Do you need a license in Nevada to become a handyman?

Yes, you need a Nevada handyman license to perform the following work:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Refrigeration
• Heating and air
• Work that may otherwise affect the health and safety of the property owner or occupant

Exemptions include:

• Any work performed by an authorized representative of the U.S. Government.
• Officers of the court, if the work performed is within the person’s office.
• Any person who works as a public utility operator under the guidelines set forth by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
• A building or property owner looking to improve the property for personal use rather than improvements to lease or sell.
• Work performed to repair or maintain a building or property, if the work is less than $1,000, which includes the cost of labor and materials.

Handyman license classifications and earnings are as follows:

• Class A – Allows for opportunities as a General Engineer Contractor requiring engineering skills and experience – $73,852 average salary
• Class B – Opens pathways under the General Building Contractor, which involves construction and remodeling of varying structures or buildings –  $58,000 – $150,000 average salary
• Class C – Allows you to work as a Specialty Contractor, which can include up to thirty-six separate primary classifications (applies when construction work involves the need for specific skills) – $50,000 average salary

How much does it cost to get a handyman license in Nevada?

To obtain your Nevada handyman license, consider the following costs:

• Application fee – $300
• Biennial license fee – $600
• License bond – Varies based on monetary limit chosen
• Administrative fee for the cash deposit bond – $200
• CMS exam and trade exam – $95 per exam
• Insurance – Varies

How to get a handyman license in Nevada

You must be at least 18 years old.  You also must show the necessary skills and experience necessary to perform the tasks.  You will need a minimum of four years experience within the last ten years at a journeyman level as a:

• Contractor within the scope of the applicable tasks
• Foreman
• Supervisor

Journeyman level experience means you can perform work without supervision. If you do not have the experience required, it is possible for someone with the eligible skills and experience to represent you.

There are no education requirements to obtain your contractor license. However, education received through an accredited, board-approved program can provide you with the equivalent of three of the four years experience.

Approved educators and programs include:

• The Contractor Training Center – offers courses, classes, application assistance, and exam preparation
• HomePrep – provides license education, exam prep, and required books
• American Contractors Exam Services – offers online classes, books, prep seminars, and exam preparation

How to use your handyman license to get a job

A Nevada handyman license offers different job opportunities, such as applying to work for a company. You also can choose to work as an individual contractor or handyman. Check the license classification prior to applying for a job.

Depending on the situation, a handyman may have to provide their own tools for work. If you choose to apply for a handyman job through a company, ask if you will need tools or if they provide them for you.

Create fliers, ads, business cards, and social media accounts to spread the word about your skills as a licensed handyman contractor in Nevada. Through advertisement methods, you can either land a job through a company looking to hire a contractor, or it will allow you to generate the attention to work as an independent business owner.

Handyman industry trends

Within the last few years, the handyman industry has experienced a revenue increase of $4 billion in 2018, making it a profitable pathway for interested persons. Positive trends in earnings serve as encouragement for a licensed handyman in Nevada.

Is my handyman license only valid in Nevada?

A contractors license acquired in Nevada can provide limited reciprocity in the following states:

• Arizona
• California
• Utah

How often do I need to renew my handyman license in Nevada?

Nevada requires you to pay a renewal fee of $600 every two years. You will be unable to bid on or obtain contractor work should you fail to renew your license.