Licensing Guides
Nevada Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Nevada
Electrical, NV
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Nevada?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Nevada?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Nevada?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Nevada?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Nevada?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Nevada?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Nevada.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 8,570 in Nevada.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Nevada is projected at 14%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Nevada in July 2025 totaled 107,900, a decrease of 2,400 (-2.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 8,600 (9%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Nevada
Is a license required for electricians in Nevada? Yes.
To perform electrical work in the state of Nevada, you must be a licensed contractor or working under a licensed electrician. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) issues licenses for Electrical Contractors.
In addition, Electrical Contractors must follow local contractor licensing requirements. For instance, Reno offers a Journeyman certificate. Clark County (Las Vegas) provides the choice to go a step further and become certified as a Master Electrician.
It’s important to check with the local jurisdictions where you plan to work to ensure you meet all the local licensing requirements.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Nevada
The steps to get an electrical license vary by municipality for a journeyman certificate. In general, they include:
Hold some form of U.S. identification and be at least 18 years of age.
Acquire three to four years of experience and instruction necessary to obtain an electrical journeyman card through the local licensing board.
Attain certification as a Journeyman Electrician, which requires passing a licensing examination.
Apply for Electrical Contractor license after four years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee.
Pass contractor exam and obtain required insurance.
How to Become an Electrician in Nevada
To become an electrician in Nevada, you must first obtain local licensing or certification following the process where you live. This generally includes:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements
Pass the required exam.
Pay all applicable fees.
RENO JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must obtain 4,000 hours of experience.
Pass Licensing Exam: Pass the G17 or G18 electrician exam administered by The International Code Council (ICC).
Apply for license: Apply via Electrical Safety Professionals (ESP).
Pay Fee: $85.
Limitations: May perform electrical work only while employed by or under the authority of a properly licensed electrical contractor.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Obtain four years of work experience as a Journeyman Electrician.
Pass Licensing Exam: Pass examination through PSI.
Apply for license: Apply for a Nevada Electrical Contractors License through the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). Applications may be sent to one of two offices: 2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200, Henderson, NV, 89074, or 9670 Gateway Drive, Suite 100, Reno, NV, 89521. License application includes work experience documentation, educational record, and a financial statement.
Pay Fee: $300.
Limitations: May perform, bid, and contract for electrical work only in the classifications approved by the Nevada State Contractors Board (such as C-2 Electrical Contracting).
Types of Electrical Licenses in Nevada
Statewide, the only electrical license available is the C-2 Electrical Contractor license. A person who holds a Classification C-2 license may perform work for the following subclassifications:
C-2a Electrical Wiring
C-2b Integrated Ceilings
C-2c Fire Detection
C-2d Low Voltage Systems
C-2e Lines to Transmit Electricity
C-2f Residential Wiring
C-2g Photovoltaics
There are also different types of Journeyman licenses, depending on the locality.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Nevada
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Nevada.
First and most important, it is required by law in Nevada to be licensed through the state to legally perform electrical work unsupervised.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Nevada?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Nevada is $72,120 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Nevada those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $59,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $69,600
Senior (4-7 years): $75,000
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Nevada?
The contractor license application fee with the NSCB costs $300. The exam, administered by PSI, costs $140. The biennial license fee is $600. You will also pay expenses related to obtaining a bond and other business requirements.
Local journeyman license fees vary, depending on the jurisdiction.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Nevada?
It will take a minimum of three years to become a licensed journeyman electrician in Nevada. Most of Nevada’s electrical programs require 8,000 hours (typically four years) of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The state of Nevada requires completion of four years experience as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee to apply for an Electrical Contractors License.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
Nevada Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Nevada.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the U.S. Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical school program.
There are a number of local community colleges that offer approved programs that lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology or similar degrees. A few are:
College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas, NV)
Great Basin College (Elko, NV)
Truckee Meadows Community College (Reno, NV)
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition in Nevada is approximately $2,700 per year for in-state students and $9,345 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED high school equivalent degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Nevada, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Nevada: The Ultimate Guide.
Nevada Electrician Licensing Exam Details
You are required to pass a two-part electrical exam administered by PSI. You get three opportunities to successfully pass the open-book tests. The contractor management portion of the test contains 60 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 75%. The testing takes 120 minutes. The trade exam includes 80 questions, which must be completed in four hours. A passing score is 56.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Nevada?
The Contractor Management portion of the exam covers the following topics:
Licensing
Lien Laws
Labor Laws
Tax Laws
Construction Regulations
Environmental Safety and Health Department Regulations
Occupational Safety
Project Management
Financial Management
Risk Management
Contracts
Estimating and Bidding
The second part of the test covers the National Electrical Code (NEC). The trade exam must be completed within four hours. It features 60 multiple-choice questions over the topics listed below.
General Electrical Knowledge
Grounding and Bonding
Transmission Lines
Electrical Power
Electrical Systems
Electrical Theory
Service, Feeders and Branch Circuits
Overcurrent Protection
Low Voltage Lighting
Illuminated Signs
Conductors and Cables
Motors
Raceways and Enclosures
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Special Occupancies and Equipment
Safety Information
Your apprenticeship classes will help prepare you for the examination. You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as the NFPA 72 - Standard for National Fire Alarm Code or National Fire Alarm Code Handbook. The test is open book and allows for you to have permanent tabs in the NEC so you can easily navigate it during the exam. You can also take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Nevada?
The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) grants electrician contractor licenses. The website outlines the state licensing process and includes an FAQ section on general requirements to work in the electrical trade, including eligibility requirements.
Does My Nevada Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
No. A Nevada electrician license does not automatically transfer to any other state. Most states require you to apply separately and meet their own licensing requirements, which may include additional exams, fees, or proof of experience.
Nevada has limited reciprocity agreements, and these typically apply to contractor licenses, not journeyman licenses. Even when reciprocity exists, it usually only waives part of the testing process and does not eliminate the application or approval requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Nevada?
Those holding an out-of-state contractors license in states with equivalent requirements may apply for a Nevada contractor license by endorsement without certifying their experience or taking the trade examination. Applicants must still apply for the Nevada license and meet license requirements.
States with equivalent requirements include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
To apply for licensure by endorsement, request your endorsing state’s licensing agency to complete the request for verification of license form. Include the form with your license application to the NSCB, and complete the licensure by endorsement section in the application.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Nevada?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Nevada.
The Nevada Promise Scholarship covers up to three years of tuition and other mandatory fees for eligible applicants. The application period is August to October. Among other requirements, the applicant must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits in an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or eligible certificate of achievement program starting in the fall semester after graduation.
Other electrician or trade school scholarships include:
Nevada Contractors Association — Michael T. Martin Memorial Scholarship
Nevada State Education Association — Scholarship listing for apprenticeship programs, career technology institutions, community colleges, and four-year institutions
NV Energy issues $1,000 scholarships through its Powerful Partnership Scholarship Program
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Nevada?
Potential clients or employees may verify your contractor license in Nevada through NSCB’s license search page on its website.
Search by:
License number
Company name
Principal or qualified individual
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Nevada?
A suspended electrical license means that the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. The licensing board may suspend a contractor license for:
Abandoning or failing to complete a project.
Disregarding plans, specifications, laws or regulations.
Diverting money or property.
Failing to keep records or maintain a bond.
Misusing a license or evasion of law.
Acting beyond scope of license in amount of bidding or type of work.
Performing fraudulent or deceitful acts or omissions.
Operating with unfair business practices.
Performing substandard workmanship.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Nevada electrical license regulations, refer to Nevada Revised Statutes 624.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Nevada?
Performing electrical work in Nevada without a contractor license is illegal. Those who work without a contractor license in Nevada are subject to hefty fines and penalties.
For the first offense, those who work as a contractor without a license are charged with a misdemeanor, face a fine up to $1,000, and may be sentenced to up to six months in jail. For the second offense, those who work without a license are charged with a gross misdemeanor, face a fine of $2,000 to $4,000, and may be sentenced to up to one year in jail. The third offense is a Class E felony, which carries a fine of $5,000 to $10,000, and a one- to four-year prison sentence.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For a detailed explanation of this process refer to the Nevada Revised Statutes 624.
Continuing Education
Nevada does not require continuing education units (CEUs) for the Classification C-2 Electrical Contractor license. Those holding a Nevada contractor license must renew the license every two years. Contractors renew online. The license renewal cost is $600.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
