Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor (CIC) Exam Prep Courses

Equip yourself with the information and insights you’ll need to pass this challenging exam on the first try with our exam prep packages, courses, and materials.

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Overview

Your guide to the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor Exam

Contractor Training Center offers everything you need to prepare for the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor (CIC) Exam and obtain your license.

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor Exam is a challenging test of your knowledge of building regulations, best practices, and terminology. However, with the right study materials and courses, you’ll build the base knowledge and confidence you’ll need to pass the exam and begin your career as a contractor.

As a licensed commercial improvement contractor in Virginia, you will be able to perform repairs or improvements on existing commercial, industrial, or government buildings.

Such projects often include:

  • Office build-outs and renovations 
  • Retail space improvements 
  • Restaurant and hospitality renovations 
  • Warehouse and industrial space modifications 
  • Healthcare facility upgrades  

In Virginia, in addition to Commercial Improvement Contractor classification, specialty designations must be obtained for licensees to perform:  

  • Electrical work 
  • Plumbing 
  • HVAC projects 

Exam Breakdown

Get a strong start in building your career

# of Questions Minimum Passing Score Time Allowed
50 35 (70%) 120 minutes
Subject Area # of questions
Windows and Doors 4
Rough Carpentry and Metal Framing 9
General Code Requirements 5
Roofing and Exterior Siding 7
Drywall 5
Concrete 7
Masonry 8
Safety 5

You can also refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin here for more information on testing policies.

Exam Preparation

How to prepare for the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor Exam

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor (CIC) Exam is required for anyone seeking to become a licensed commercial improvement contractor in Virginia. It assesses your knowledge of the principles, practices, and regulations related to commercial improvement contracting.

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor Exam is a two-hour, open-book test consisting of 50 questions.

The exam covers topics including:

  • Windows and Doors 
  • Rough Carpentry and Metal Framing 
  • General Code Requirements 
  • Roofing and Exterior Siding 
  • Drywall 
  • Concrete 
  • Masonry 
  • Safety

To pass, you must score 70% or higher. Effective preparation involves a thorough review of all study materials and reference books. Exam prep courses like the packages available through Contractor Training Center can explain exactly what you need to know to pass your exam the first time. 

License Requirements

How to get your Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor License

To register for the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor Exam and become a licensed contractor, you’ll need to:

- Determine which class of license to obtain 

  • Class A: Projects over $120,000. Requires 5 years of experience.    
  • Class B: Projects between $10,000 and $120,000. Requires 3 years of experience. 
  • Class C: Projects between $1,000 and $10,000. Requires 2 years of experience.

- Meet the Requirements: 

  • Complete an eight-hour pre-license education course approved by the Board for Contractors.    
  • Demonstrate financial responsibility by meeting certain net worth requirements.

- Get pre-approved for the exam by contacting the Board for Contractors Licensing Section of DPOR at (804) 367-8511.

- Once you have been pre-approved, register for the exam with PSI Exams online at www.psiexams.com. There is an $85 exam fee.

- Take and pass the exam. The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor exam is an open-book test of 50 multiple-choice questions. You are allotted two hours to complete the exam, and a score of 70% is required to pass.

- After passing the exam, apply for your contractor's license through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). You can find the application and instructions on their website at www.dpor.virginia.gov.

- Pay the required application and licensing fees: 

  • Class A License: $385 
  • Class B License: $370 
  • Class C License: $235 

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