Blog

Entering a skilled trade offers an attractive career path that doesn’t require a four-year college degree — or the student debt associated with obtaining one. In Nevada and across the U.S., trade professionals are required to hold licenses proving their knowledge and skill in their chosen fields. 

To become a C-1 plumbing and heating contractor, you must first obtain a license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. What types of jobs can you perform with this license, and what are the steps to obtain it? 

The Work of a C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor 

As a plumbing and heating contractor, you may be called upon to perform a wide range of jobs. The versatile C-1 contractor license permits you to take on projects that fall within the scope of the following subclassifications: 

• C-1a: Boilers 
• C-1b: Fire sprinklers 
• C-1c: Pipe and duct insulation 
• C-1d: Plumbing 
• C-1e: Sheet metal 
• C-1f: Heating, cooling, and circulating air 
• C-1g: Gas pipes and vents 
• C-1h: Water heaters 
• C-1i: Chilled water piping 
• C-1j: Systems to replenish breathable air (for firefighters) 
• C-1k: Industrial piping 

Whether you’re managing residential HVAC systems or installing and maintaining water supply, drainage, and hydronic heating systems for commercial operations, you need a current C-1 license to operate as a plumbing and heating contractor. 

Steps for Obtaining a C-1 License in Nevada 

There are several requirements for obtaining a C-1 license, starting with on-the-job experience. You must supply proof that you have worked in the field for at least four years, either as a journeyman, foreman, or supervising contractor. 

You must also provide a financial statement, proof of insurance (industrial and workers’ compensation), and a cash or surety bond. The amount of the bond is determined by the Nevada State Contractors Board.  

Additionally, you will have to pass two state exams: the Contractor Management Survey Exam and the C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor Exam. 

Contractor Management Survey Exam 

This open-book exam consists of 60 questions covering topics like: 

• Licensing 
• Estimating and bidding 
• Lien law 
• Financial management 
• Tax laws 
• Labor laws 
• Project management 
• Contracts 
• Risk management 
• Environmental and safety 

You will have 120 minutes to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly to pass. 

C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor Exam 

The trade exam for plumbing and heating contractors contains 120 questions about topics like: 

• Boilers 
• Gas systems 
• Cleanouts 
• Fixtures and equipment 
• Hydronics 
• Water heaters and venting 
• Piping, valves, and controls 
• Sheet metal 
• Water supply 
• Hangers and supports 
• Drain, waste, and vents 
• Backflow 
• Traps and interceptors 
• Isometric analysis and plumbing mathematics 
• Safety 
• Joints and connections 
• Solar 
• General plumbing requirements 
• Fire sprinklers 
• Storm drainage 
• Industrial piping 
• Breathing systems for firefighters 
• Chilled water piping 

You will have five hours to complete this open-book exam, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions (84) correctly to pass. 

How to Prepare for Your State Exams 

Preparing for licensure exams is easy when you choose a state-approved program that offers 24/7 online access for the convenience of working professionals. 

Are you ready to obtain your C-1 license in Nevada? Contact RocketCert now to get started.