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Entering a skilled trade like contracting requires hard work, but it could pay off in a variety of ways, most notably a livable wage and relative job security, as good contractors are always in high demand. Nevada, like many states, requires professionals like contractors to obtain a license.

If you want to become a general contractor, you’ll have to apply for a B General Building Contractor License from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Before you can obtain your license, however, you’ll have to meet certain criteria. Here’s what you need to know to become a general contractor.

What Do General Contractors Do?

As a general contractor, you will primarily engage in work such as the construction and remodeling of buildings or structures intended for habitation by people or animals. You may elect to obtain any number of specialty contracting licenses that allow you to perform electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other trades in the course of your work.

Requirements to Obtain Your License

To obtain a general contractor license, you’ll have to meet several requirements, starting with a minimum of four years of trade experience. This could be in the capacity of a journeyperson, a foreperson, a supervising employee, or a contractor.

When you have completed the necessary experience requirements, you can apply for licensure. When you apply, you must also submit a set of fingerprints and a cash or surety bond (amount TBD by the Nevada State Contractors Board), proof of insurance (workers’ compensation), and a financial statement and bank verification form.

You must also pass associated state exams, including the Contractor Management Survey Exam and the B General Building Contractor Exam. The first is an open-book test consisting of 60 questions that cover topics like:

• Licensing
• Estimating and Bidding
• Lien Laws
• Financial Management
• Tax Laws
• Labor Laws
• Project Management
• Contracts
• Risk Management
• Environmental and Safety

You will have 120 minutes to complete this test, and you must answer a minimum of 75% of the questions correctly to pass. You’ll also have to take the specialty trade exam to become a general building contractor. This open-book test includes 80 questions on relevant topics such as:

• Sitework
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Metals
• Carpentry
• Thermal and Moisture Protection
• Doors and Windows
• Drywall and Finishes
• Safety
• Plan Reading and Estimating
• Nevada One Call

You’ll have three hours to complete this exam, and you must answer at least 56 questions correctly to pass.

The Best Way to Prepare for State Exams

Exam preparation is important if you want to pass on the first try. The right program will cater to the needs of working professionals with 24/7 online access that fits your schedule and allows you the convenience of a self-paced learning format.

Courses designed by industry experts and educators ensure you have everything you need to pass your exam and succeed in your professional pursuits. You should also look for a program that offers an instant certificate of completion and state notification on your behalf.

If you’re ready to begin your career as a general building contractor in Nevada, RocketCert has everything you need to prepare for exams. Contact us today to get started.