Nevada HVAC license requirements

This guide summarizes what Nevada requires to work as an HVAC technician, with a link to the state's own source for every requirement. Rules change; check the linked source before you apply.

Journeyman level: experience and exam

NSCB requires a contractor's trade-qualified individual to have at least four full years of experience as a journeyman, supervising employee or contractor in the classification, within the 15 years before applying. (source)

The contractor's qualifying individual must pass the Business and Law (CMS) exam and a trade exam for the classification requested (e.g. C-21); PSI conducts the testing. (source)

Contractor license

HVAC contracting requires an NSCB classification C-21 (refrigeration and air-conditioning) license. (source)

Renewal, continuing education and fees

Nevada contractor licenses expire 2 years after issue (staggered biennial renewal). (source)

$300 non-refundable application processing fee; a $600 biennial license fee is due after approval. (source)

Licensed in another state

Through licensure by endorsement, NSCB may waive the trade exam and experience certification for applicants licensed in states Nevada deems to have substantially equivalent requirements. (source)

Check a license

Nevada's public license lookup: https://app.nvcontractorsboard.com/Clients/NVSCB/Public/ContractorLicenseSearch/ContractorLicenseSearch.aspx

Pay for HVAC technicians in Nevada

Statewide figures for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021), all employers, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS):

• Median hourly wage: $29.09 (BLS OEWS)
• Median annual wage: $60,510 (BLS OEWS)
• 10th percentile: $19.73 (BLS OEWS)
• 90th percentile: $43.15 (BLS OEWS)
• Estimated employment: 4,170 (BLS OEWS)

Release: May 2025 (source)

These are benchmarks, not job offers. A listing on Mountain West Trades shows the pay that employer posted.