How to Earn a Painting (PTC) License in Virginia

A professional paint job can transform a space, protect it from the elements, and increase its value. As a skilled painter, you bring color and life to your clients' homes and businesses. But to build a successful and sustainable career in Virginia, your talent needs to be backed by a state-issued contractor license.

Getting your Virginia Painting and Wallcovering Contractor (PTC) license is not just a formality; it's a legal requirement that protects your business and unlocks your true growth potential.

Take the first step in earning your license with our Virginia Painting License exam prep!

The process of getting licensed in painting and wallcovering has some unique twists compared to other trades. This guide will clarify everything, breaking down the steps to get licensed, from understanding the DPOR's rules to navigating critical EPA regulations.

At a Glance: Virginia Painting (PTC) License

Regulating Body: Virginia DPOR (Board for Contractors)

Specialty Name: Painting and Wallcovering Contracting (PTC)

Exam Provider: PSI Exams (Business/Law only)

Key Pre-Requisite: 8-Hour Pre-License Education Course

Crucial Certification: EPA Lead-Safe Certification (RRP Rule)

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 A License

No limits on project size or annual revenue.

Requires 5 years of experience.

Requires minimum business net worth of $45,000.

Class B License

Allows individual projects up to $120,000 and total annual revenue up to $750,000.

Requires 3 years of experience.

Requires minimum business net worth of $15,000.

Class C License

Allows projects up to $30,000 and total annual revenue up to $150,000.

Requires 2 years of experience and no net worth requirement.

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

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 but is not a trade skills course.

You’ll receive a certificate of completion, which is a mandatory 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 the DPOR.

Your application must 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 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 5: Take the Virginia Painting and Wall Covering (PTC) Trade Exam

After your application is approved, you must take the Virginia Painting and Wall Covering (PTC) specialty exam.

This exam tests your knowledge of:

Surface preparation

Application techniques

Paints, coatings, and wall coverings

Safety practices

Applicable Virginia regulations

Passing this trade exam verifies your technical competency to perform painting and wall covering work as a licensed contractor in Virginia.

Paint a Brighter Future for Your Business

Earning your Virginia Painting and Wallcovering Contractor (PTC) license is a powerful statement. It declares that you are a serious professional committed to quality, safety, and legal compliance. It’s the key to bidding on bigger jobs, building client trust, and protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to create.

The path requires careful attention to both DPOR and EPA regulations, but the rewards of being a fully licensed and certified painter are immeasurable.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey?

We offer comprehensive resources to help you navigate the licensing process. Explore our Virginia Painting and Wallcovering Contractor Exam Prep Course to prepare for your business exams.

For a complete overview of state licensing, be sure to read our main guide on How to Get Licensed as a Contractor in Virginia.

Why Do You Need a Painting License in Virginia?

In Virginia, any painting project valued at more than $1,000 legally requires a contractor license. The official designation for this trade is Painting and Wallcovering Contracting (PTC). This specialty allows you to apply paint, stains, and other coatings and to install wallcoverings.

Operating without this license is a risk you can't afford to take. It's a Class 1 misdemeanor that can lead to significant fines. But beyond the legal necessity, a PTC license provides powerful advantages for your business:

Bid on Any Job: Your license class (A, B, or C) determines the size of projects you can legally accept. With a license, you can confidently bid on large residential repaints, new construction projects, and commercial contracts.

Gain Instant Credibility: A DPOR license is a stamp of approval. It tells clients and general contractors that you are a legitimate, knowledgeable professional who meets the state's standards.

Secure Better Insurance: Many insurance carriers offer better rates to licensed contractors because they are seen as less risky. A $1 million general liability policy, essential for covering potential overspray or property damage claims, is much easier to obtain as a licensed entity.

Most importantly, if you plan to work on any home, school, or childcare facility built before 1978, you will also need EPA certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This includes the time for your pre-license and RRP courses, the DPOR application review period (which can take a month or more), and passing your business exams.

Do I really need the EPA RRP certification?

Absolutely. If you disturb any painted surface in a pre-1978 home or child-occupied facility—even for simple prep work like sanding—the RRP rule applies. It is a federal law with severe penalties for non-compliance. It is the single most important certification for a modern painter.

Can I just get a Class C license to start?

Yes, a Class C license is an excellent entry point. It requires just two years of experience and has no net worth requirement. However, you must strictly adhere to its limits: no single job over $30,000 and no more than $150,000 in total revenue per year.

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