Nevada’s dry, hot summers have created a high demand for HVAC specialists. Air conditioning is a necessity for many residents, as the average temperature in the state is 105 degrees in July. HVAC technicians earn an average salary of almost $45,000 a year, and job opportunities are plentiful in most major cities, including Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City.
You need a specific license and education to perform HVAC services in Nevada legally. It is essential to understand these requirements before entering the field so you can get to work as soon as possible. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get an HVAC license in Nevada, including education requirements, license types, and exam information.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
According to Nevada law, any person who engages in the construction, erection, installation, or maintenance of heating, air conditioning, or ventilation devices needs an HVAC license. If you obtain a license, you can work on residential or commercial projects. In Nevada, you need an HVAC license and insurance before you can begin work. Any individual who does not plan to service systems under the direct supervision of a licensed technician needs to hold a permit.
HVAC License Types in Nevada
According to the Nevada Contractor’s Board, there is one main HVAC license type in Nevada. Becoming a licensed C-21 Contractor allows you to legally work with heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units. There are several HVAC specialties in Nevada. Technicians can work in all of the following subsections if they pass the general C-21 Contractor Exam:
- C-21a: Refrigeration
- C-21b: Air-Conditioning
- C-21c: Sheet Metal
- C-21d: Maintenance
- C-21e: Solar Air-Conditioning
- C-21f: Chilled Water
- C-21g: Piping for Hot Water
A few Nevada jurisdictions have different licensing requirements for people performing HVAC duties. Check with your local board for specific Nevada HVAC license requirements.
Nevada HVAC License Requirements
There are several requirements to become a licensed C-21 Contractor in Nevada. The basic requirements include:
- Apply for and pass the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Exam.
- Apply for and pass the Contractor Management Survey Exam.
- Submit application and licensing fees to the Nevada State Contractors Board.
- Provide evidence of a minimum of four years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, or HVAC technician.
- Provide information for four references to validate your work experience.
- Pass a basic background check.
- Provide financial statements and bank verification forms that have been reviewed and audited by a licensed CPA.
- Submit a set of fingerprints with your application.
- Obtain a bond in an amount determined by your local board.
Please note that your four years of experience must have occurred within the past ten years. You can use relevant education to satisfy no more than three years of hands-on experience. You should contact the Nevada State Contractors Board if you have questions regarding your eligibility.
Insurance Requirements
To work as an HVAC contractor in Nevada, you must provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you employ other technicians. You also need to hold general liability industrial insurance. Technicians are also required by Nevada law to be bonded before beginning work. Bonds protect workers and customers as they guarantee that the work will be completed appropriately. The amount of insurance and surety bonds vary by jurisdiction. Contact your local board for specific information.
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Nevada HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
All HVAC contractors in Nevada need to take the EPA Section 608 Certification Examination. The exam costs $120. HVAC contractors need to pass both the C-21 Exam and the Contractor Management Survey Exam. At the time of this writing, licensing, application, and exam fees were $600. Test fees are paid directly to PSI Exams. Nevada also requires a background examination, which may require an additional cost. You should contact your local board for current fee schedules.
Nevada HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
You can satisfy the Nevada HVAC license education requirement by entering a technical program at a local community college or getting on-the-job experience. To take the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Exam, you need a minimum of four years of relevant experience. Your experience must have taken place within the past ten years to qualify. Relevant education from an accredited school or technical program can be used to satisfy up to three years of the experience requirement.
HVAC License Exam Details
Individuals who wish to perform HVAC services in Nevada without a licensed contractor’s supervision must pass the Contractor Management Survey Exam and the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Exam. The Contractor Management Survey Exam is 60 questions, and applicants need a score of 75% to pass the test. You have two hours to finish the test.
The C-21 Contractor Exam is needed to obtain an HVAC license. Once the board approves your application, you can schedule your exam with PSI Licensure Certification. The exam consists of an HVAC trade section and a business and law section. It is an open-book exam and consists of 85 questions. You need a score of 70% to pass. You have three hours to finish the test. If you fail the exam three times, you must submit another application to the board before scheduling the fourth exam.
HVAC Training Schools in Nevada
There are many accredited HVAC training programs in Nevada. These programs range from certification programs to advanced degrees. The following colleges have HVAC-related courses:
- Career College of Northern Nevada, Sparks, NV (775) 856-2266
- Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, NV (775) 673-7111
- College of Southern Nevada, Henderson, NV (702) 651-3000
The College of Southern Nevada’s HVAC program is one of the most popular programs as it is accredited by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation.
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
Nevada License Application
Individuals who wish to take the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Exam must submit an application to the Nevada licensing board. You can register for the exam directly with PSI once you receive approval.
Registration and Permitting Requirements
You should check with your local licensing board to see if you need a regional business license or permit to perform HVAC work legally. Some cities set their own regulations when it comes to performing electrical work.
HVAC licenses in Nevada are valid for two years from the date of issue. You should begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your license expires. In most cases, you can renew your license online on the Nevada Contractor’s Board website. Create your online account using the Online License Renewal Login link if you are a first-time user.
HVAC Registered Contractor Requirements in Nevada
The Nevada State Contractors Board must license all businesses or individuals who construct or alter any structure in Nevada. The C-21 Contractor License satisfies this requirement, and technicians do not require a separate contractor license to conduct HVAC work in Nevada.
EPA Certification in Nevada
The Environmental Protection Agency requires all HVAC technicians in Nevada that work with refrigerants to pass a certification exam. To obtain the certification, you must take a multiple-choice exam. The test consists of 80 multiple choice questions and must be completed in three hours. There are three different EPA certification types. Type I allows technicians to work with units containing less than five pounds of refrigerant. Type II permits technicians to work on high-pressure units. Type III limits technicians to working on low-pressure appliances. The EPA certification does not expire.
HVAC License Nevada FAQ
How Long Is My Nevada HVAC License Valid?
All licenses are valid for 24 months from the date of issue. You need to submit a new application and fee each time you renew your license.
Can I Use My Texas HVAC License in the Other States?
Nevada has a reciprocity agreement with Arizona, Utah, and California. This agreement permits you to use your Nevada license to work in these three states if you have at least seven years of qualifying experience.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
If you have questions regarding the application or license process, you can contact the Nevada Contractors Board.
Get in Touch
Understanding how to get an HVAC license in Nevada is the first step to starting a fulfilling new career. Learn more about HVAC training in Nevada, license exam content, Nevada HVAC license requirements, and more at General Contractor License Guide.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an HVAC-R technician in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Nevada, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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