Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Nevada?
No. Nevada doesn't license carpenters as a trade. Contractors need a license from Nevada State Contractors Board. Carpentry work falls under C-3 Carpentry, Maintenance and Minor Repairs.
State license · By ChiselJobs Team · Updated
In short
Nevada does not license carpenters as individuals, but contracting work of $1,000 or more, or any job needing a permit, requires a license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Carpentry falls under C-3 Carpentry, Maintenance and Minor Repairs; B and B-2 cover general building. Applicants need four full years as a journeyman, supervisor or contractor within the last 15 years and must pass trade and management exams. The board sets a bond from $1,000 to $500,000 and reviews a financial statement. A newer entry-level license needs two years of experience and a $2,000 bond. Licenses renew every two years, and veterans' military experience can be credited.
Key facts
| Carpenter license | No |
| Licensing level | State |
| General contractor license | B general building |
| Residential contractor license | B-2 residential & small commercial |
| Home improvement registration | No |
| When a license is needed | $1,000+ or any permit |
| Carpentry classification | C-3 Carpentry, Maintenance and Minor Repairs |
| Exam | Trade + management |
| Experience | 4 full yrs as JW, supervisor or contractor (within last 15 yrs) |
| Bond / insurance | Bond $1,000-$500,000 set by board; financial statement |
| Renewal | 2 years |
| Local license | No (state license covers) |
| Board | Nevada State Contractors Board |
Exam
| Exam provider | PSI (for Nevada State Contractors Board) |
| Format | Trade: closed book (some code references); CMS: open book |
Nevada State Contractors Board: PSI exams; business and law (CMS) exam is open book; trade exams are closed book except certain code references.
- Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · checked November 6, 2026
Bond and insurance
| Bond minimum | $1,000 (minimum; set by Board up to $500,000) |
Bond amount set by license type, monetary limit and financial responsibility ($1,000 to $500,000). Residential recovery fund fee $200 to $1,000 by limit.
- Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · checked November 6, 2026
- Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · checked November 6, 2026
Military and out-of-state licenses
| Military experience credit | Yes: staff evaluate transferable military training and experience (Veterans Assistance Program) |
| Military spouses | Spouses of active-duty or veteran members relocating a business get expedited application |
Late renewal fees may be waived for licensees called to active duty.
- Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · checked November 6, 2026
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | State Apprenticeship Agency |
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026