Virginia Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Exam Prep Courses

Know exactly what to study, practice under real exam conditions, and walk into exam day confident you're preparing with the right material. Most candidates are ready to test in 4 weeks or less.

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Pass Your Open-Book Virginia HIC Exam—Choose Your Study Style

 

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$1,899.97 $1,699.97
Save $200 With Code PREP200

Our self-paced online course and learning bootcamps, exam-ready reference materials, exam simulator, and more. Get everything you need to prepare for and pass the Virginia HIC exam!

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Exam Prep Course
  • Practice Exam Simulator
  • Exam-Ready Tabbed and Highlighted Approved Book Set
  • On-Demand Access to Previous Live Class Recordings
  • Access to Biweekly Instructor Office Hours
  • On-Demand Access to Learning Bootcamps
  • Start-Up Consultation
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$1,299.97 $1,099.97
Save $200 With Code PREP200

Our self-paced, expertly-taught online course, book bundle, tab set, exam simulator, and more. Acquire the knowledge and confidence you'll need to pass the exam!

BUY NOW

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Exam Prep Course
  • Practice Exam Simulator
  • Access to On-Demand Videos of Previous Live Classes
  • Access to Biweekly Instructor Office Hours
  • Approved Book Set for Open-Book Exam
  • Digital Access to Book Highlighting Guides
  • Exam Prep Tab Set
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Book and Tab Set

$1,069.94 $1,049.97

Prepare for the Virginia Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Exam at PSI with approved reference materials for the open-book test.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Approved Reference Manuals for Open-Book Exam
  • Exam Prep Tab Set
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Access-Until-You-Pass Guarantee

We're all in on your success. If you don't pass your Virginia HIC exam on the first try, we'll extend your course access and provide extra support to help you prepare for the next attempt—at no additional cost.

Free 6-month extensions available with proof of exam failure and an exam attempt within 6 months of purchase. $150 fee applies otherwise.

What's on the Virginia HIC Exam

The Virginia Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) exam is administered by PSI. It covers the trade knowledge required for improvement and repair work on existing residential buildings — including carpentry, roofing, drywall, insulation, and safety. The exam is open book with 50 questions and a 2-hour time limit.

Total questions50
Passing score70%
Time allowed120 min
Exam formatOpen book
Administered byPSI

EXAM CONTENT AREAS

Subject area# of questions
Concrete4
Masonry4
Painting and Wall Covering4
Drywall4
Rough Carpentry and Framing5
Siding5
Finish Carpentry5
Roofing5
Insulation5
Safety5
Windows and Doors4
Total50

RESOURCES & REQUIREMENTS

VIEW FULL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

For full details on registration, testing policies, and exam locations, refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for full details on registration, testing policies, and exam locations.

For a complete walkthrough of the licensing process, read our guide Virginia Home Improvement Contractor License: Requirements, Steps, and How to Get Licensed.

HOW WE HELP YOU PASS

  1. 1
    Study the right material with exam-aligned content. Master the concepts and references tested on the HIC exam with focused lessons, practice questions, and study materials built around the current exam blueprint.
  2. 2
    Practice like it's test day with realistic exam simulations. Practice like it's test day with realistic exam simulations. Build confidence and identify knowledge gaps with practice exams that mirror the format, timing, and pressure of the actual HIC exam.
  3. 3
    Find answers faster using tabbed and highlighted references. Save valuable exam time with reference books organized for fast navigation. Whether you choose pre-tabbed and highlighted books or use our DIY tabbing and highlighting guides, you'll be equipped to locate key information quickly during the open-book exam.
  4. 4
    Follow a proven study plan designed for busy professionals. Know exactly what to study and when. Our step-by-step study plan helps you stay on track, maximize your study time, and prepare efficiently around work and life commitments.
How We Help

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Virginia Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license?

Authorizes contractors to perform repairs or improvements on existing residential buildings, including dwellings, townhouses, and accessory structures. Examples include kitchen and bathroom remodeling, deck construction, roofing repair, siding replacement, and window or door installation. Requires passing both a trade exam and the Business Law exam (Class C exempt).

What type of work can a HIC contractor perform in Virginia?

HIC seems to only include existing structures, not any new add-ons so can be misleading

Is the Virginia HIC exam open book?

Yes. The Virginia HIC exam is an open-book, computer-based test administered at PSI testing centers. You may bring approved reference materials into the exam. However, with 50 questions in just 120 minutes, knowing how to quickly locate answers is critical. Our pre-tabbed and highlighted book sets are specifically designed to help you navigate your references efficiently under exam conditions.

What score do I need to pass the Virginia HIC exam?

You must answer at least 35 out of 50 questions correctly to achieve the required 70% passing score. The exam covers 11 subject areas including concrete, masonry, carpentry, roofing, drywall, insulation, and safety. Our exam prep course and practice simulator are designed to give you the confidence and knowledge needed to clear that threshold on your first attempt.

How do I register for the Virginia HIC exam?

Before you can register for the HIC exam, you must be pre-approved by DPOR. Submit a license application and experience verification forms at www.dpor.virginia.gov. Once pre-approved, register for the exam at www.psiexams.com. The exam fee is $85. After passing the exam, your license is typically issued within 5–7 business days.

What Virginia Contractors are Saying

“

I completed the pre-license course and had a great experience. The online format made it convenient to work at my own pace, and the platform was easy to navigate, even for someone who isn’t very tech‑savvy.

Virginia CTC Student

“

The exam covers a lot of material. The course sifted through all of that content and highlighted the relevant information I needed. It takes time and commitment to get through it, but it’s worth it.

Virginia CTC Student

“

I highly recommend taking advantage of instructor office hours. That’s where the course really started to click for me.

Virginia CTC Student

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