Licensing Guides
Nevada Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Nevada
Plumbing, NE
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Nevada
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Nevada?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Nevada?
Does My Nevada Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Nevada?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Nevada?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Nevada employs 5,330 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Nevada, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 9% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Nevada in July 2025 totaled 107,900, a decrease of 2,400 (-2.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 8,600 or 9% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Nevada has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Nevada
Is a license required for plumbing professionals in Nevada? Yes.
Nevada requires a state license for Journeyman Plumbers and Master Plumbers. Additionally, plumbing professionals who pull permits or own their own businesses need to hold a Class-C Specialty Contractor License, which covers plumbing and HVAC. Nevada requires the successful completion of a plumbing apprenticeship program before candidates become eligible to take the journeyman licensing exam, but the state doesn't license apprentices.
Apprentices in Nevada must complete at least four years or 8,000 hours of documented work experience to qualify for a Journeyman Plumber license. To qualify for a Master license, you must complete 2,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Journeyman.
The Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE), located in Las Vegas, is responsible for issuing Journeyman and Master Plumbing licenses across the state, while the Nevada State Contractors Board, located in Las Vegas and Reno, licenses contractors.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Nevada
What are the types of plumber licenses in Nevada?
First, you are required to register as an apprentice with a local employer or union.
The state of Nevada issues two types of plumbing licenses, and there are different requirements for each:
Journeyman Plumber: (NBOPE) requires a journeyman to possess a minimum of four years in a state-registered apprenticeship program or 8,000 hours of substantiated experience in the plumbing trade to obtain a Nevada Journeyman Certification.
Master Plumber: To qualify for a Master-level license, you must work for a minimum of 2,000 hours as a Journeyman plumber.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Journeyman Plumber License
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have four years of experience (8,000 hours) as a registered plumbing apprentice.
Submit license application.
Must pay the examination fee ($125 for in-person, $215 for online) and pass the examination.
Must pay the $300 license fee.
Master Plumber License
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have one year of experience (2,000 hours) as a Journeyman Plumber immediately preceding the date of application.
Submit license application.
Must pay the examination fee ($125 for in-person, $215 for online) and pass the examination.
Must pay the $300 license fee.
How to Get a Plumbing Class C Specialty License
If you plan to own your own business, pull permits, or bid on jobs valued over $500, you need a Class C Specialty Contractor license from the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Nevada requires each applicant to pass a general business and law examination, as well as a trade examination. You also need a business ID and provide a background disclosure statement, financial statement, and resume.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Nevada
You must be at least 18 years old.
Begin as an apprentice. Apprenticeships are available through union and trade organizations, as well as local plumbing businesses.
After accumulating four years (8,000 hours) of experience as an apprentice, you may apply to become a licensed Journeyman, which incurs a $300 application fee. You need to submit a signed affidavit detailing all relevant work experience along with your application.
You must pass the Journeyman exam through Prometric or NITC. There is a $125 fee to take a paper exam in-person (requires a minimum of eight candidates) or $215 to take the test online.
After working at the journeyman level for at least one year or 2,000 hours and remaining in good standing with the NBOPE, you can apply for a Master license. The Master license incurs the same exam and license fees as the Journeyman license.
A Plumbing Contractor must obtain a Class C Specialty license.
Complete the Contractor license application and mail it to the Nevada State Contractors Board at 2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200, Henderson, Nevada, 89074.
Pay a $300 Contractor application fee.
Provide a background disclosure statement, financial statement, and resume.
Register a Nevada business ID.
Provide documentation showing no less than four years of related work experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
Register for and take the Business and Law and Trade exams via PSI. Each exam incurs a $140 exam fee.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in Nevada
There are many benefits to getting your Nevada plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Nevada to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed Plumbing Contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Nevada?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Nevada is $67,380, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Nevada those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $68,500
Senior (4-7 years): $74,200
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
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Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Nevada?
Compared to attending a university or community college, the cost of entering the plumbing or construction industry in Nevada is relatively low. There is no fee to register as an apprentice, and you will get paid while you learn the plumbing trades.
The following license and exam fees apply for Nevada plumbers:
Journeyman Plumber: License fee: $300 | Examination fee: $125 for in-person, $215 for online
Master Plumber: License fee: $300 | Examination fee: $125 for in-person, $215 for online
Plumbing Contractor: License fee: $300 | Examination fee: $280
Advanced education is not required in the state, though you may choose to attend a trade school before pursuing an apprenticeship. Community College Review shows tuition at Nevada community colleges on average is $2,700 per year for in-state students and $9,345 for out-of-state students.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Nevada
The licensing process to become a licensed Nevada plumber includes:
APPRENTICESHIP: Nevada requires anyone doing any kind of plumbing work to begin as an apprentice plumber, although there is no specific apprentice license. You may then begin accruing the four years of experience needed as a plumbing apprentice to apply to test for a Journeyman Plumber license.
Many employers will sponsor employees in an apprenticeship program that typically lasts four to five years. Or you can look for formal apprenticeships through union and non-union organizations. Nevada’s Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) maintains a website of Registered Apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you.
APPLY FOR YOUR LICENSE: After you’ve met the work experience requirements, you can apply to take the state plumber exam at your desired level. The same application is used for the Journeyman and Master license, and both are issued by the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners. If you’re seeking a Class C Specialty Contractor license from the Nevada State Contractors Board, you need to use a separate application.
TAKE EXAM: Journeyman and Master candidates must take the licensing exam through Prometric or NITC. There is a $125 fee to take a paper exam in-person (requires a minimum of eight candidates) or $215 to take the test online. Contractor candidates must pass both a Trade and Business and Law exam via PSI. Each exam incurs a $140 fee.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: In addition to passing the contractor exams, contractors in Nevada must submit a background disclosure statement, financial statement, and resume along with the license application. You must also obtain a Nevada business ID.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Nevada?
It takes four years to qualify to take the Journeyman Plumbing exam and an additional one year as a Journeyman Plumber to qualify to take the Master Plumber license exam in Nevada. The path begins with an apprenticeship, so you will be working and earning money from the start. Contractors need a minimum of four years of experience to qualify for licensure.
Nevada Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate plumbing systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code.
Since the state of Nevada requires plumbing professionals to begin as an apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge before beginning as an apprentice, there are quite a few colleges in Nevada that offer plumbing programs, as well as many other training programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional. You can choose to attend a community or technical college and earn a certificate or degree in plumbing.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with plumbing degree programs in Nebraska.
Apprenticeship: The path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship. Nevada’s Office of Workforce Innovation maintains a website of Registered Apprenticeships.
Some apprenticeships are sponsored by local employers, while others are offered through unions or local trade associations. UA Local 525 in southern Nevada and UA Local 350 in Northern Nevada are two examples.
Any program should cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, boilers, storm drainage, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Tuition: Apprenticeships may have some upfront costs of tuition and book fees, but the apprentice will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements. The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college depends on the program you choose, but can range from $2,000 at a community college to $40,000 at a state or private school for an associate degree or bachelor degree in engineering.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Nevada, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Nevada.
Nevada Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Once you have the required years of experience, you may apply to take the required exams for licensure. This Journeyman and Master exam is based on the most current adopted Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and consists of two parts. The first part is a 50-question multiple-choice, open-book exam. The second part consists of a 100-question multiple-choice, closed-book exam. You must score at least 75% to pass the exam via Prometric or NITC. The exam fee is $125 for in-person or $215 for online.
Plumbing contractors must pass both a Trade and Business and Law exam via PSI. Once the application is processed, a Candidate ID Number for testing will be mailed to the business address provided on the application. The Board provides a Candidate Information Bulletin with information regarding scheduling, exam prep, and taking the Class C exam on its website. The cost for a Business and Law and Trade exam is $140 each.
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in Nevada?
The Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners is responsible for issuing Journeyman and Master Plumbing licenses across the state, while the Nevada State Contractors Board licenses contractors.
Does My Nevada Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No, but you may be able to skip the Trade exam if applying for licensure in specific states, including California and Arizona. Find more information on licensure by endorsement here.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Nevada?
The NSCB will waive the Trade examination for applicants who qualify for licensure by endorsement. These waivers are granted for applicants who are licensed in states determined by Nevada to have substantially equivalent requirements. Applicants are still required to take the Business and Law exam.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications), and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Nevada
Journeyman and Master Plumbers must renew their licenses every three years and pay the $40 renewal fee. Nevada Contractor licenses must be renewed every two years for a $600 license fee.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Nevada?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in Nevada. Options include:
Society of Plumbing Engineers – Southern Nevada: The scholarship awards up to $5,000 plus a complimentary one-year membership to ASPE‑SN.
The Plumbing‑Heating‑Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation: Offers multiple scholarships for Nevada plumbers totalling over $150,000.
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in Nevada can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Nevada community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Nevada?
Your Journeyman or Master plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Nevada through NBOPE’s online search. You can verify a Contractor license by visiting the Nevada State Contractors Board.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Nevada?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Nevada plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Nevada plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official NBOPE or Nevada State Contractors Board website.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Nevada?
Unlicensed contracting is a crime in the state of Nevada. The first offense is a misdemeanor and subject to a fine up to $1,000 and six months of jail time.
A second offense qualifies as a gross misdemeanor and is subject to a fine between $2,000 and $4,000, and may be further punished by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year.
A third or subsequent offense is a category E felony and subject to a fine of between $5,000 and $10,000, and may be further punished by imprisonment in the state prison for at least a year and up to four years.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Nevada plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official NBOPE or Nevada State Contractors Board website.
Continuing Education
Nevada doesn’t require continuing education as part of the renewal process for Journeyman, Master, or Plumbing Contractors.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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