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According to Indeed, general contractors that operate in the state of Virginia can earn salaries of upwards of $82,000 a year, on average. However, before you start demoing kitchens and planning home additions, it’s very likely that you’ll need to become licensed by the state. 

Though, in truth, some contractor jobs do not require a license, these are limited to projects that amount to a total value of $1,000 or less. As such, if you want to be a general contractor that can take on jobs in excess of $1,000, you’ll need to obtain a license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). 

Read on to discover the types of licenses that are available and how you can secure the one that is right for you.

Types of General Contractor Licenses

The DPOR lists three types of licenses available to general contractors — Class A, B, and C — each with specifications regarding what work may be performed. All three allow contractors to perform or manage construction, removals, repairs, or improvements to residential properties like homes and townhouses, as well as accessory structures, for example. 

These privileges do not pertain to the construction of new homes, but they do include any structures (decks, patios, driveways, outbuildings, etc.) that don’t require a permit to build or operate under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).

The main point of differentiation between the license types is the scope of projects that may be performed, which are primarily dictated by cost.

Class A License

A contractor with a Class A license may take on any project that amounts to $120,000 or more in value for a single contract or any number of projects amounting to $750,000 or more within a 12-month period.

Class B License

Class B licensees may take on any project valued between $10,000 and $120,000 for a single contract or multiple projects valued between $150,000 and $750,000 throughout a 12-month period.

Class C License

With a Class C license, a contractor may perform or manage projects valued between $1,000 and $10,000 for a single contract or take on multiple projects valued at or under $150,000 within a 12-month period.

Obtaining Your License

To be licensed in Virginia, you must complete a required 8-hour licensing course and pass the state exam. Seek out a convenient, self-paced course designed by both educators and industry professionals that includes exam prep books and testing materials. Once you pass your exam, you’ll fill out an application with the DPOR and pay associated licensing fees.

The Virginia Contractor Licensing Education & Exam Prep course offered by RocketCert not only meets all state requirements but is also designed to help you pass your state exam the first time around. If you don’t pass, you don’t pay. 

If you are ready to take the steps necessary to obtain your Virginia contractor license, contact RocketCert today to get started.