Nevada Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Nevada electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Nevada.
Quick Answer
For the Nevada electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $85. Nevada electricians earn about $63,250 per year ($30.41 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Nevada Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$85
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Nevada Electrician License Overview
Nevada issues statewide electrician licenses through the State Contractors Board (NSCB) for electrical contractors, with journeyman licensing handled through a combination of the NSCB and the Nevada State Electrical Board (also known as the Electrical Examining Board). Nevada's two major markets, Las Vegas (Clark County) and Reno (Washoe County), have different licensing nuances, with Clark County having additional local requirements. Nevada's casino and hospitality construction, data center development, and the emerging gigafactory and EV manufacturing sector create substantial demand for licensed electricians.
Nevada Electrician License Types
Journeyman Electrician
Statewide journeyman license authorizing electrical work under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician. Must pass the Nevada journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based). Clark County may have additional local requirements.
Nevada Electrical Contractor (NSCB C-2)
State contractor license authorizing the holder to bid and perform electrical work as a business.
Requirements: Must have a qualifying party with a journeyman or master credential. Pass the NSCB trade exam and business/law exam. Meet financial and insurance requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Verify current hour requirements with the Nevada State Electrical Board before applying.
Master Requirements
Verify current master electrician requirements with the Nevada State Electrical Board and/or NSCB, as Nevada's licensing structure may vary by jurisdiction.
Apprenticeship Programs
Nevada has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Las Vegas (IBEW Local 357) and Reno (IBEW Local 401). Both run Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee programs of 5 years combining OJT and classroom instruction.
License Reciprocity
Nevada may recognize comparable licenses from neighboring states. Contact the Nevada State Electrical Board and/or NSCB to confirm current reciprocity terms before applying.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual) for journeyman; 2 years for NSCB contractor license
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements with the Nevada State Electrical Board and NSCB
Renewal Fee
Verify current fees with the applicable licensing authority
Important Notes
Nevada's dual licensing structure (NSCB for contractors, State Electrical Board for journeymen) means renewal requirements differ depending on which license you hold. Confirm with the appropriate board before your renewal date.
NevadaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$63,250/year
$30.41/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $39,880 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $89,470 (90th percentile)
Nevada employs approximately 12,000 electricians. Las Vegas continues to see major casino resort construction and renovation, data center development (major tech companies have built large facilities in northern Nevada), and the Gigafactory 1 and related Tesla and EV supply chain facilities in the Reno area are driving strong industrial electrical demand.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI at https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Nevada-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Nevada Electrician License FAQ
Does Nevada have a statewide journeyman electrician license?
Yes, Nevada issues statewide journeyman licenses through the State Electrical Board. Clark County (Las Vegas) may have additional local requirements, verify with the Clark County Building Department if you plan to work in the Las Vegas area.
What is the difference between the NSCB and the Nevada State Electrical Board?
The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) licenses electrical contractors (businesses). The Nevada State Electrical Board (sometimes called the Electrical Examining Board) licenses individual journeyman and master electricians. Depending on what you want to do, you may need a license from one or both.
How much do electricians make in Nevada?
The statewide average is about $63,250/year ($30.41/hr). Las Vegas-area electricians, especially those working union scale on casino and resort projects, earn more. IBEW Local 357 journeyman wage rates plus benefits significantly exceed the statewide average.
Is the Nevada electrician exam open book?
Yes. Nevada electrician exams are open book, you may bring a tabbed NEC codebook. Tab your code thoroughly before exam day.
How long does it take to get a Nevada journeyman electrician license?
The path to licensure typically takes 4–5 years, including 8,000 hours of supervised OJT through a registered apprenticeship program or documented work experience.
Common Questions About the Nevada Electrician License
How much does the Nevada electrician license exam cost?
The Nevada electrician exam fee is $85, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Nevada electrician license exam?
The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) oversees electrician licensing in Nevada, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Nevada?
Nevada electricians earn about $63,250 per year ($30.41 per hour). Entry level pay is around $39,880 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $89,470 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Nevada?
8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Verify current hour requirements with the Nevada State Electrical Board before applying.
Does Nevada have electrician license reciprocity?
Nevada may recognize comparable licenses from neighboring states. Contact the Nevada State Electrical Board and/or NSCB to confirm current reciprocity terms before applying.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Nevada's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Nevada Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
NSBEE requirements, PSI exam, fees, biennial renewal, and Las Vegas market.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Nevada exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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