How to Get Your Virginia Highway/Heavy Contractor License: Complete Study Guide

Virginia highway and bridge construction project with heavy equipment

Virginia Highway Heavy (H/H) Contractor Exam Prep Online Course + Exam Ready Book Set

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Virginia's Highway/Heavy (H/H) Contractor License covers everything from road construction and bridge repair to underground utilities and site grading, making it one of the most versatile classifications DPOR offers.

If you're ready to compete for public infrastructure contracts and large-scale civil work, here's exactly what you need to do.

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Virginia Highway/Heavy Contractor License Overview

Licensing Authority: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
Specialty Classification: Highway/Heavy (H/H)
License Classes: Class A, Class B, Class C
License Issued To: Business entities (not individuals)
Required Pre-License Course: 8 Hours
Business & Law Exam: Required for Class A & B
Highway/Heavy Exam: PSI Specialty Examination
Exam Format: Open Book
License Renewal: Every 2 Years

What Work Does the Virginia H/H Classification Cover?

The Highway/Heavy classification is DPOR's license for large-scale civil and infrastructure construction.

Its broad scope includes:

Highway and roadway construction
Bridge construction and repair
Excavation and grading
Asphalt and concrete paving
Drainage and stormwater systems
Underground utility installation
Public infrastructure improvements

Many contractors prefer the H/H classification specifically because it eliminates the need to hold multiple narrower licenses. If your business performs several types of heavy civil work, a single H/H license likely covers all of it.

How to Get a Virginia Highway/Heavy Contractor License

Step 1: Register Your Business

Virginia contractor licenses are issued to business entities, not individuals. Before applying, establish your business - LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship - and identify who will serve as the Qualified Individual (QI) for the company.

Have your legal business name, ownership structure, and any required Virginia state registrations organized before you start your application. Getting your business structure right from the beginning prevents delays later in the process.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate VA Highway/Heavy License Class

License Class	Maximum Single Contract	Maximum Annual Volume
Class A	$150,000 or more	$1 million or more
Class B	$30,000 or more but less than $150,000	$250,000 or more but less than $1 million
Class C	More than $1,000 but less than $30,000	Less than $250,000

Your license class determines project size; the H/H classification determines project type. Both need to match your business.

Pro tip: If you're growing quickly, apply for the higher class upfront - upgrading later requires additional paperwork and fees, so it's worth getting right the first time.

Step 3: Complete the Required Pre-License Education

All new applicants must complete Virginia's 8-hour Pre-License Education Course before submitting their application. The course covers contractor regulations, business organization, financial management, contracts, employment requirements, risk management, and licensing laws.

Completing this early in the process gives you a solid foundation before you move into the exam and application stages.

Step 4: Pass the Virginia Business & Law Exam

Class A and B applicants must pass Virginia's Business & Law examination before applying.

Class A: Virginia, General, and Advanced portions
Class B: Virginia and General portions
Class C: No exam required

The exam covers licensing regulations, contracts, estimating, financial management, and project administration. It tests that you understand how to run a compliant contracting business - not just how to build.

Step 5: Submit Your Application to DPOR

Submit your completed application to DPOR along with your Pre-License Education certificate, Business & Law exam verification (Class A & B), any required financial documentation, and the applicable fees.

Review everything twice before submitting. A missing signature, uncertified document, or forgotten fee can send your application back and delay your licensing timeline. Incomplete applications are a common cause of licensing delays.

Step 6: Pass the Virginia Highway/Heavy Specialty Exam

The final step is passing the PSI Highway/Heavy Specialty Examination. Topics include:

Earthwork and excavation
Grading
Asphalt and concrete paving
Drainage
Underground utilities
Construction materials
Safety and equipment
Project management

The exam is open book, but it's timed. Contractors need to know their reference materials well enough to navigate them quickly under pressure.

Tabbing your books by topic, practicing with timed exercises, and following a structured study plan can help you prepare for the pace and format of the exam.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong License Class

A contractor who applies for Class C and then wins a $40,000 contract can't legally perform it under that class. Match your class to your actual project size and growth plans - not just where your business is today.

Underestimating the Open-Book Exam

The PSI exam is timed. Candidates who walk in without practicing how to navigate their reference materials can lose valuable time. Tab your books, know your index, and simulate exam conditions before the real thing.

Waiting Too Long to Study

The H/H exam spans earthwork, drainage, utilities, paving, safety, equipment, and project management across multiple reference books. Give yourself enough time for structured preparation rather than trying to cover everything in a single weekend.

Submitting an Incomplete Application

Double-check every form and every attachment before you submit. Missing information or required documentation can delay the licensing process.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Complete our FREE Virginia Licensing Checklist to see what you need to get licensed, track the steps you've already completed, and identify what comes next.

Have questions or need help navigating the process? Meet with a Career Advisor for FREE to review your checklist, discuss your goals, and get personalized guidance on your next steps.

Start Preparing for Your Virginia Highway/Heavy Exam

The PSI specialty exam is the final step between you and your H/H license. Contractor Training Center's Virginia Highway/Heavy Exam Prep gives you structured study materials, practice questions, and expert guidance on navigating the approved reference books - so you walk in knowing what to expect and how to find the information you need.

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"The study materials were top-notch: comprehensive, well-organized, and perfectly aligned with everything needed to meet DPOR requirements."

— J.D. Boggs, Virginia | Verified Trustpilot Review

Prepare for Your Virginia Highway/Heavy Exam

Get the study materials, practice questions, reference books, and exam prep resources you need to prepare for the Virginia Highway/Heavy Contractor Exam.

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Virginia Highway Heavy H/H Contractor Exam Prep

Virginia Highway/Heavy Contractor License FAQ

Do I need a business entity to apply?

Yes. Virginia licenses are issued to businesses, not individuals. You'll need to establish your entity before submitting your application.

Is the Highway/Heavy exam really open book?

Yes - but it's timed, so preparation still matters. Knowing where to find answers quickly is as important as knowing the material.

Can I upgrade my license class later?

Yes. Many contractors start at Class B or C and upgrade as their business grows. Upgrading requires additional documentation and fees.

How long does licensing take?

The timeline varies depending on exam scheduling, application processing, and how quickly you complete and submit the required licensing steps.

How often do I renew?

Virginia contractor licenses must be renewed every two years.

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