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There are plenty of reasons to get into contracting as a line of work. For one thing, every project is unique, with new and interesting challenges to tackle.

Perhaps more importantly, you can skip the four-year degree (and the student loan debt that comes with it), learn through apprenticeship, and eventually become your own boss with the right training, experience, and licensing.

If you want to operate as an insulation and weather stripping contractor in the state of Virginia, you must first obtain the proper licenses from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR). What licenses will you need, and what are the requirements to obtain them?

General Contractor License

Before you can obtain a specialty contractor designation for insulation and weather stripping, you need to have a general contractor license. You can choose from Class A, B, or C.

You must be at least 18 years old to qualify, and you’ll have to complete an eight-hour pre-licensing course and pass the specialty licensing exam to obtain any general contractor license.

Paired with two years of experience, this will earn you a Class C license, with which you can perform individual contracts of less than $10,000 and earn up to $150,000 a year.

A Class B license requires three years of experience, and you’ll also have to pass the Virginia and General exams. However, you’ll gain the ability to perform individual contracts up to $120,000 and earn up to $750,000 annually.

To obtain a Class A license, you’ll need five years of experience and you’ll have to pass the Virginia, General, and Advanced exams. The major benefit of this license class is that there are no restrictions on earning potential.

Insulation and Weather Stripping License

Contractors with an insulation and weather stripping classification are licensed to perform work that includes the installation, repair, removal, or improvement of insulating media. Specifically, this is limited to materials used for temperature or sound control and does not apply to insulating mechanical equipment, ancillary lines, or piping.

Once you have your general contractor license, you can take the Insulation and Weather Stripping exam. It’s a 90-minute, open-book test that covers topics like:

• General knowledge and theory
• Rigid board and reflective insulation
• Plan reading, materials, estimating, and take-offs
• Batt/roll insulation
• Ventilation
• Vapor retarders
• Spray-on application
• Blown or loose-fill insulation
• Safety

The test includes 40 questions, and you’ll have to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The right exam prep course will help you ensure you have the knowledge needed to ace the test.

Exam Preparation

What should you look for in an exam prep course? For starters, find a program geared toward working professionals that offers self-paced, online learning and courses created by industry experts and educators. A no-pass, no-pay policy is a good indicator of quality, and lifetime access means you can refresh your knowledge at any time.

RocketCert proudly helps professionals obtain and maintain licenses. If you’re ready to get your Virginia insulation and weather stripping contractor license, contact us today.