Nevada State Contractors Board

9670 Gateway Drive, Ste 100, Reno, NV 89521   (775) 688-1141   Fax (775) 688-1271
2310 Corporate Circle, Ste 200, Henderson, NV 89074  (702) 486-1100 Fax (702) 486-1190
 

CONTRACTOR LICENSE EXAMINATION

General Information and

Frequently Asked Questions

PSI Website

Order Form: Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada

Candidate Information Bulletins and Exam Content Outlines

PSI Phone Number

1-800-733-9267

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 left. 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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: PSI Examination Services published a new reference manual for the business and law examination.  Effective February 1, 2004, the NASCLA publication will no longer be used during the examination and the new PSI publication will be the only reference manual allowed for use during the contractor license examination. Please see the link on the left to order this manual.
 

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 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 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.