Virginia Contractor License Courses, Classes & Exam Prep

An original contractor’s license will expire within two years from the month that the license is received and issued.

Contracting licenses vary from state to state; however, you can obtain more information regarding this by emailing the Board for Contracts at contractor@dpor.virginia.gov or by calling them at (804) 367-8511.

Temporary licenses are given out to those who are out-of-state contractors. Still, they must have the entities, and these licenses have set requirements, including they can only be used for out-of-state entities who need a license during the waiting period for their permanent one. Temporary licenses are valid for 45 days, can’t be reinstated, reapplied, renewed, or reissued.

On average, the price for a temporary license is $50. To receive this license, you need to send a letter of good standing from another state. They need to give you positive feedback. You will need to pay both application fees (temporary and permanent).

It is not required in the state of Virginia.

Yes, Virginia accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors in lieu of the Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) trade exam. Applicants who wish to obtain a CBC license may take either the state CBC exam or the National NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.

The state of Virginia does not offer a traditional "General Contractor's" license; Residential and Commercial construction require separate license classifications by the DPOR.

A Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) license is required for the ground-up construction of new structures within commercial regulations, while a Residential Building Contractor (RBC) is required for ground-up construction of residential structures such as single-family homes.

In Virginia, a contractor’s license is required for any work that exceeds $1,000. There are different license specifications based on the type of work you wish to do. Make sure you get licensed for the particular type of work you intend to perform. 

Due to Virginia’s Code, only business entities may be given a contractor’s license. Additionally, even if the business has only one employee, the individual would not receive the contractor’s license.

File with the Department a written application on a form prescribed by the Board. Deliver the application with the $385 fee. In addition, as proof of financial responsibility, the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the minimum net worth requirement fixed by the Board in regulation by providing either a financial statement on a form prescribed by the Board or a balance sheet reviewed by a certified public accountant licensed in accordance with § 54.1-4409.1.

In addition, if the applicant is a sole proprietor, he shall furnish to the Board his name and address. If the applicant is a member of a partnership, they need to provide the Board with the names and addresses of all of the partnership’s general partners.

If the application is approved, the proposed designated employee will be required to take an oral or written examination to determine his general knowledge of contracting, including the statutory and regulatory requirements governing contractors in the Commonwealth. 

The Board may grant a Class A license in any of the following classifications: (i) residential building contractor, (ii) commercial building contractor, (iii) highway/heavy contractor, (iv) electrical contractor, (v) plumbing contractor, (vi) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor, (vii) fire sprinkler contractor, and (viii) specialty contractor.

File with the Department a written application on a form prescribed by the Board. Deliver the application with the $370 fee. In addition, as proof of financial responsibility, the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the minimum net worth requirement fixed by the Board in regulation by providing either a financial statement on a form prescribed by the Board or a balance sheet reviewed by a certified public accountant licensed in accordance with § 54.1-4409.1.

In addition, if the applicant is a sole proprietor, he shall furnish to the Board his name and address. If the applicant is a member of a partnership, they need to provide the Board with the names and addresses of all of the partnership’s general partners.

If the application is approved, the proposed designated employee will be required to take an oral or written examination to determine his general knowledge of contracting, including the statutory and regulatory requirements governing contractors in the Commonwealth.

The Board may grant a Class B license in any of the following classifications: (i) residential building contractor, (ii) commercial building contractor, (iii) highway/heavy contractor, (iv) electrical contractor, (v) plumbing contractor, (vi) HVAC contractor, (vii) fire sprinkler contractor, and (viii) specialty contractor.

File with the Department a written application on a form prescribed by the Board. Deliver the application with the $235 fee. The application shall contain information concerning the name, location, nature, and operation of the business and information demonstrating that the applicant possesses the character and minimum skills to engage in the occupation of contracting correctly.

The Board may grant a Class C license in any of the following classifications: (i) residential building contractor, (ii) commercial building contractor, (iii) highway/heavy contractor, (iv) electrical contractor, (v) plumbing contractor, (vi) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor, (vii) fire sprinkler contractor, and (viii) specialty contractor.

We detail the steps in Virginia's licensing process in our blog post, 'How to Become a Contractor in Virginia: A Basic Guide.' Learn about the different license classifications, how to submit your application and tips for passing your exam!