HVAC Contractor License Nevada Guide

To get a HVAC contractor license in Nevada, apply to the Nevada State Contractors Board for the C‑21 Refrigeration & Air‑Conditioning classification, show 4 years’ experience in the last 15 years, pass the CMS and C‑21 trade exams, post a Board‑set bond, and pay the $300 application and $600 biennial license fees (NSCB General Requirements; NRS 624; PSI Bulletin).

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-16

How to get a HVAC contractor license in Nevada (C‑21)

1. Choose your business and C‑21 scope. Decide if you need C‑21 Refrigeration & Air‑Conditioning and the relevant subclass (e.g., C‑21b Air‑Conditioning), then register your entity and obtain the Nevada State Business License (NAC 624 (C‑21); SOS Business License).
2. Document 4 years of trade experience. Compile at least four years (1,460 days) of qualifying HVAC experience within the past 15 years using NSCB Certification of Work Experience forms (NSCB License Requirements).
3. Prepare your financials and bond plan. Determine your requested monetary limit and arrange the required financial statement and anticipated bond (or cash deposit) per NSCB review (NSCB Financials; Bond FAQ).
4. Submit the NSCB application with fees. File the New Contractor License Application, fingerprints, and $300 application fee to NSCB. After experience is verified, you’ll receive exam eligibility (NSCB Forms & Applications; NRS 624.265; 624.281).
5. Pass the exams with PSI. Schedule and pass the CMS and C‑21/C‑21b trade exams. PSI fees: $95 (one portion) or $140 (both portions) (PSI Bulletin; NSCB Exams).
6. Post your bond and pay issuance fees. NSCB will set your bond amount ($1,000–$500,000). Pay the $600 biennial license fee and, if residential, the Recovery Fund assessment per NRS 624.470 (NSCB FAQ; NRS 624.470).
7. Maintain compliance. Keep your business license current; carry workers’ compensation if you have employees; renew the NSCB license and assessment every two years (SOS Business License; DIR – Employers).

Nevada C‑21 HVAC contractor license: classification, exams, and scope

Nevada’s HVAC contractors are licensed under classification C‑21, with subclassifications including C‑21a (Refrigeration) and C‑21b (Air‑Conditioning). Most applicants must pass both the Construction Management Survey (CMS) and a C‑21 trade exam administered by PSI (NAC 624 (C‑21); NSCB Exams).

Experience and financial requirements for the Nevada HVAC license

Your qualifier must document at least four full years of HVAC experience accrued within the 15 years before filing. NSCB also sets a monetary limit for your license based on your CPA financials and may require a bond up to $500,000 (NSCB License Requirements; NSCB FAQ – Bond & Limits).

Fees to get a HVAC contractor license in Nevada

Expect: $300 application fee; PSI exam fees of $95 (single) or $140 (both CMS + trade); $600 biennial license issuance/renewal; Recovery Fund assessment if residential ($200 ≤$1M limit, $500 >$1M limited, $1,000 unlimited). NSCB will also set your bond amount ($1,000–$500,000) (NSCB Fee FAQ; PSI Bulletin; NRS 624.470).

Renewing a Nevada HVAC contractor license (every 2 years)

Licenses are biennial. Pay the $600 renewal fee, keep your bond/monetary limit current, and—if you do residential work—pay the Recovery Fund assessment each cycle (NSCB FAQ; NRS 624.470).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both CMS and C‑21 trade exams for HVAC?

Yes. Nevada generally requires the CMS (business & law) exam and the C‑21 trade exam (e.g., C‑21b Air‑Conditioning). PSI charges $95 for one portion or $140 for two portions, and NSCB issues eligibility after verifying experience (NSCB Exams; PSI Bulletin).

What bond amount will NSCB require?

NSCB sets the bond between $1,000 and $500,000 based on your requested monetary limit and financial responsibility. The exact figure appears in your approval notice and may be adjusted at renewal (NSCB Bond FAQ; NRS 624.270).

What counts toward the 4 years of HVAC experience?

Journeyman, foreman/supervising employee, or contractor experience in the C‑21 scope accrued within the 15 years before applying. Aggregate experience must total at least 1,460 days and be verified on NSCB forms (NSCB License Requirements; NRS 624.260(6)).

Do I need a Nevada State Business License first?

Yes. Every person or entity doing business in Nevada must maintain a State Business License with the Secretary of State, renewed annually (Nevada SOS – State Business License).

Is workers’ compensation insurance required?

If you have one or more employees, Nevada law requires workers’ compensation coverage through a licensed private carrier or by qualifying as self‑insured (DIR – Employers; Nevada DOI – Self‑Insured).

Ready to move from research to results? License Navigator can map your exact Nevada HVAC licensing steps, forms, fees, and timelines—so you can get compliant faster and start winning jobs with confidence.