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How to get an electrician license in Nevada

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Nevada, pulled from official NV sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: No state electrician board: the Nevada State Contractors Board licenses electrical contracting businesses (C-2); cities and counties set journeyman rules
  • State journeyman license: No (Nevada licenses contractors (businesses, through a qualified individual) under NRS 624, not individual electricians. Journeyman cards are local; for example, Reno requires a valid journeyman certificate to do electrical work in the city.)
  • Electrician card (local): Set by each city or county. Reno lists the exam and ID card steps but no hour requirement; see the local table.
  • Exam: see below, via Set locally (Reno accepts the ICC G17 or G18 exam)
  • Code edition: Set locally. Clark County adopted the 2023 NEC with the Southern Nevada amendments, effective January 11, 2026.

Requirements by license

Electrician card (local)

ExperienceSet by each city or county. Reno lists the exam and ID card steps but no hour requirement; see the local table.Not confirmedSource: reno.gov · as of
ExamSet locally (Reno accepts the ICC G17 or G18 exam). Reno: ICC G17 Journeyman Electrician or G18 Residential Electrician; no pre-approval needed.Source: reno.gov · as of
FeesSet locally / not listedNot confirmedSource: reno.gov · as of · Set locally; Reno does not list the card fee on its page.
RenewalSet locally. Reno ID cards are valid for 3 years; an expired card can be renewed within 1 year with the required CEUs and a reinstatement fee, and after that you retest.Source: reno.gov · as of
CE to renewNot confirmed. Reno requires CEUs from approved providers to renew but does not state the hours on its page.Not confirmedSource: reno.gov · as of

C-2 Electrical contractor (NSCB)

ExperienceNo set hours for workers. The company's qualified individual needs at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the classification within the 15 years before applying. Accredited college or equivalent training can count for up to 3 of those years.Source: leg.state.nv.us · as of · NRS 624.260(6). One NSCB FAQ page says 10 years and another says 15; the statute says 15. FAQ: nvcontractorsboard.com
ExamPSI. Business and Law (Construction Management Survey) exam plus a trade exam if your classification requires it. NSCB may waive the trade exam by endorsement if you are licensed in a state on its equivalency chart.Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of
Fees
  • Application: $300
  • License (2 years): $600
Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of · Residential work also pays into the Residential Recovery Fund.
RenewalEvery 2 years. Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses. The $600 license fee (plus any Residential Recovery Fund fee) is due again every two years at renewal.Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of
CE to renewNot confirmed for NSCB contractor licenses; ask NSCB.Not confirmedSource: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of

License types in Nevada

  • No state electrician license
  • C-2 Electrical contracting (NSCB contractor license)
  • Reno: journeyman electrician ID card (ICC G17 or G18 exam)
  • Other cities and counties: check the local building office
Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of · Reno: reno.gov

Local electrician cards (by city)

Nevada has no state electrician license. Cities and counties decide whether electricians need a card. We confirmed Reno below; elsewhere, ask the city or county building office.

Reno

Office: City of Reno Development Services
Licenses journeymen?Yes. Electrical work in Reno must be done by a person with a valid journeyman certificate; apprentices need a card from an approved apprenticeship program
ExperienceNot stated on the City page
ExamInternational Code Council (ICC). G17 Journeyman Electrician or G18 Residential Electrician; no pre-approval needed
FeesNot confirmed
RenewalEvery 3 years. Renew within 1 year after expiration with the required CEUs plus a reinstatement fee; after 1 year, retake the exam
CECEUs from approved providers are required to renew; the hours are not stated on the City page.
NotesAfter passing, apply for the ID card through Electrical Safety Professionals (ESP) with your score report. Homeowners are exempt, and contractors with reciprocal licenses from elsewhere get 12 months before they need a Reno card.
Still openCard fee; CE hours
ContactID cards: Electrical Safety Professionals (per the City) · (725) 214-6004 (source)
Source: reno.gov · as of

Not in Reno? Ask your city or county building office whether it requires an electrician card, or work under an NSCB-licensed C-2 contractor.

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

No statewide electrician reciprocity, because Nevada issues no electrician license. For contractor licenses, NSCB can waive the trade exam and experience certification by endorsement for states it rates substantially equivalent; you still pass the Business and Law exam. Reno lets contractors with reciprocal licenses from another city, county or state work 12 months before getting a Reno card.Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of · Reno: reno.gov

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does Nevada have a state electrician license?

No. The Nevada State Contractors Board licenses electrical contracting businesses (C-2), and cities such as Reno require a journeyman card.

What does Reno require to work as an electrician?

A valid journeyman certificate. You pass the ICC G17 or G18 exam and then apply for an ID card with your score report.

How do you get a C-2 electrical contractor license in Nevada?

The qualified individual needs 4 years of experience within the last 15 years and passes the Business and Law exam plus any trade exam.

How much does a Nevada contractor license cost?

The application fee is $300, and the license fee is $600 for 2 years.

Already licensed? See Nevada electrician license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.