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Skilled and experienced construction professionals can do well in the state of Virginia, but only if they first obtain the proper license. Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) licenses are issued by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), but in order to obtain one, you’ll have to complete several requirements. 

What is a CBC license and how do you get one?

What Does a Commercial Building Contractor Do?

Commercial building contractors are licensed to perform activities related to the installation, repair, or improvement of buildings used for commercial, institutional, or government purposes. This extends to multi-family housing, as well as accessory buildings or structures, but does not include nonresidential farm buildings or accessory structures.

A CBC license also allows for the addition of a range of contracting specializations, including:

• Billboard/sign
• Commercial improvement
• Concrete
• Farm improvement
• Industrialized building
• Landscape service
• Marine facilities
• Masonry
• Painting and wall covering
• Recreational facilities
• Roofing
• Swimming pools

In addition, contractors must choose between Class A, B, and C licenses. 

With a Class A license, there are no monetary limitations to the projects you may accept. Class B licenses are limited to projects under $120,000 for a single contract or contracts totaling less than $750,000 within a 12-month period. Class C licenses are limited to projects under $10,000 for a single contract or contracts totaling less than $150,000 within a 12-month period.

How to Obtain a CBC License

In order to obtain a CBC license in Virginia, you will have to meet several criteria. First, you must be 18 years of age and have a contracting business or be an employee or manager of a business. From there, different license classes will have different requirements.

Class A

In order to obtain a Class A license, you’ll need a minimum of five years of industry experience. You must also complete an 8-hour pre-licensing course, pass a specialty trade exam, and pass all three required exams, including the Virginia, General, and Advanced portions. 

When you have completed these requirements, you can submit an application, along with the required documentation of experience and minimum net worth ($45,000).

Class B

If you’re interested in a Class B license, you must first complete a minimum of three years of industry experience. As with a Class A license, you’ll have to complete an 8-hour pre-licensing course, but you’ll only need to pass a trade exam and two required exams: Virginia and General portions. 

Then you can submit an application with the required documentation of experience and minimum net worth ($15,000).

Class C

Those seeking a Class C license are required to have a minimum of two years of experience and complete an 8-hour pre-licensing course. They are also required to pass a specialty trade exam before submitting an application and the required documentation of experience.

Preparing for Your Exams

Finding the right licensing course will help you to prepare for the Commercial Building Technical Contractor exam, as well as the Virginia, General, and Advanced portions as needed. 

RocketCert offers the targeted exam prep, exam books, and additional services required to help you get your Virginia contractor license the first time. Contact us today to get started.