Fire Protection Contractor (C-41)

Nevada C-41 Fire Protection Contractor License

An NSCB C-41 license does not complete your licensing for fire protection work in Nevada — it is a prerequisite for the separate State Fire Marshal (SFM) firm license required under NAC 477 and NRS 477.033. Any company that installs, maintains, or services fire sprinklers, fire alarm systems, suppression systems, standpipe systems, or fire extinguishers must hold both credentials. Treating the C-41 as a standalone authorization is the most common compliance gap in this trade.

What C-41 Authorizes — Four Subclassifications (NAC 624.572)

NAC 624.572 defines four subclassifications under C-41. A full C-41 authorizes all four; applicants can apply for specific subclassifications only:

• C-41a — Automatic fire sprinklers: fabrication, installation, alteration, repair, and service of water-based fire protection systems, including pressure tanks, fire pumps, sprinkler heads, and associated piping
• C-41b — Fixed fire extinguishing systems: installation, repair, and service of foam, gas, and dry-chemical suppression systems, including pressurized storage tanks and sensing/control devices
• C-41c — Fire alarms: installation, alteration, repair, and servicing of heat and smoke detection sensors, alarms, and related wiring
• C-41d — Private fire hydrants: inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of privately owned fire hydrants, including parts within the barrel up to the first flange below the barrel

State Fire Marshal firm license: The Nevada SFM issues separate firm license categories for sprinkler system contractors and fire alarm contractors under NAC 477. System designers for C-41a and C-41c work must hold NICET Level II certification or a valid Nevada PE license (NAC 477). Apply for SFM firm licensing through the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Fire Protection Licensing bureau.

Application and Fees

NSCB charges the $300 classification application fee when reviewing your application and a separate $600 fee at issuance — $900 in total licensing fees for a new applicant. The qualifying individual must pass two PSI exams: the Business and Law (CMS) exam and the C-41 trade exam. Testing in Las Vegas, Reno, and Elko. Four full years of fire protection experience within the preceding 15 years is required (NRS 624.260).

Bond, Insurance, and Recovery Fund

NSCB sets the surety bond at approval: $1,000 to $500,000 based on monetary limit, financial history, and experience. Workers' compensation must be current before issuance (NRS 624.256). Contractors performing residential fire protection work must register with the Residential Recovery Fund and pay the biennial assessment at renewal.

Renew Every Two Years — $600, $150 Late Penalty

C-41 licenses renew biennially at $600. A $150 late filing fee applies to renewals submitted after the expiration date. No state-level continuing education is required for NSCB renewal.

Criminal Penalties Under NRS 624.750

Performing fire protection work without a valid C-41 license is a misdemeanor on first offense, punishable by a $1,000 to $4,000 fine and up to six months in jail (NRS 624.750(2)(a)). A second offense is a gross misdemeanor; a third is a Category E felony. Any contract signed while unlicensed is void and unenforceable.