How to Become a Licensed Virginia Framing Subcontractor (FRM): Requirements, Exam, and Study Guide

If you're planning to perform framing work in Virginia, obtaining the proper contractor classification is an important step toward growing your business and qualifying for larger construction projects.

For many contractors, that means obtaining the Virginia Framing Subcontractor (FRM) classification and passing the required examination.

Whether you're building residential structures, framing additions, constructing roof systems, or working on commercial projects, becoming a licensed framing subcontractor can help increase credibility, expand job opportunities, and ensure compliance with Virginia contractor licensing requirements.

In this guide, we'll explain how to become a licensed Virginia Framing Subcontractor, what the FRM classification covers, and how to prepare for the licensing exam.

What Does a Framing Subcontractor Do?

Framing subcontractors are responsible for building the structural framework of a project. Their work serves as the foundation for many other trades and plays a critical role in ensuring a structure is built safely and according to plan.

Depending on the project, framing subcontractors may perform:

• Wood framing
• Wall framing
• Floor framing systems
• Roof framing
• Structural framing
• Truss installation
• Framing for additions and remodels
• Framing repairs and modifications

Because framing is one of the most important phases of construction, skilled framing contractors are often in high demand for both residential and commercial projects.

How to Become a Licensed Virginia Framing Subcontractor

Before you can legally perform framing work under the FRM classification, you'll need to satisfy Virginia's contractor licensing requirements.

Step 1: Register Your Business

Virginia contractor licenses are issued to businesses rather than individuals.

Before applying, you'll need to establish your business entity and determine who will serve as the responsible management representative for your company.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate License Class

Virginia contractors are licensed under one of three license classes: Class A, Class B, or Class C.

The class you need depends on the size of the projects your business plans to perform and your total volume of work during a 12-month period.

• Class A contractors may accept a project valued at $150,000 or more for a single contract or projects totaling $1 million or more within a 12-month period.
• Class B contractors may accept a project valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 for a single contract or projects totaling $250,000 or more but less than $1 million within a 12-month period.
• Class C contractors may accept a project valued at more than $1,000 but less than $30,000 for a single contract or projects totaling less than $250,000 within a 12-month period.

Keep in mind that your license class determines the size of projects you can perform, while the Framing Subcontractor (FRM) classification determines the type of work you can perform.

Step 3: Complete the Required Pre-License Education

Virginia requires new contractor license applicants to complete an approved 8-hour pre-license education course.

This course covers:

• Business practices
• Virginia regulations
• Contract requirements
• Risk management
• Contractor responsibilities

Completing the pre-license course is a required step before submitting your application.

Step 4: Pass the Class A or Class B Business and Law Exam (If Required)

Applicants seeking a Class A or Class B Virginia contractor license must pass the Virginia Business and Law Exam administered by PSI.

The exam covers topics such as business organization, estimating and bidding, contracts, project management, risk management, labor laws, and Virginia licensing requirements.

Candidates can register for the exam and access testing information through PSI's Virginia contractor licensing portal.

Passing the required Business and Law Exam is a prerequisite for obtaining a Class A or Class B contractor license in Virginia.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and All Financial Documents

With your certificates in hand, including pre-license education and business exams if required, you are ready to submit your contractor license application to the DPOR.

Your application must include:

• Business information
• Qualified Individual (QI) details
• Selected license class
• All required financial documentation

For Class A and Class B, you must demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting either a financial statement verifying net worth, a surety bond, or other DPOR-approved financial evidence.

Class C applicants do not need to submit financials with their application.

Missing required financial attachments is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed.

Step 6: Take the Virginia Framing Subcontractor Exam

After your application is approved, you must take the Virginia Framing Subcontractor exam.

This exam tests your knowledge of:

• Residential and commercial framing practices
• Wood and metal framing systems
• Building codes and construction standards
• Safety requirements and OSHA regulations
• Blueprint reading and layout procedures
• Material selection, installation, and structural requirements

Passing the Virginia Framing Subcontractor exam verifies your competency to perform framing work as a licensed subcontractor in Virginia. It demonstrates that you understand industry standards, code requirements, and safe construction practices necessary to complete framing projects in compliance with state regulations.

Step 7: Begin Performing Framing Work

Once your license is approved, you'll be authorized to perform framing work within the scope of the FRM classification and the limits of your license class.

Benefits of Becoming a Licensed Framing Contractor in Virginia

Obtaining the proper contractor license can help position your business for long-term growth.

Some of the benefits of becoming a licensed framing contractor in Virginia include:

Access to More Project Opportunities

Many property owners, builders, and general contractors prefer working with properly licensed contractors.

Increased Credibility

Licensure demonstrates professionalism and shows clients that your business meets Virginia's contractor licensing requirements.

Business Growth Potential

As your experience grows, obtaining the appropriate license class can allow you to pursue larger projects and increase revenue opportunities.

Compliance with Virginia Requirements

Operating with the proper licensing helps ensure your business remains compliant with state regulations and licensing requirements.

Competitive Advantage

A contractor license can help distinguish your business from competitors who may not hold the appropriate credentials.

30-Day Virginia FRM Exam Study Plan

If you're preparing for the Virginia Framing Subcontractor exam, following a structured study schedule can help improve your chances of success.

Rather than trying to study everything at once, break your preparation into manageable weekly goals.

Week 1: Learn the Exam and Organize Your Reference Materials

One of the biggest advantages you can have on exam day is knowing your books.

During your first week:

• Review the exam format
• Organize reference materials
• Add tabs to important sections
• Learn chapter layouts
• Become familiar with indexes and tables of contents

Because the exam is open-book, your ability to quickly locate information can have a significant impact on your score.

Week 2: Focus on Core Framing Topics

Spend time reviewing:

• Structural framing
• Wood framing methods
• Floor framing systems
• Roof framing
• Wall framing
• Framing terminology
• Building code requirements
• Safety requirements

Strengthen any areas where your experience is limited.

While field experience is valuable, the exam also requires candidates to locate information efficiently and answer questions within a limited timeframe.

Knowing the material is important, but knowing where to find the material quickly can make a significant difference on exam day.

Week 3: Begin Practice Testing

Practice exams can help you:

• Improve speed
• Build confidence
• Identify weak areas
• Become familiar with exam wording

Review missed questions carefully and learn where information is located in your reference materials.

Many contractors discover their biggest challenges during practice testing rather than during the actual exam.

Week 4: Simulate Real Exam Conditions

During your final week:

• Complete timed practice exams
• Review frequently missed topics
• Practice navigating your books efficiently
• Fine-tune your testing strategy

The goal is to make exam day feel familiar rather than stressful.

The more comfortable you become with the format, timing, and reference materials, the more confident you'll be when it matters most.

Why So Many Contractors Choose Contractor Training Center

Preparing for the Virginia FRM exam while managing projects, employees, and customers can be challenging.

Contractor Training Center has trained more than 60,000 professionals nationwide and reports a 90% first-time pass rate among students. With six months of unlimited access to course materials, contractors can study at their own pace and revisit lessons whenever needed.

Benefits include:

• 60,000+ Professionals Trained Nationwide
• Reported 90% First-Time Pass Rate
• Six Months Unlimited Access to Course Materials
• Self-Paced Online Learning
• Practice Exams and Study Resources
• Flexible Learning Designed for Working Contractors

Instead of wondering whether you're studying the right material, you can follow a proven system designed specifically for Virginia contractor exam preparation.

Ready to Prepare for the Virginia FRM Exam?

Passing the Virginia Framing Subcontractor (FRM) exam is an important step toward becoming a licensed framing contractor and expanding your opportunities in the construction industry.

Whether you're launching a new business, growing an existing company, or pursuing larger construction projects, proper preparation can help you approach exam day with confidence.

Contractor Training Center's Virginia FRM Exam Prep Course provides the study materials, practice resources, and exam-focused training designed to help contractors prepare effectively.