to file or maintain in full force the required bond or to establish the required cash deposit constitutes cause for the Board to deny, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a license.
