How to Become a Virginia Concrete Contractor (CEM)

Q: How long does it take to get a concrete license in Virginia?

On average, the process takes 2 to 4 months. This includes time for the pre-license course, DPOR application review, scheduling with PSI, and passing the exams.

Q: Can I do concrete work with a Residential Building Contractor (RBC) license?

Yes. An RBC can perform work related to the construction of a home, including concrete for that project. But an RBC contractor cannot take a project that is only concrete work unless they also hold the CEM specialty.

Q: What references are allowed for the CEM exam?

The PSI CEM exam is typically open book. Always check the latest PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for the approved reference list.

How to Become a Virginia Concrete Contractor (CEM)

Concrete is the literal bedrock of modern construction, used in everything from foundations and driveways to towering commercial structures. If you're a skilled concrete professional in Virginia, you already know the value of your trade. But to truly build a successful, scalable business, you need more than just expertise with a trowel—you need a state-issued license.

Earning your Virginia Concrete Contractor (CEM) license is the official mark of a professional. It allows you to take on larger, more profitable projects and establishes trust with clients. Navigating the requirements set by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) involves specific steps, from pre-license education to a technical specialty exam.

This article breaks down every requirement into a clear, step-by-step plan so you can confidently work toward obtaining your CEM license.

At a Glance: Virginia Concrete (CEM) License

Regulating Body: Virginia DPOR (Board for Contractors)
Specialty Name: Concrete Contractor (CEM)
Exam Provider: PSI Exams
Key Pre-Requisite: 8-Hour Pre-License Education Course
Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years

Why Get a Concrete License in Virginia?

In Virginia, performing any concrete work on a project valued over $1,000 legally requires a contractor's license. The Concrete Contractor (CEM) specialty is the specific designation for this trade. It authorizes you to install, repair, and finish concrete, including footings, foundations, slabs, and sidewalks.

Beyond staying on the right side of the law, a CEM license offers powerful business benefits:

Bid on Bigger Jobs: Your license class determines the size of projects you can undertake. With a Class A or B license, you can move from small residential jobs to lucrative commercial and public works contracts.
Establish Credibility: A license signals to homeowners, general contractors, and inspectors that you have met Virginia's standards for knowledge and professionalism.
Protect Your Business: The licensing process helps ensure you understand the laws and regulations governing the industry, reducing risk of fines and disputes.

Step 1: Determine Your License Class

Your first major decision is selecting the correct license class for your business. Virginia’s Board for Contractors issues Class A, B, and C licenses, each with different limits and requirements.

Class	Project / Revenue Limits	Experience Required	Financial Requirement
Class A	No limits on project size or annual revenue.	5 years	Minimum business net worth of $45,000
Class B	Projects up to $120,000 each; up to $750,000 annually.	3 years	Minimum business net worth of $15,000
Class C	Projects up to $30,000 each; up to $150,000 annually.	2 years	No net worth requirement

The required experience must be held by a Qualified Individual (QI) within your company — this can be you or another qualified manager.

Step 2: Complete the 8-Hour Pre-License Course

All applicants — Class A, B, or C — must complete a Board-approved 8-hour pre-license education course before applying. This course covers business fundamentals and Virginia contractor regulations (not trade skills).

You’ll receive a certificate of completion, which is a required part of your application package.

Note: Completing this course does not replace any required exams; it simply satisfies DPOR’s basic business education requirement

Step 3: Pass the Required Business Law Exams (Class A & B Only)

If you are applying for a Class A or Class B license, you must pass the appropriate DPOR business exams through PSI:

Class B Applicants: Must pass the Virginia Portion and the General Portion.
Class A Applicants: Must pass the Virginia Portion, General Portion, and the Advanced Portion.

These exams cover Virginia laws, business practices, safety, and administrative responsibilities for contractors.

If you are applying only for Class C, you do not take these business law exams — skip to Step 4.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and All Financial Documents

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

Your application should include:

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

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

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

Common delay: Missing financial attachments is one of the most common reasons applications get held up.

Step 5: Take the Virginia Concrete Contractor (CEM) Trade Exam

After your application is approved, you must take the Virginia Concrete Contractor (CEM) trade exam (specialty exam). This exam tests your knowledge of:

Concrete materials and mix design: ~20–25%
Formwork and reinforcement: ~20–25%
Placement, finishing, and curing: ~20–25%
Estimating and calculations: ~15–20%
Safety and regulations: ~10–15%

Passing this trade exam verifies your technical competency to perform concrete work as a licensed contractor in Virginia.

Build Your Future on a Solid Foundation

Earning your Virginia Concrete Contractor (CEM) license is a significant achievement that opens up a world of opportunity. It validates your expertise, allows you to grow your business, and builds lasting trust with your clients. The process requires diligence, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Our expertly designed exam prep courses provide the focused study materials you need to pass the Virginia CEM exam on your first try. Visit our Virginia CEM Exam Prep Collection to get started.

For a complete overview of state licensing, see our pillar page on How to Get Licensed as a Contractor in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a concrete license in Virginia?

On average, the process takes 2 to 4 months. This includes time for the pre-license course, DPOR application review (often 30 days or more), scheduling with PSI, and passing the exams. The fastest way to get licensed is to submit a complete, accurate application the first time.

Can I do concrete work with a Residential Building Contractor (RBC) license?

Yes. A licensed Residential Building Contractor (RBC) can perform work related to the construction of a home, which includes concrete and foundation work for that project. However, an RBC contractor generally cannot take on a project that is only for concrete work unless they also hold the CEM specialty.

What references are allowed for the CEM exam?

The PSI CEM exam is an open-book test. Approved references typically include the BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses and the ACI 318 - Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete. Always check the latest PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for the current list of allowed materials.

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