Nevada HVAC License Requirements
Nevada doesn't license individual HVAC technicians. HVAC contractors need a state license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Some cities license HVAC technicians. Anyone who handles refrigerant also needs federal EPA 608 certification.
Contractor only · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated
License tiers
| Apprentice | No state license |
| Journeyman | No state license; local cards |
| Master | No state license |
| Contractor | NSCB C-21 Refrigeration & AC |
Requirements
| Contractor experience | 4 years as journeyman, foreman, supervisor or contractor |
| Exam | Trade + management exams |
| Renewal | 2 years |
| Local license | Workers may need local license |
| Board | Nevada State Contractors Board |
Federal: EPA 608 certification
| Rule | Federal certification required to service or dispose of refrigerant equipment and to buy refrigerant |
Who: anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerant (attaching gauges, adding or removing refrigerant). Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high- and very high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), Universal (all types). Expiry: credentials do not expire. Buying refrigerant: sellers may sell only to certified technicians or employers of one, with limited exceptions (e.g. small cans of MVAC refrigerant). EPA does not issue cards; approved certifying organizations do. Universal requires a proctored core exam.
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. Contractor license only.
- Source: nvcontractorsboard.com · checked November 6, 2026
Licensed in another state or the military
| Reciprocity | Licensure by endorsement |
| 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