Nevada Licensing Guide

How to Get Your
Nevada Plumbing License

Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Nevada. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.

18+
Minimum Age
4 Years
Experience Required
$300
Application Fee
$600/2yrs
Renewal Fee
By Jeel Patel10 min readUpdated Jul 25, 2024
Nevada Plumbing License

Nevada Plumbing License Quick Facts

Minimum Age

18 years (Apprentice)

Experience Required

4 years (8,000 hours)

Application Fee

$300

Licensing Body

Nevada State Contractors Board

Renewal Period

Every 2 years ($600)

Classroom Hours

320 hours required

Being a licensed plumber is a cornerstone of success for any contractor.

Licensing not only reflects your expertise and professionalism, but it also ensures that all your work meets the necessary industry standards and regulations set by the Nevada state contractors' board, providing enough credibility, legitimacy, and protection.

If you're a plumbing contractor in Nevada and wondering about starting a plumbing business in the state, it is a must that you understand the licensing requirements for obtaining a plumbing license.

We will walk you through this comprehensive guide to the Nevada plumbing license process. It will focus on the types of licenses offered, eligibility criteria, and the examination process.

Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Nevada?

Nevada Licensing Authority

Nevada State Contractors Board

NSCB

Issues plumbing licenses for journeyman and master plumbers throughout Nevada. Also oversees C-1 (Plumbing and Heating) and C-1D (Plumbing) contractor classifications.

Official Website(702) 486-1100 (Henderson) / (775) 688-1141 (Reno)
2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200, Henderson, NV 89074

Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners

NBOPE

Reviews applications and determines eligibility for scheduling plumbing examinations in Nevada.

Official Website
Southern Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board, 5390 Kietzke Lane, Ste 102, Reno, NV 89511

Nevada Reciprocity Information

Important: The Nevada State Contractors Board has minimal reciprocity agreements with California, Arizona, and Utah, which do not apply to plumbing, electrical, or fire protection.

  • To legally perform contracting jobs in Nevada, a Nevada contractor's license is required.
  • You must apply for and retake the necessary trade examination to operate as a contractor in Nevada, even if you're licensed in a reciprocal state.

Types of Plumbing Licenses in Nevada

License Types Available

Choose Your License Path

Apprentice Plumber

Entry-level position for those learning the trade under supervision of a licensed plumber.

Key Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent (recommended)
  • Register under a licensed Nevada plumber

Journeyman Plumber License

Full license to provide plumbing services independently without supervision.

Key Requirements

  • 4 years (8,000 hours) documented experience
  • 320 hours of classroom instruction
  • Pass journeyman trade exam

Master Plumber License

Advanced license for experienced plumbers with additional year of journeyman experience.

Key Requirements

  • Valid Nevada journeyman license
  • 1 additional year (2,000 hours) as journeyman
  • Pass master plumber examination

C-1 Plumbing & Heating Contractor

Contractor license for plumbing and heating work, including all plumbing contractor operations.

Key Requirements

  • Master or journeyman plumber license
  • Registered business entity
  • Valid contractor license from NSCB

C-1D Plumbing Contractor

Specialized contractor license for plumbing work only (water and gas piping from building edge to utility meter).

Key Requirements

  • Master or journeyman plumber license
  • Registered business entity
  • Valid contractor license from NSCB

Requirements for Nevada Plumbing Licenses

Becoming a Plumbing Apprentice in Nevada

If you are just beginning your plumbing contractor's journey, it is advisable that you go through the plumbing apprenticeship programs. To undergo the apprenticeship programs, one must follow the basic requirements mentioned here:

Starting Your Plumbing Career

Apprentice Requirements

1

Apprentice Plumber

Entry-level requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent (recommended, not mandatory)
  • Get registered under a Nevada licensed plumber (journeyman or master)
  • Complete 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training (typically 4 years)
  • Complete 320 hours of related classroom instruction
  • Receive on-the-job training and mentorship while working towards licensure

The documents you need to submit while your accredited apprenticeship program is specified below:

  • Nevada driver's license
  • Birth certificate
  • Social security card
  • Diploma/GED
  • Proof of prior experience (if any)
  • Proof of experience within an accredited training program

Journeyman and Master License Requirements

NSCB Requirements

Nevada Professional License Requirements

1

Journeyman Plumber License

For apprentice plumbers with 4 years experience

  • Minimum 4 years (8,000 hours) of substantiated experience within the 15 years immediately preceding
  • Experience must be in a state-registered accredited apprenticeship
  • Complete 320 hours of classroom instruction
  • Submit official journeyman license application
  • Provide affidavit of experience
  • Submit photo ID
  • Pay $300 application fee
  • Pay examination fees ($140 for both tests together or $95 separately)
  • Pass journeyman trade exam (75% passing score)
  • Pass Construction Management System (CMS) exam
2

Master Plumber License

For licensed journeyman plumbers

  • Hold a valid Nevada journeyman plumber license
  • Gain additional 1 year (2,000 hours) of experience working as a licensed journeyman plumber in Nevada
  • Submit official master plumber license application
  • Provide affidavit of experience
  • Submit photo ID
  • Pay $300 application fee
  • Pay examination fees
  • Pass master plumber examination

Application Process

A candidate for a journeyman or master license must send all required documents to the National Inspection Testing Certification (NITC) at:

Nevada State Contractors Board 2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200 Henderson, Nevada, 89074

Once the application is reviewed, the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE) will review your application and contact you via letter if you are eligible to schedule your exam.

License Renewal Information

An additional fee of $600 is to be paid every two years to keep the Nevada plumbing license active.

Plumbing License Costs in Nevada

NSCB Fees

Nevada Plumbing License Fees

License TypeExam FeeLicense FeeRenewal Fee
Journeyman Application$300$600 (every 2 years)
Master Plumber Application$300$600 (every 2 years)
Exam Fees (both tests together)

Trade exam + CMS exam

$140
Exam Fees (separate)

Per individual exam

$95

Nevada Plumbing Exam Details

Once the application gets reviewed, the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE) will review the application form, and you will be contacted by a licensing analyst via a letter informing you that you are eligible to schedule the journeyman plumbing exam.

The letter sent by the licensing analyst will contain instructions as to where the journeyman exam can be accessed and scheduled. However, for a plumbing contractor, Nevada not only requires to complete a journeyman trade exam, but also a construction management exam (CMS) administered by the NITC and PSI.

Open Book Exam

Nevada Journeyman Plumbing Examination

Passing Score: 75%
Duration: 2 hours
Multiple Choice Questions(100%)

50 questions covering plumbing theory, codes, and practices

Closed Book Exam

Nevada Construction Management System (CMS) Exam

Passing Score: 75%
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Multiple Choice Questions(100%)

100 questions covering construction management and business practices

Exam Information

  • Examination fees: $140 (if you apply for both tests together), or $95 (if you apply separately)
  • Validity: Valid for 5 years
  • Passing criteria: 75%

Plumbing Trade Schools in Nevada

Nevada offers several accredited plumbing trade schools and apprenticeship programs:

| Trade School/Institute | Type | Tuition Fees | Contact | Address | |------------------------|------|--------------|---------|---------| | National Technical Institute (NTI) | Public | $5,000/year | (702) 948-9000 | 1870 Whitney Mesa Dr, Henderson, NV 89014 | | Plumbers and Pipefitters of Local 525 | Public | $2,000/semester | (760) 452-1520 | 760 N Lamb Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89110 | | Western Nevada College | Public | $2,900/year (in-state) & $9,700 (out-of-state) | (775) 445-3000 | 2201 W College Pkwy, Carson City, NV 89703 |

Steps to Get Your Nevada Plumbing License

Step-by-Step Guide

Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Nevada

1

Meet Basic Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and obtain a high school diploma or equivalent (recommended).

2

Find a Licensed Plumber Sponsor

Register under a Nevada licensed plumber (either journeyman or master) to begin your apprenticeship.

Your sponsor will provide on-the-job training and mentorship as you work towards becoming licensed.
3

Enroll in Apprenticeship Program

Join a state-registered accredited apprenticeship program to receive formal training and classroom instruction.

View Trade Schools
4

Complete Required Training Hours

Gain 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training (typically 4 years) and complete 320 hours of related classroom instruction.

Keep detailed records of your hours and work experience for your license application.
5

Apply for Journeyman License

Submit your official journeyman license application to NITC with affidavit of experience, photo ID, and application fees.

Download Application Form
6

Pass Required Examinations

Pass both the journeyman trade exam (2 hours, 50 questions) and Construction Management System exam (1 hour 45 minutes, 100 questions) with a 75% passing score.

Congratulations! You're a Licensed Journeyman!

You are now a licensed journeyman plumber in Nevada and can work independently without supervision.

8

Gain Additional Experience (Optional)

Work as a licensed journeyman for at least 1 year (2,000 hours) to qualify for master plumber license.

9

Apply for Master Plumber License

After gaining the required journeyman experience, submit your master plumber license application and pass the master plumber examination.

Congratulations! You're a Master Plumber!

You are now a licensed master plumber in Nevada with advanced credentials and expertise.

11

Obtain Contractor License (Optional)

Apply for C-1 (Plumbing & Heating) or C-1D (Plumbing) contractor license to start your own plumbing business and take contracts.

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Scope of Work Covered and Contractors Classification for Nevada Licensed Contractor

The NSCB has classified the contractors into three different classifications:

  • Class A - General Engineering Contractor: Those having expertise in engineering knowledge and skill falls under this.
  • Class B - General Building Contractor – Those contractors who are involved in constructing or renovating buildings or structures with the intent to render support, shelter, and confinement to people, animals, belongings, or any other movable property come under this.
  • Class C - Specialty Contractor – Last is the "C" license classification for contractors whose construction work requires particular skill and whose principal contracting. Further, there are sub-classifications under the C-specialty contractors, which are:
    1. Plumbing and heating contractors (C-1)
    2. Plumbing Contractors (C-1D)

Scope of Work for Nevada Plumbing Contractors

The scope of work covered for the Nevada plumbing contractors include:

  • To create sanitary conditions in buildings, material, and fixtures are installed. These are the permanent means for the supply of safe water and any sanitary waste and vent systems to ensure the appropriate removal of waste.
  • Installing the boilers and all the related components like fittings, piping, valves, gauges, pumps, radiators, convectors, tanks, and lines.
  • Installation and maintenance of drainage systems, hydronic heating systems, irrigation systems, and potable water heating systems.
  • Installing the permanent means to supply gas for residential and industrial purposes and the pipe fittings for compressed air, vacuums, and gases for medical use.

Furthermore, those individuals holding a C-1D license may install piping for water and gas beginning at the edge of a building and ending at its utility meter.

Consequences of Unlicensed Plumbing in Nevada under NRS 624.700

If the Nevada board of plumbing found that the plumbing contractor is unlicensed then he gets fined with some heavy penalties. Here's is the table showing the different comparison of penalties and imprisonment every time when the contractor gets caught:

Nevada NRS 624.700

Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work

License TypeExam FeeLicense FeeRenewal Fee
First-time offender (Misdemeanor)

Up to 6 months jail + possible restitution payment

Up to $1,000
Second-time offender (Gross misdemeanor)

Up to 364 days in jail + possible restitution payment

$2,000 - $4,000
Third-time or subsequent offender (Category E felony)

1 to 4 years in Nevada State Prison + possible restitution payment

$5,000 - $10,000

License Requirement

If you are bidding on plumbing projects related to plumbing, heating, or insulation repairs, installations, or maintenance with a value exceeding $500 in labor or materials, you require a plumbing license.

Nevada board of plumbing requires plumbing contractors operating inside Nevada to hold either:

  • Nevada State Contractors Board-issued C-1 plumbing and heating contractor license or
  • A C-1D Nevada plumbing contractor license

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reciprocal agreements of Nevada with other states' plumbing contractors?

The Nevada State Contractors Board has minimal reciprocity agreements with California, Arizona, and Utah, which do not apply to plumbing, electrical, or fire protection.

Hence, to legally perform contracting jobs in Nevada, a Nevada contractor's license is required. This means that you must apply for and retake the necessary trade examination to operate as a contractor in the state.

Is holding a plumbing license in Nevada compulsory?

Yes, if you are bidding on plumbing projects related to plumbing, heating, or insulation repairs, installations, or maintenance with a value exceeding $500 in labor or materials, you require a plumbing license.

Nevada board of plumbing requires plumbing contractors operating inside Nevada to hold either:

  • Nevada State Contractors Board-issued C-1 plumbing and heating contractor license or
  • A C-1D Nevada plumbing contractor license

From where can we obtain a Nevada plumbing license?

You can obtain a Nevada plumbing license either from Nevada State Contractors Board directly or from their official website.

  • Northern Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board, 2310 Corporate Circle, Ste 200, Henderson, NV 89074, Phone: (702) 486-1100
  • Southern Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board, 5390 Kietzke Lane, Ste 102, Reno, NV 89511, Phone: (775) 688-1141

How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Nevada?

The typical path takes about 4-5 years. You'll need 4 years (8,000 hours) of apprentice experience plus 320 hours of classroom instruction before you're eligible to take the licensing exam. If you pursue a master plumber license, you'll need an additional year (2,000 hours) as a journeyman.

What is the difference between C-1 and C-1D contractor licenses?

  • C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor: Covers all plumbing contractor operations including heating systems.
  • C-1D Plumbing Contractor: Specialized license for plumbing work only. C-1D license holders may install piping for water and gas beginning at the edge of a building and ending at its utility meter.

What are the consequences of working without a license in Nevada?

Working without a license can result in severe penalties under NRS 624.700:

  • First offense: Misdemeanor with up to $1,000 fine and up to 6 months jail
  • Second offense: Gross misdemeanor with $2,000-$4,000 fine and up to 364 days in jail
  • Third offense: Category E felony with $5,000-$10,000 fine and 1-4 years in Nevada State Prison

All offenses may also require restitution payments.

Conclusion

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