Schedule your Photovoltaic Installer's Exam Online:
Photovoltaic Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who needs a Photovoltaic Installer’s License?
Any persons directly engaged with the electrical connection
and wiring of a photovoltaic system project. Any persons engaged in the
wiring, grounding, or repairing electrical apparatus and equipment in a
photovoltaic distributed generation system.
Photovoltaic electrical work does not include site
preparation, trenching or excavating, hauling, or other work and does not
require the Nevada OSHA Photovoltaic Installer’s License.
Quality assurance work where inspections are
conducted, and no components of the PV System are replaced by the
inspector also does not require the Installer’s License.
Q: How do I get a license?
You must
fill out an application and submit it to Nevada OSHA. You must pass a test
administered by Nevada OSHA with 70% or more of the
questions correct.
The
application can be found here: Application for Photovoltaic Installer License
Q: When is the test given
The test
is administered on an appointment-only basis.
Q: How do I make an appointment?
To make
an appointment, select a district office location above and complete the online
booking webform to make an appointment. If you have any questions
regarding booking an appointment, please call (702) 486-9020 for the Las Vegas
office or (775) 688-3700 for the Reno office.
Please do
not visit the OSHA office without an appointment. You will not be allowed
to test, and you will not receive your license.
Q: How much does the license cost?
Effective April 11, 2022, applicants must pay an application fee of $25.00 for each examination. Once the test is passed, the $25.00 testing fee will be applied to the cost of the license. If you fail the test, you must pay $25.00 each time you test until you have passed. We do not accept cash. Please provide a check or money order payable to Division of Industrial Relations or DIR.
Q: How many times can I take the test?
There is
no limit on the number of retakes at this time, if you do not pass your test
you can book another exam using the above booking links. Effective April 11, 2022, applicants must pay an application fee of $25 for each examination.
Q: Does the Photovoltaic Installer's License expire?
Photovoltaic
Installer's Licenses issued by the Division are valid for one year from the
date of issuance. Licenses must be renewed annually.
Q: Do I have to re-take the test every year?
If you
fail to renew your license before the expiration date, you will be
required to take the test again before your license will be renewed. There
is no grace period. Your renewal application must be received by the NV OSHA office prior to the expiration date. Currently, if the licensee renews his or her license
within one year of the time of issuance, then no testing is required, and
a $25.00 renewal fee is all that is needed. If the licensee tries to renew
his or her license after one year, then testing is required. NV OSHA may
adopt new rules on the education or testing requirements for renewal at
some point in the future.
Q: What do I study to be able to pass the test?
All of
the test questions come from the James P. Dunlop authored Photovoltaic
Systems textbook published by American Technical Publishers.
Q: How do I get the book?
Training
classes may be offered locally and often these classes include
the purchase of the textbook. OSHA does not keep track of available
training providers or available training classes. An example of a local
training provider is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(IBEW) although Union membership may be required to participate. The
training classes are designed to help you pass the test and learn how to
successfully become a skilled Photovoltaic Installer.
Independently, one may visit https://www.atplearning.com/product/1058/photovoltaic-systems.
The cost of the textbook is $145.00 through American Technical Publishers.
Vendors such as Amazon also offer the book for similar pricing - https://www.amazon.com/Photovoltaic-Systems-National-Apprenticeship-Training/dp/1935941054.
Q: Does Nevada OSHA offer testing outside your office?
No, currently
testing is only provided at the NV OSHA district office locations.