Occupational licensing · Nevada · burden rank #4 of 51
Nevada Occupational Licensing Requirements
Nevada's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Nevada sits in the high-burden band (#4 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Oregon; Illinois; Colorado; Arizona. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Open a named profession or a peer state before treating rank as a career verdict.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #4 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,424
- Avg initial fee
- $266
Nevada vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
32 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 92% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Oregon; Illinois; Colorado; Arizona. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Nevada, Electrician lists 7,557 education hours with an exam and a $226 initial fee. Compare the same license in Oregon on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Nevada, Elevator Installer lists 7,557 education hours with an exam and a $317 initial fee. Compare the same license in Oregon on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Nevada's higher initial fees at $670 after 20 education hours. Open Illinois for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Nevada's higher initial fees at $456 after 5,778 education hours. Open Illinois for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Nevada against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Nevada already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Nevada: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#4 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
42 of 97 professions below carry a category estimate mark: their figures are a category average, not yet confirmed with the Nevada licensing board. Treat those rows as directional and check the board before relying on them. See the methodology limitations.
Agriculture in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
| Water Well Driller category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Animal Care in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Farrier / Horseshoer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 5,778 | Yes | $456 | $367 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 2,389 | Yes | $228 | $183 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Construction in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and North Carolina.
| 7,557 | Yes | $226 | $181 | 1 yr | vs Missouri · vs North Carolina |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 7,557 | Yes | $317 | $272 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $453 | $364 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Glazier category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 5,557 | Yes | $181 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Land Surveyor category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs North Carolina |
| Locksmith category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Mobile Home Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Painter (Contractor) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 36 | Yes | $181 | $158 | 3 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 7,557 | Yes | $270 | $226 | 1 yr | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Roofer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Security Alarm Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Septic System Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Cosmetology in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,445 | Yes | $146 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Body Piercer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,534 | Yes | $168 | $83 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 991 | Yes | $181 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 918 | Yes | $149 | $69 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Hair Braider category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 926 | Yes | $182 | $92 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 639 | Yes | $132 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Tattoo Artist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Design in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $317 | $228 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| - | Yes | $364 | $275 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
Education in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 107 | No | $181 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $226 | $137 | 5 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $271 | $182 | 5 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $226 | $137 | 5 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Substitute Teacher category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
Engineering in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $453 | $364 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Professional Geologist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
Finance in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $450 | $361 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Debt Collector category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 73 | Yes | $225 | $180 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Mexico.
| 20 | Yes | $670 | $448 | 1 yr | vs Minnesota · vs New Mexico |
| Tax Preparer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Food & Hospitality in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 14 | Yes | $67 | $44 | 3 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| 14 | Yes | $44 | $36 | 3 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
Healthcare in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 3,389 | Yes | $228 | $183 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Dental Assistant category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 3,389 | Yes | $320 | $183 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Dietetic Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 191 | Yes | $158 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Hearing Aid Specialist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Jersey |
| Home Health Aide category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| 1,445 | Yes | $186 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| Medical Assistant category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Medical Lab Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 3,889 | Yes | $275 | $231 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Optician (Dispensing) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 4,889 | Yes | $453 | $364 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,911 | Yes | $228 | $183 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 5,334 | Yes | $322 | $278 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Pharmacy Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Phlebotomist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 3,889 | Yes | $320 | $275 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 4,334 | Yes | $367 | $322 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 2,422 | Yes | $228 | $183 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $272 | $228 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 2,889 | Yes | $231 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Jersey.
| 2,389 | Yes | $228 | $183 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Jersey |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 3,889 | Yes | $320 | $231 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Surgical Technologist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Legal & Security in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
| 72 | No | $225 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs New Hampshire |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs New Hampshire |
| Notary Public category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 5,340 | Yes | $361 | $317 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 36 | No | $225 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Mental Health in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 3,889 | Yes | $231 | $186 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 3,389 | Yes | $229 | $184 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 3,389 | Yes | $275 | $231 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 6,778 | Yes | $456 | $367 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Miscellaneous in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Athletic Agent category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 187 | Yes | $270 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Sign Language Interpreter category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
Real Estate in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 182 | Yes | $361 | $272 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 164 | Yes | $270 | $221 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 247 | Yes | $361 | $295 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Transportation in Nevada
| NV profession | NV edu hrs | NV exam | NV initial $ | NV renew $ | NV cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 36 | Yes | $136 | $91 | 4 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 302 | Yes | $180 | $91 | 4 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 111 | Yes | $136 | $91 | 4 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Tow Truck Operator category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Nevada ranks #4 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top 10% highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Nevada directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Nevada
NCSL and state-board extracts for Nevada. Burden peers on this ladder include Oregon, Illinois, Colorado, Arizona; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Nevada render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.