Painting and Decorating Contractor (C-4)

Nevada C-4 Painting and Decorating Contractor License

NAC 624.220 defines the C-4 as a seven-subclassification license — broader than the name implies, covering not just painting but also wallcovering, drywall, sandblasting, and acoustical tile. Applicants can hold all seven subclassifications or limit the license to specific scopes.

Seven Subclassifications Under NAC 624.220

A full C-4 license includes all seven; applicants typically apply for the ones matching their work:

• C-4a Painting: All paints, varnishes, protective coatings, shellacs, stains, and polyurethane products by brush, spray, or roller
• C-4b Wallcovering: Papers, fabrics, plastic foils, and other wallcovering materials applied to prepared surfaces
• C-4c Taping and Finishing: Taping and finishing of drywall joints and surfaces
• C-4d Sandblasting: Surface preparation by sandblasting
• C-4e Drywall: Installation of drywall panels
• C-4f Sheet Metal Studs: Installation of sheet metal stud framing
• C-4g Acoustical Tile: Installation of acoustical ceiling tile

Federal EPA layer: Contractors working on pre-1978 residential structures must also hold EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) firm certification (40 CFR Part 745). This is a federal requirement independent of NSCB licensure — NSCB does not administer or verify EPA RRP status.

Getting Licensed: 4 Years, Two Exams

New applicants pay $300 at filing and $600 at issuance (NAC 624.130). The qualifying individual must document four full years of experience within the preceding 15 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the C-4 classification (NRS 624.260(6)). Two PSI exams are required: the Business and Law (CMS) exam and the C-4 painting trade exam.

Bond, Insurance, and Recovery Fund

NSCB sets your surety bond at approval in a range of $1,000 to $500,000 (NRS 624.270(4)). Workers' compensation coverage is required before issuance (NRS 624.256); sole operators with no employees not acting as subcontractors may qualify for an exemption via affidavit. Contractors performing residential painting work must pay the Recovery Fund biennial assessment at rates tiered by monetary limit (NRS 624.470).

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

C-4 licenses renew biennially at $600 (NAC 624.130). A $150 late filing fee applies to renewals submitted after expiration (NAC 624.130). Nevada has no state-level continuing education requirement for NSCB contractor renewal.

Criminal Penalties Under NRS 624.750

Painting contracting without a valid C-4 is a misdemeanor on first offense, punishable by a $1,000 to $4,000 fine and up to six months in jail. A second offense is a gross misdemeanor; a third is a Category E felony. Any contract signed while unlicensed is void and unenforceable.