Licensing Guides
Nevada HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Nevada
HVAC, NV
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Nevada?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Nevada
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Nevada employs 4,240 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Nevada, that growth rate is expected to be higher — projected at 15% — according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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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 industry 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. If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded, or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Nevada licensure has statewide requirements for contractors.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Nevada
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/mechanical contractor in Nevada? Yes.
In the state of Nevada, contractors performing heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration work must be licensed. HVAC technicians do not hold state or local licenses, but must work for a licensed contractor. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) issues licenses for heating contractors and air conditioning and refrigeration contractors.
In addition, HVAC contractors must follow local contractor licensing requirements. For instance, in Las Vegas, contractors must obtain a city business license. It’s important to check with the local jurisdictions where you plan to work to ensure you meet all the local licensing requirements.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Nevada
What are the different types of HVAC/mechanical licenses in Nevada? There are two types of HVACR-related contractor licenses in the state.
Classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating Contracting — A contractor is an individual who offers to undertake, submits a bid to, or performs plumbing and heating work. The definition of a contractor includes a subcontractor or specialty contractor. A person who holds a Classification C-1 license may perform work for the following subclassifications:
C-1a: Boilers
C-1b: Fire sprinklers
C-1c: Insulation of pipes and ducts
C-1d: Plumbing, including hydronic heating systems
C-1e: Sheet metal
C-1f: Heating, cooling, and circulating air
C-1g: Pipes and vents for gas
C-1h: Water heaters
C-1i: Chilled water piping
C-1j: Systems to replenish breathing air for firefighters
C-1k: Industrial piping
Classification C-21: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contracting — A contractor is an individual who offers to undertake, submits a bid to, or performs refrigeration and air conditioning work. This includes a subcontractor or specialty contractor. A person who holds a Classification C-21 license may perform work for the following subclassifications:
C-21a: Refrigeration
C-21b: Air conditioning
C-21c: Sheet metal
C-21d: Maintenance
C-21e: Solar air conditioning
C-21f: Chilled and hot water systems
C-21g: Industrial piping
Specific requirements must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements to obtain a Classification C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contracting License or Classification C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contracting License are the same.
Have at least four years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee, or contractor in the requested classification. Training from an accredited college, university or board-approved program may meet up to three years of the work experience requirement.
Obtain a Nevada State Business License identification number with the Nevada Secretary of State.
Meet state workers’ compensation insurance requirements.
Submit an application with supporting documents and a $300 application fee.
Submit a financial statement based on the requested monetary limit, which is the maximum contract of one or more construction project contracts on one construction site, or a subdivision site for one client.
Pass a background check.
Once your application is approved, pass a business and law exam and a trade exam.
After license approval, obtain a bond. The board determines the bond amount, which varies from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the type of license, monetary limit, past, present, or future financial responsibility, experience, and applicant character. The board requires a surety bond or a cash deposit for that amount.
Pay the $600 license fee for the biennial license.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Nevada
Obtain at least four years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee, or contractor in the requested classification. Training from an accredited college, university or board-approved program may meet up to three years of the work experience requirement.
Obtain a Nevada State Business License identification number with the Nevada Secretary of State.
Obtain workers’ compensation insurance, if applicable.
Submit an application with supporting documents and a $300 application fee.
Submit a financial statement based on the requested monetary limit, which is the maximum contract of one or more construction project contracts on one construction site, or a subdivision site for one client.
Pass a background check.
Pass a business and law exam and a trade exam.
Obtain a surety bond. The board determines the bond amount, which varies from $1,000 to $500,000.
Pay the $600 license fee.
Receive contractor license.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Nevada
There are many benefits to getting your Nevada HVACR/mechanical license:
Most importantly, Nevada law requires contractors to obtain a state license to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
A Nevada contractor license is proof to homeowners of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Nevada?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Nevada is $62,370, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Nevada, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $53,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $64,400
Senior (4-7 years): $75,600
Supervisor (>7 years): $88,900
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
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 HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC 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 HVAC License in Nevada?
The cost to become a contractor in Nevada is fairly low. If you start as an apprentice, programs have different tuition costs, books fees, and tool fees, but much of the costs are absorbed by your employer or union.
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.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Nevada
An HVAC career path refers to your advancement as you develop your HVAC skills and experience. In Nevada, becoming an HVAC/mechanical contractor isn’t fast, but is straightforward.
WORK EXPERIENCE: The qualified individual for the contractor license must be an owner, officer, member, manager or employee of the company. They must show proof of completing at least four full years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee, or contractor in the requested classification. Training from an accredited college, university or board-approved program may meet up to three years of the work experience requirement.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Complete an online application or download and complete a paper application. This includes:
A waiver to authorize a background check.
A financial statement based on the requested monetary limit, which is the maximum contract of one or more construction project contracts on one construction site, or a subdivision site for one client. Monetary limits are as follows:
Less than $25,000
More than $25,000 but less than $500,000
$500,000 or more but less than $1 million
$1 million or more
The $300 application fee.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: After you’ve submitted your application, the qualified individual will receive an examination eligibility form with their candidate identification number so they can schedule the exam with PSI. The qualifier must pass a business and law exam and trade exam. The exam costs $140. PSI provides detailed exam information on its candidate information bulletin.
OTHER CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: Before submitting the application, contractors must obtain a Nevada State Business License identification number with the Nevada Secretary of State. Before the license is issued, the contractor receives notification of the required bond amount. The amount varies 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. The board requires a surety bond or a cash deposit. Businesses must also meet state workers’ compensation insurance requirements. The biennial contractor license fee is $600.
The NSCB provides help guides and videos on its how to become a licensed contractor page. It also has a FAQ page for answers to commonly asked licensing questions.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. If you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Nevada?
It will take a minimum of four years working as an HVAC journeyman, supervising employee, or contractor in the requested classification before you’re eligible to apply for a contractor license.
The great news is that if you start as an apprentice, you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Nevada HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Nevada requires HVAC contractors to obtain four years of work experience, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, the state accepts training from an accredited college, university or board-approved program to meet up to three years of the work experience requirement.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). HVAC Excellence has accredited two programs in Nevada, the Advanced Training Institute and the College of Southern Nevada, both in Las Vegas. PAHRA has one accredited program, the College of Southern Nevada in Henderson.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Nevada:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Nevada
Tuition: Tuition at Nevada Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. In-state tuition is typically between $127 to $208.50 per credit hour. Out-of-state tuition ranges from about $139.75 to $229.25 per credit hour for part-time learning. Full-time nonresident students must pay a flat fee of $4,450 per semester, in addition to the credit hour fees.
Apprenticeship: Many apprenticeship opportunities exist in Nevada. These include:
UA Local 26 in Reno and Sparks
UA Local 350 in Sparks
UA Local 525 in Las Vegas
Apprentice positions on job listing sites such as Indeed or ZipRecruiter
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Nevada, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Nevada.
Nevada HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Nevada contractors take a contractor exam administered by PSI. Testing locations are in Las Vegas, Reno, and Elko. For more information, visit PSI’s Classification C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor exam page or Classification C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor exam page. The cost for the business and law exam and one trade exam is $140. Those taking more than one trade exam pay an additional $95 for each exam. Exams are open book with approved references. A passing score is 75% or above. Those who did not pass the first time must wait two weeks before retaking the exam.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Nevada?
PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information, including a list of approved references.
The contractor management survey exam, also referred to as the business and law exam, consists of 63 questions and has a 126-minute time limit. Subject areas include:
Licensing
Estimating and bidding
Lien law
Financial management
Tax laws
Labor laws
Project management
Contracts
Risk management
Environmental and safety
The Classification C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor exam has 120 questions with a five-hour time limit. Subject areas include:
Boilers
Gas systems
Cleanouts
Fixtures and equipment
Hydronics
Water heaters/venting
Piping, valves, and controls
Sheet metal
Water supply
Hangers and supports
Drain, waste, and vents
Backflow
Traps and interceptors
Isometric analysis/plumbing mathematics
Safety
Joints and connections
Solar
General plumbing requirements
Fire Sprinklers
Storm drainage
Industrial piping
Breathing systems for firefighters
Chilled water piping
The Classification C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor exam has 85 questions and a three-hour time limit. Subject areas include:
Piping
Insulation
Hangers and supports
Sound, vibration, and seismic control
Heating and cooling principles
Refrigerants and refrigeration
Load calculations
Testing, adjusting, and balancing
Controls
Machine room
A/C and heat pump equipment
Furnaces and heaters
Hydronics
Chimneys, flues, and vents
Combustion air
Fuel systems
Ducts
Evaporative cooling
Chillers
Solar
Ventilation and exhausts
Safety
PSI’s candidate information bulletin also lists exam information for each C-1 and C-21 subclassifications.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Nevada?
The Nevada State Contractors Board issues contractor licenses, including the Classification C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contracting License and the Classification C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contracting License.
The board has offices in Reno and Las Vegas. The board has a “Contact Us” section on its website listing office addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
Does My Nevada HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, if you’re applying for an HVAC contractor license in a state that has similar licensing requirements as your Nevada contractor license, you may be eligible for an exam waiver in that state. You’ll still need to apply for the license with the appropriate state agency and meet licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC 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.
While Nevada does not have formal reciprocity agreements for contractor licenses, states with substantially equivalent requirements for both the C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contracting and the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contracting are Arizona, California, Florida, and Tennessee. States with equivalent requirements for only the C-21 contracting license include Connecticut and Louisiana.
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.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Nevada, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – For servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – For servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – For servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – For servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally, this is more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Nevada
The NSCB provides detailed information about how to apply for a contractor license on its forms and applications page. Applications may be submitted online or by submitting a paper application.
Nevada laws and rules regulating contractors may be found in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 624 and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 624. This includes Nevada-specific rules requiring contractors to display their license number on business vehicles, business cards, letterhead, signage, directories, advertisements, and their website.
The Nevada State Contractors Board Handbook also contains these contractor laws and regulations.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Nevada?
Yes, there are HVACR 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 HVACR or trade school scholarship opportunities 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
Southern Nevada Air Conditioning Refrigeration Service Contractors Association
In addition, the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation teams up with industry partners to provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry. The application period runs from January until May 1, after which the scholarship committee selects the winners.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC 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 HVAC License Be Suspended in Nevada?
A suspended HVACR/mechanical 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 HVAC license regulations, refer to Nevada Revised Statutes 624.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Nevada?
Performing HVACR/mechanical 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 for the Classification C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contracting and Classification C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contracting licenses.
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 HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC 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.
