Nevada HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor · Issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).

❄️ HVACNV ✔ Verified 2026-06-19

In Nevada, HVAC contractors must hold the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor, issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Nevada

Follow these steps to earn your C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor. Every figure is verified against the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. At least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the classification, within the 15 years immediately before filing the application. Up to 3 years may be substituted with accredited training or education.
Pass the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning trade exam and Business & Law / Construction Management Survey (CMS) exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Nevada requires Surety bond required, set case-by-case from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the license type, the monetary limit requested, and the applicant's financial responsibility, experience and character. A cashier's check may be deposited in lieu of a bond, with a $200 biennial administrative fee for cash deposits.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: Not mandated by NSCB for licensure. Property damage: Not mandated by NSCB for licensure. Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees (NRS 624.256); proof of industrial insurance, or an affidavit of exemption, must be submitted before an original or renewal license is granted.
Clear the background check. Required; applicants submit a Background Disclosure Statement and Fingerprint Authorization (fingerprinting) as part of the application.
Meet the credit / financial requirement. A financial statement is required regardless of the monetary limit requested and sets the license's monetary limit. Documentation rigor scales with the limit (self/CPA-compiled up to $25,000; reviewed or audited CPA statement for higher limits). A Bank Verification Form is also required.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) — $300 (non-refundable) application fee, plus a $600 (two-year license). Residential contractors also pay a Recovery Fund assessment of up to $200, $500 or $1,000 per two-year cycle, depending on the license's monetary limit (NRS 624.470) license fee. Processing time: Application is processed after a waiting period (1 business day if delivered in person, 5 business days if mailed); total review time varies.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses).

For the general path in every state, see the HVAC guide →

Nevada HVAC contractor license lookup

To confirm an HVAC contractor is properly licensed in Nevada — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official app.nvcontractorsboard.com database →

License types

C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning — Specialty (Class C) license. Subclassification C-21b (Air-Conditioning) covers installation, repair, service and maintenance of equipment, devices, machinery, units and related ductwork that use evaporation, refrigeration, boilers or combustion to control air temperatures in structures. Subclassification C-21a (Refrigeration) covers devices controlling air temperatures below 50 degrees F.
C-1 Plumbing and Heating (heating) — Heating work may fall under the C-1 classification; confirm whether your scope of work requires C-21, C-1, or both.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	At least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the classification, within the 15 years immediately before filing the application. Up to 3 years may be substituted with accredited training or education.
Application fee	$300 (non-refundable)
License fee	$600 (two-year license). Residential contractors also pay a Recovery Fund assessment of up to $200, $500 or $1,000 per two-year cycle, depending on the license's monetary limit (NRS 624.470)
Renewal fee	$600 every 2 years, plus the Recovery Fund assessment for residential contractors ($200 / $500 / $1,000 per two-year cycle by monetary limit)
Renewal period	Every 2 years (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses)
Continuing education	None required by NSCB
Bond required	Surety bond required, set case-by-case from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the license type, the monetary limit requested, and the applicant's financial responsibility, experience and character. A cashier's check may be deposited in lieu of a bond, with a $200 biennial administrative fee for cash deposits.
Liability insurance	Not mandated by NSCB for licensure
Property damage	Not mandated by NSCB for licensure
Workers' comp	Required if you have employees (NRS 624.256); proof of industrial insurance, or an affidavit of exemption, must be submitted before an original or renewal license is granted
Background check	Required; applicants submit a Background Disclosure Statement and Fingerprint Authorization (fingerprinting) as part of the application.
Credit requirement	A financial statement is required regardless of the monetary limit requested and sets the license's monetary limit. Documentation rigor scales with the limit (self/CPA-compiled up to $25,000; reviewed or audited CPA statement for higher limits). A Bank Verification Form is also required.
Reciprocity	Arizona; California; Connecticut; Florida; Louisiana; Tennessee · compare all states
Processing time	Application is processed after a waiting period (1 business day if delivered in person, 5 business days if mailed); total review time varies.

What a Nevada hvac license costs

Application fee	$300 (non-refundable).
License fee	$600 (two-year license). Residential contractors also pay a Recovery Fund assessment of up to $200, $500 or $1,000 per two-year cycle, depending on the license's monetary limit (NRS 624.470).
C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning trade exam	Approximately $95, or $140 when scheduled with the law exam (paid to PSI).
Business & Law / Construction Management Survey (CMS) exam	Approximately $95 (paid to PSI).
Surety bond	Surety bond required, set case-by-case from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the license type, the monetary limit requested, and the applicant's financial responsibility, experience and character. A cashier's check may be deposited in lieu of a bond, with a $200 biennial administrative fee for cash deposits.
Renewal fee	$600 every 2 years, plus the Recovery Fund assessment for residential contractors ($200 / $500 / $1,000 per two-year cycle by monetary limit).
Renewal period	Every 2 years (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses).

Exams

C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning trade exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by NSCB · Fee: Approximately $95, or $140 when scheduled with the law exam (paid to PSI)
Business & Law / Construction Management Survey (CMS) exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by NSCB · Fee: Approximately $95 (paid to PSI)

Renewing a Nevada HVAC contractor license

The C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor renews on a fixed cycle set by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Every 2 years (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses)
Renewal fee	$600 every 2 years, plus the Recovery Fund assessment for residential contractors ($200 / $500 / $1,000 per two-year cycle by monetary limit)
Continuing education	None required by NSCB
Where to renew	Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)

Local / municipal notes

Map your scope carefully: refrigeration/AC is C-21, but heating can fall under C-1 Plumbing and Heating. Confirm the correct classification with NSCB before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Nevada hvac license cost?

Application: $300 (non-refundable). License: $600 (two-year license). Residential contractors also pay a Recovery Fund assessment of up to $200, $500 or $1,000 per two-year cycle, depending on the license's monetary limit (NRS 624.470). Renewal: $600 every 2 years, plus the Recovery Fund assessment for residential contractors ($200 / $500 / $1,000 per two-year cycle by monetary limit).

How do I look up a hvac license in Nevada?

Search the official license database at app.nvcontractorsboard.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do hvacs in Nevada need a surety bond?

Surety bond required, set case-by-case from $1,000 to $500,000 based on the license type, the monetary limit requested, and the applicant's financial responsibility, experience and character. A cashier's check may be deposited in lieu of a bond, with a $200 biennial administrative fee for cash deposits.

What experience is required for a Nevada hvac license?

At least 4 full years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the classification, within the 15 years immediately before filing the application. Up to 3 years may be substituted with accredited training or education.

Is insurance required for hvacs in Nevada?

Liability: Not mandated by NSCB for licensure. Property damage: Not mandated by NSCB for licensure. Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees (NRS 624.256); proof of industrial insurance, or an affidavit of exemption, must be submitted before an original or renewal license is granted.

How long does it take to get a Nevada hvac license?

Processing time: Application is processed after a waiting period (1 business day if delivered in person, 5 business days if mailed); total review time varies.

Is a background check required for hvacs in Nevada?

Background check: Required; applicants submit a Background Disclosure Statement and Fingerprint Authorization (fingerprinting) as part of the application.

Is there a credit or financial requirement for a Nevada hvac license?

Credit requirement: A financial statement is required regardless of the monetary limit requested and sets the license's monetary limit. Documentation rigor scales with the limit (self/CPA-compiled up to $25,000; reviewed or audited CPA statement for higher limits). A Bank Verification Form is also required.

How often must a Nevada hvac license be renewed?

Every 2 years (Nevada does not issue 1-year licenses). Continuing education: None required by NSCB.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-19 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) before applying. This is not legal advice.