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How to get a plumber license in Nevada

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: No state plumber board: Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) licenses C-1 plumbing/heating contracting businesses; cities/counties set journeyman rules
  • State journeyman license: No (Nevada licenses contractors (businesses, through a qualified individual) under NRS 624, not individual plumbers statewide. Journeyman cards are local — for example Reno requires a valid plumbing journeyman certificate to work in the city.)
  • Plumber card (local): Set by each city or county. Reno requires a valid journeyman certificate for plumbing work in the city (apprentices need an approved apprenticeship card). Hour totals are not listed on the City page — confirm with the local office or exam administrator.
  • Exam: open book, via Set locally (Reno: Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners / NBOPE per City instructions)
  • Code edition: Local boards set exam references. Reno’s plumbing journeyman exam is based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and is open book (apply through the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners per the City page).

Requirements by license

Plumber card (local)

ExperienceSet by each city or county. Reno requires a valid journeyman certificate for plumbing work in the city (apprentices need an approved apprenticeship card). Hour totals are not listed on the City page — confirm with the local office or exam administrator.Not confirmedSource: reno.gov · as of
ExamSet locally (Reno: Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners / NBOPE per City instructions). Open book. Reno: plumbing journeyman exam based on 2024 UPC, open book. Apply to NBOPE with their fee; after you pass, NBOPE issues the journeyman or master card. Reciprocal contractors get 12 months in Reno before needing the City certification.Source: reno.gov · as of
FeesSet locally / not listedNot confirmedSource: reno.gov · as of · Set locally; Reno does not list NBOPE exam or card dollar amounts on its page.
RenewalSet locally. Reno: NBOPE issues the card; the City page describes a renewal form and shorter re-certification exam online. Confirm current cycle length and fees with NBOPE / the City.Source: reno.gov · as of
CE to renewNot confirmed on Reno’s official page. Ask the City / NBOPE for CE hours to renew a plumbing card.Not confirmedSource: reno.gov · as of

C-1 Plumbing and Heating contractor (NSCB)

ExperienceNo set hours for workers. The company’s trade qualified individual needs at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee or contractor in the classification within the 15 years before applying (NRS 624.260). Accredited college or equivalent training can count for up to 3 of those years.Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of · C-1 / C-1d scope: leg.state.nv.us (NAC 624.190).
ExamPSI. Business and Law (CMS) plus trade exam for the classification unless waived. Three attempts; wait 2 weeks between fails; three fails voids the application (reapply after 30 days).Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of
Fees
  • Application (new classification): $300
  • Issue or renew license (2 years): $600
  • Late filing to renew an active license: $150
Source: leg.state.nv.us · as of · NAC 624.130. Bond amount is set at approval ($1,000–$500,000 per NSCB license-requirements page).
RenewalEvery 2 years. Issue/renew fee $600 (NAC 624.130). Late active renewal filing $150. Bond must stay continuous.Source: leg.state.nv.us · as of
CE to renewWhether NSCB contractor licenses require CE was not confirmed on the FAQ / fees pages we checked.Not confirmedSource: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of

License types in Nevada

  • No statewide journeyman plumber license
  • Local journeyman / master plumber cards (city/county)
  • C-1 Plumbing and Heating contractor (NSCB), including C-1d Plumbing
Source: leg.state.nv.us · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

NSCB may waive trade exam/experience certification by endorsement for licensees from states on its equivalency chart (active 4 years, no discipline). Reno allows reciprocal city/county/state contractor arrangements for 12 months before requiring the City plumbing certification.Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · as of · Reno reciprocal note: 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 license journeyman plumbers statewide?

No. NSCB licenses C-1 plumbing/heating contractors. Cities and counties (for example Reno) require local journeyman plumber cards.

What contractor class covers plumbing?

C-1 Plumbing and Heating (NAC 624.190), including C-1d Plumbing. Application $300; issue/renew $600 for 2 years (NAC 624.130).

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

Other states

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