Blog

Like most states, Virginia requires professionals in skilled trades to obtain licensing that reflects their knowledge, experience, and qualifications. While contractors can choose from a range of trade specialties, they must first obtain a Class A, B, or C license. 

What’s the difference between license classes and how can you obtain your preferred license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board of Contractors? Here’s what you need to know to get started. 

Class A

With a Class A license, you are permitted to accept contracts of $120,000 or more, along with projects totaling $750,000 or more over 12 months. To become a Class A contractor, you must submit an application that includes documented proof of: 

• Five years of experience 
• Minimum net worth of $45,000 
• Financial statement form 
• CPA review/audit 
• Surety bond form 

To qualify for a license, you must complete an eight-hour pre-licensing course and pass three state exams: Virginia, General, and Advanced.  

The Virginia portion is an open-book exam containing 24 questions on the following topics: 

• Regulation of contractors 
• Board rules and regulations 
• Building codes 
• Transaction recovery fund 
• Virginia erosion and sediment control regulations 

You have 48 minutes to complete this test and you must answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass.  

The General portion is an open-book exam featuring 50 questions on topics such as: 

• Business organization 
• Estimating & bidding 
• Contracts 
• Project management 
•  Risk 
• Safety 
• Labor laws 
• Financial management 
• Federal and state taxes 
• Lien laws 

You will be given 100 minutes to complete this test and you must answer a minimum of 35 questions correctly to pass.  

Finally, the Advanced portion is an open-book test consisting of 24 questions on topics like: 

•  Estimating and bidding 
• Contract management 
• Project management 
• Risk management 
• Safety 
• Labor laws 
• Financial management 
• Federal and state taxes 
•  Lien laws 

You have 60 minutes to complete this exam and you must answer 17 or more questions correctly to pass.  

Contractors in the state of Virginia are also required to pass a trade exam, and there are several options to consider, including: 

• Commercial building contractor 
• Commercial improvement contractor 
• Residential building contractor 
• Home improvement contractor 
• Electrical licenses 

You may choose one or more areas of specialization, but you will have to pass a trade exam for each license you wish to obtain. 

Class B

With a Class B license, you can accept contracts over $10,000 but under $120,000. Projects in a 12-month period may total over $150,000 but must remain under $750,000. To qualify for this license, you must submit an application that includes documented proof of: 

• Three years of experience 
• Minimum net worth of $15,000 
• Financial statement form 
• CPA review/audit 
• Surety bond form 

You also have to complete an eight-hour pre-licensing course and pass the Virginia and General exams, as well as your preferred trade exam. 

Class C

Obtaining a Class C license means you are permitted to accept contracts over $1,000 but under $10,000. Your project total for a 12-month period must be under $150,000. You must submit an application and documented proof of two years of experience. You’ll also have to complete an eight-hour pre-licensing course and pass a specialty trade exam. 

Prepare for Licensing Exams With RocketCert

Are you wondering how to prepare for your exams? RocketCert offers effective exam prep programs for working professionals. Contact us today to learn about obtaining a contractor’s license in Virginia.