If you install, service, or maintain elevators, escalators, or related conveyances in Nebraska, the state's Conveyance Safety Act requires you to hold the right license. The key distinction is between a mechanic license, which allows you to perform the work, and a contractor license, which is required to run a business that employs mechanics and contracts for conveyance projects. This guide outlines the exact path to earning each license from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office.
Do you need an elevator license in Nebraska?
Yes, a state-level license is required to perform or contract for most elevator and conveyance work in Nebraska under the Conveyance Safety Act. This law is administered by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal and the Conveyance Advisory Committee. The rules apply to individuals and companies involved in the erection, construction, installation, alteration, service, repair, or maintenance of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and other regulated conveyances. A license is also required for any alteration to a conveyance that costs more than $1,500.00.
What license tiers are available in Nebraska?
Nebraska offers three distinct tiers of elevator-related licenses: the Elevator Contractor License, the Elevator Mechanic License, and the Temporary Elevator Mechanic License. Each tier authorizes a different scope of work and has unique qualification requirements.
Elevator Contractor License
This license is for individuals or companies that engage in the business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining conveyances. An Elevator Contractor is responsible for the overall project, employs licensed mechanics, and must carry specific insurance coverage.
Elevator Mechanic License
This license is for individuals who perform the hands-on work of installing, maintaining, and repairing conveyances. An Elevator Mechanic must work under the supervision of a licensed Elevator Contractor.
Temporary Elevator Mechanic License
This is a restricted, short-term license for individuals working under the direct supervision of a licensed Elevator Mechanic. It is intended for those in training or assisting on a temporary basis.
Nebraska elevator license experience requirements (by tier)
Nebraska requires a significant amount of hands-on experience to qualify for its full elevator licenses, with the contractor tier demanding more time in the industry than the mechanic tier.
Elevator Contractor Experience Path
An applicant for an Elevator Contractor license must document five years' work experience in the conveyance industry in construction, maintenance, and service or repair.
Elevator Mechanic Experience Path
An applicant for an Elevator Mechanic license must document not less than three years' work experience in the conveyance industry in construction, maintenance, and service or repair.
Nebraska elevator license exam
Passing a written examination is required for both the Elevator Contractor and Elevator Mechanic licenses, but the exams are administered by different bodies.
An exam is required for both the Elevator Contractor and Elevator Mechanic licenses, administered by separate state-authorized bodies for each tier. The state does not mention acceptance of national exams like those from NASCLA in the sources reviewed.
Elevator Contractor Exam
The written examination for the Elevator Contractor license is administered by the Conveyance Advisory Committee or a testing service designated by the committee.
Elevator Mechanic Exam
The written examination for the Elevator Mechanic license is administered by the Elevator Safety Review Board or a testing service designated by the board.
How to Schedule and Prepare
After your license application is approved, you will receive information on how to schedule your exam with the appropriate authority. Exam content typically covers state regulations, safety codes, and technical knowledge relevant to the license tier. Current exam scheduling timelines and procedures should be confirmed directly with the administering body.
How to apply for a Nebraska elevator license (step-by-step)
Follow these steps to apply for your Nebraska Elevator Contractor or Elevator Mechanic license:
- Meet the Experience Requirement: Document your qualifying work experience. You will need proof of either five years for a contractor license or at least three years for a mechanic license in the conveyance industry.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare any necessary supporting documentation, such as proof of experience, identification, and proof of insurance (for contractors).
- Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate license application form. These are available on the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's website.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application and all supporting documents through Nebraska's One Stop License Portal.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required application fee as specified by state regulations.
- Receive Exam Approval: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will be notified that you are eligible to sit for the required examination.
- Schedule and Pass Your Exam: Contact the appropriate board (Conveyance Advisory Committee for contractors, Elevator Safety Review Board for mechanics) or their designated provider to schedule and pass your written exam.
- Receive Your License: Upon passing the exam and meeting all other requirements, the State Fire Marshal's office will issue your license.
Nebraska elevator license fees
License application fees are set by state regulation and must be verified directly with the State Fire Marshal, while inspection fees are set on a fixed schedule.
License Application and Issuance Fees
The application fee for an elevator contractor or mechanic license is set by state code. The specific amount is referenced as "the application fee required by §010" in state regulations. Confirm the current fee amount with the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office or on the One Stop License Portal before submitting your application.
Inspection Fees
These fees are separate from licensing fees and are typically paid by the conveyance owner, not the license applicant. They are listed here for contractor awareness:
- Preliminary Inspection: $125.00
- Initial Inspection (5 floors or less): $200.00
- Initial Inspection (over 5 floors): $200.00, plus $10.00 for each floor over five
- Annual Inspection (on or after Jan 1, 2017, 5 floors or less): $120.00
- Annual Inspection (on or after Jan 1, 2017, over 5 floors): $120.00, plus $10.00 for each floor over five
- Annual Inspection (before Jan 1, 2017, 5 floors or less): $140.00
- Annual Inspection (before Jan 1, 2017, over 5 floors): $140.00, plus $10.00 for each floor over five
- Special Inspections: $200.00 plus expenses
Insurance and bond requirements for Nebraska elevator contractors
Elevator contractors must provide satisfactory evidence that they are covered by general liability, personal injury, and property damage insurance per Neb. Rev. Stat. §48-2527. While specific minimum coverage amounts are not detailed in the reviewed sources, contractors must provide the State Fire Marshal with at least ten days' advance notice before any substantial alteration or cancellation of their policy.
Reciprocity and endorsement in Nebraska
Nebraska allows licensed elevator contractors from other states to bypass the written exam if their home state has "standards substantially equal" to Nebraska's. No similar provision for reciprocity or endorsement for the Elevator Mechanic license was identified in the reviewed sources. To apply for reciprocity as a contractor, you must submit a valid, current license from your home state with your application.
Nebraska elevator license renewal and continuing education
The renewal cycle for Nebraska elevator licenses is set by the State Fire Marshal; the official license renewal application form provides the specific deadline. Confirm the current renewal period with the agency before your license expires.
To renew an Elevator Mechanic license, you must provide a certificate of completion for a continuing education course covering new and existing rules and regulations. The course must consist of at least eight hours of instruction, completed within the one year immediately preceding renewal, taught by providers selected by the commissioner on recommendation of the Conveyance Advisory Committee. The license holder pays the cost of the course. No CE requirement for the Elevator Contractor or Temporary Elevator Mechanic tiers is specified in the sources reviewed.