Nevada Business & Law — Section 1: Licensing & Qualifier
Use your NASCLA Contractor’s Guide — Nevada Edition. This is an open-book exam. Tab and highlight the items below for fast look-ups during the test. Where you see “Mark page(s),” put a sticky tab and highlight the exact paragraph, definition, or timeline box in your book.
1) Core Definitions & Roles Mark pages in NASCLA
Licensee vs. Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Licensee (entity): The company that holds the Nevada contractor’s license and is legally responsible for all work under that license.
- Qualifying Individual: The single person who proves experience, passes exams, and provides direct supervision and control over construction operations.
Monetary Limit & Classification
- Monetary Limit: Maximum contract size the Board authorizes based on financials.
- Classification: The trade(s) or scope(s) you’re allowed to perform (e.g., B-General, C-2 Electrical). Work must match the classification.
- Mark pages: The sections defining contractor, qualifying individual, classification, and monetary limit. Highlight sentences that state “who is responsible for what.”
2) Qualifier Experience & Exam Experience proof & PSI
- Experience Standard: Minimum years in the last 10 (journeyman/foreman/contractor/supervisor roles). Keep W-2/1099s, permits, contracts, affidavits, and detailed project lists.
- Exams: Business & Law (this course) and, when required, trade exam(s) through PSI.
- Cross-qualifying: A QI may qualify multiple entities only under specific Board conditions (e.g., ownership/engagement thresholds).
3) License Application & Issuance What the Board reviews
Application package
- Entity details (LLC/Corp/Partnership/Sole Prop)
- QI experience & exam eligibility
- Financials (used to set monetary limit)
- Bond & insurance (GL, WC)
- Background disclosures
Monetary Limit
- Set by the Board using financial criteria
- Can be raised later with stronger financials
- Exceeding the limit risks discipline
4) License Maintenance & Change Notices Deadlines to memorize
Change/Event | Action | Why it matters |
---|---|---|
Address/Contact info | Notify Board within stated timeframe | Board must reach the entity; failure can trigger issues |
Ownership/Control | Report material changes; Board may reevaluate license | Protects public and ensures responsible control |
QI disassociation | Mandatory notice; replacement required within allowed period | License may be suspended/restricted if not replaced |
Name/DBA | Use licensed name/DBA on contracts & ads; notify Board of changes | Misrepresentation can lead to discipline |
Renewals | Track renewal cycle (commonly 2 years) | Avoid lapse or late penalties |
5) Classification Scope & Advertising Rules Stay in bounds
- Scope of Work: Perform only work authorized by the classification(s). Add classifications as needed or subcontract to properly licensed subs.
- Advertising: Include Nevada license number on ads (websites, cards, vehicles per rule). Omission may result in citations.
6) Enforcement & Common Pitfalls Discipline triggers
Frequent Violations
- Unlicensed contracting or aiding/abetting unlicensed activity
- Exceeding monetary limit
- Working outside classification scope
- Failing to notify Board of QI/ownership changes
- Advertising without license number
Best Practices
- Keep a compliance calendar (renewals, notice deadlines)
- Standardize contract & ad templates with the license number
- Quarterly review of classification scopes and active projects
- Document the QI’s supervision and management role
Practice Exam — 60 Questions Answers & brief explanations under each
1. The qualifying individual (QI) is primarily responsible for:
- Bid protests
- Direct supervision and control of operations
- Payroll taxes
- City licensing
Answer
B — QI = supervision/control of construction operations.
2. Nevada contractor licenses are most commonly renewed every:
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
Answer
C — Typical renewal cycle is two years.
3. Who sets the monetary limit?
- The QI
- The surety
- The Board, based on financials
- The building department
Answer
C — Board reviews financial capacity.
4. Changing business address requires Board notification:
- Only at renewal
- Within the specified timeframe
- Only for corporations
- Optional
Answer
B — Mark exact days in your NASCLA book.
5. QI experience generally requires:
- Two years
- Four years within last ten
- Ten years
- No experience
Answer
B — Four years typical; verify exact language.
6. Advertising must include:
- Bond number
- License number
- Tax ID
- Subcontractor names
Answer
B — License # is required on ads.
7. Classifications authorize:
- Any construction
- Only defined scopes
- Engineering practice
- No permits
Answer
B — Stay within scope or add classifications.
8. Who can be a QI?
- Any employee
- Corporate secretary only
- Individual who meets experience/exam criteria
- Surety agent
Answer
C — Must meet Nevada requirements.
9. QI must demonstrate:
- 100% ownership
- Active engagement/supervision
- Daily site presence
- CPA license
Answer
B — QI supervises/controls operations.
10. Adding a new classification usually requires:
- Fee only
- Experience proof and any required trade exam
- Waiting for renewal
- Closing license
Answer
B — Experience + exam as applicable.
11. Monetary limits reflect:
- Geography
- Financial capacity
- Project type
- Owner preference
Answer
B — Based on financial review.
12. When the QI disassociates, the licensee must:
- Do nothing
- Notify Board within the set period
- Tell the city only
- Change logo
Answer
B — Report and replace within the allowed window.
13. If QI isn’t replaced timely:
- No effect
- Possible suspension/restriction
- Limit increases
- Automatic bond void
Answer
B — Board may discipline.
14. Using a new DBA requires:
- Nothing
- Compliance with Board DBA rules/notification
- City notice only
- Bank approval
Answer
B — Names must match licensed records.
15. Not typically part of application:
- Financials
- Experience proof
- Union membership
- Background disclosures
Answer
C — Union membership isn’t a standard requirement.
16. QI qualifying multiple entities is allowed:
- Always
- Never
- Only under Board conditions (e.g., ownership/engagement)
- Only for public works
Answer
C — Limited circumstances; see NASCLA.
17. Unlicensed contracting can lead to:
- No penalty
- Fines and/or criminal penalties
- City warning only
- Bond increase
Answer
B — Enforced by Nevada.
18. To raise monetary limit:
- Phone request
- Stronger financials + Board approval
- Change entity
- Replace QI
Answer
B — Submit updated financial support.
19. Classification scope:
- Advisory
- Defines legal work allowed
- Public jobs only
- City-defined only
Answer
B — Binding scope of work.
20. Converting LLC→Corp requires:
- No action
- Board notification/documentation
- IRS only
- City only
Answer
B — Report entity change.
21. Best experience evidence:
- Reference letter
- W-2/1099s + permits/contracts + project list
- Business card
- Brochure
Answer
B — Objective documentation.
22. License number must appear on:
- Tools
- Required advertising
- Tax forms
- Blueprint title blocks
Answer
B — Ads require license #.
23. Who is legally responsible for the work?
- QI personally
- Licensed entity
- Surety
- Owner
Answer
B — The entity holds the license.
24. Ownership change impacting control:
- No action
- Notify Board; possible reevaluation
- City only
- Bank only
Answer
B — Material control changes are reported.
25. Monetary limit restricts:
- Employees
- Max contract size
- Classifications count
- Public bids only
Answer
B — Contract size cap.
26. Direct supervision is shown by:
- Selfies
- Role + oversight + decision authority
- Tool list
- Vendor letters
Answer
B — Management involvement.
27. Requires Board action:
- New logo
- Adding classification
- Buying equipment
- Hiring sub
Answer
B — New class needs Board process.
28. Application delay/denial if:
- PO Box used
- Multiple phone numbers
- Incomplete financials/disclosures
- Blue branding
Answer
C — Completeness matters.
29. Multiple classifications:
- No added experience ever
- Each class has its own requirements
- Only one allowed
- Randomly assigned
Answer
B — Distinct requirements.
30. Aiding unlicensed activity means:
- Helping a licensed peer
- Letting unlicensed party operate under your license
- Teaching
- Paying prevailing wage
Answer
B — Don’t allow illegal use.
31. Contract name should:
- Be any nickname
- Match licensed name/DBA on file
- Exclude license #
- Use sub’s name
Answer
B — Consistency is required.
32. If QI fails exam:
- Auto-approve
- Retest per PSI rules
- Delegate to supplier
- Convert to city license
Answer
B — Retest allowed.
33. New background disclosure likely needed for:
- New logo
- Material control/ownership change
- Hosting change
- New truck
Answer
B — Control changes matter.
34. City business license:
- Replaces state license
- Is separate; doesn’t substitute for contractor license
- Optional
- Grants unlimited scope
Answer
B — Local license is separate.
35. Inactive status requires:
- Nothing
- No active projects + Board procedure
- Employee vote
- Bank letter
Answer
B — See NASCLA procedures.
36. Financial statements are used to:
- Set/raise monetary limits
- Replace taxes
- Eliminate bonds
- Remove exams
Answer
A — Board evaluates capacity.
37. Journeyman/foreman/contractor/supervisor roles relate to:
- Safety only
- Acceptable QI experience
- Lien claimants
- Prevailing wage
Answer
B — Common experience paths.
38. Ad omits license #:
- No issue
- Possible citation/discipline
- Auto-revocation
- Agency fined only
Answer
B — Noncompliance risk.
39. An RME QI must be:
- Owner
- Employed & exercising supervision/control
- CPR certified
- Architect
Answer
B — Active engagement.
40. Entity change (SP→LLC) requires:
- Nothing
- Board notification per rule
- Logo change
- City notice only
Answer
B — Report entity change.
41. Exam format for QI:
- Oral
- PSI computer-based
- Optional
Answer
B — PSI administers.
42. Maintain good standing by:
- Annual new exam
- Timely renewal + compliance
- Monthly city inspection
- IRS pre-approval
Answer
B — Renewal/compliance.
43. Exceeding monetary limit can cause:
- No issue
- Discipline
- Auto-increase
- Owner waiver
Answer
B — Violates license limitations.
44. DBA on contracts must:
- Be unregistered
- Match Board records
- Be different each job
- Use sub’s DBA
Answer
B — Names must match.
45. Strongest proof of 4 years experience:
- Photos
- W-2/1099 + permits/contracts + project list
- Business card
- Posters
Answer
B — Objective evidence.
46. “Direct supervision” means:
- Only payroll
- Controlling construction operations
- Owning surety
- Jobsite selfies
Answer
B — Operations control.
47. Outside your classification:
- Perform anyway
- Sub to properly licensed contractor
- Skip permits
- Bill under another license
Answer
B — Or add the class.
48. License denial reason:
- No truck
- Home office
- Not meeting experience/financial responsibility
- PO Box
Answer
C — Responsibility standards.
49. RME/RMO resignation requires:
- No action
- Timely Board notice + replacement
- Owner letter only
- City transfer
Answer
B — Replacement window.
50. Board’s role includes:
- Plan check
- Licensing, limits, enforcement
- Issuing occupancy
- Setting NEC
Answer
B — Regulates contractors.
51. Event likely needing new QI:
- New paint
- QI retires
- Forklift purchase
- Font change
Answer
B — Replace the qualifier.
52. Aiding unlicensed practice:
- Hire licensed sub
- Allow unlicensed party to operate under your license
- Post job ad
- Buy materials
Answer
B — Prohibited.
53. QI must be:
- Passive investor
- Actively engaged
- Supplier
- Inspector
Answer
B — Active management.
54. Renewal requires:
- New exam
- Timely forms/fees
- City inspection
- New entity
Answer
B — Renew on time.
55. Unregistered DBA on contracts may cause:
- No effect
- Discipline
- Limit increase
- Bank fee only
Answer
B — Misrepresentation risk.
56. Responsible licensee maintains:
- No job files
- Records, insurance/bonding, compliance
- Website only
- Weekly parties
Answer
B — Demonstrates responsibility.
57. Classification scope language found in:
- Social media
- NASCLA + Board descriptions
- Safety manual only
- City planning
Answer
B — Reference & Board.
58. Misrepresenting experience:
- No issue
- Grounds for denial/discipline
- Limit increase
- PSI corrects it
Answer
B — Serious violation.
59. License law purpose:
- Trends
- Protect public health/safety/welfare
- Guarantee profits
- Control unions
Answer
B — Public protection.
60. Unsure if a scope is allowed:
- Proceed
- Verify w/Board or add classification
- Owner waiver
- Bill under other license
Answer
B — Confirm or add the class.