All states · Nevada
Licensing in Nevada
In Nevada, beauty licenses are issued by the State Board of Cosmetology, and barbers are licensed by a separate state board. Massage therapists are licensed by the Board of Massage Therapy, nurses by the Board of Nursing, and contractors by the State Contractors Board.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,600 hours | State Board exam | Every 2 or 4 years | — |
| Hair Designer | 1,000 hours | State Board exam | Every 2 or 4 years | — |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | State Board exam | Every 2 or 4 years | — |
| Nail Technologist | 600 hours | State Board exam | Every 2 or 4 years | — |
| Hair Braider | No set hours | Written and practical | Every 2 or 4 years | — |
| Barber | 1,500 hours | Written or oral, and practical | Per barber board schedule | — |
- Beauty licenses are issued by the State Board of Cosmetology; a sanitation test is taken at renewal.
- Makeup artists, threaders and shampoo technicians register separately. Estheticians may apply eyelash extensions.
- Barbers are licensed by the Nevada State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 625 hours | MBLEx | Every 2 years | 24 |
- Licenses are issued by the Nevada Board of Massage Therapy. Since July 1, 2024, training is 625 hours.
- CE includes 2 hours of ethics or human trafficking. A massage business needs an establishment certificate from the same board.
| License | Issued by | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Nevada State Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN | Every 2 years | 30 |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Nevada State Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN | Every 2 years | 30 |
| Certified Nursing AssistantCNA | Nevada State Board of Nursing | State exam | Every 2 years | 24 training hours and 40 work hours |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification | — | — |
- Nevada is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a Nevada license is required to work here.
- A one-time 4-hour bioterrorism course is required, and RNs and LPNs need 4 hours of cultural competency every cycle.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Contractorincluding electrical, plumbing and HVAC | Nevada State Contractors Board | A license is required for work of $1,000 or more, or when a building permit is needed |
| Handyman | No license needed | Work under $1,000 without a permit and outside licensed trades |
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty salon | State Board of Cosmetology | Establishment license |
| Barbershop | Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board | License and inspection before opening |
| Massage business | Board of Massage Therapy | Establishment certificate |
| LLC | Secretary of State | Registration and a State Business License |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
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Nevada specifics
- No CE for beauty. No CE hours are needed for renewal, but a sanitation test is taken at renewal.
- Specialty registrations. Makeup artists, threaders, hair braiders and shampoo technicians register separately.
- Massage — 625 hours. Since July 2024, massage training requirements have increased.
- Not in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses from other states need a Nevada license.
- Contractors — from $1,000. A Contractors Board license is required for work of $1,000 or more, or with a building permit.
- Massage business — with a certificate. A massage establishment needs a Board of Massage Therapy certificate.
What professionals earn in Nevada
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Do beauty licenses need CE hours for renewal?
No. A sanitation test is taken at renewal.
Do I need a license for hair braiding?
Yes, a Hair Braider license: written tests on sanitation and Nevada law, plus a practical demonstration.
Which exam does a massage therapist take?
The MBLEx. You also need 625 training hours.
Can a nurse with a multistate license work in Nevada?
No. Nevada is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a Nevada license is required.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Nevada State Board of Cosmetology, Nevada State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board, Nevada Board of Massage Therapy, Nevada State Board of Nursing, Nevada State Contractors Board, Nevada Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.