Exam Prep Course
Virginia Home Improvement Contracting (HIC) Exam Prep Course
features:
- Course Duration: 8 Hours
- Course Type: In-Class / Live Webinar $349; Online Pre-Recorded $249
- Books Required: 12
Virginia Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Exam Prep Course
A Virginia HIC license allows contractors to provide repairs or improvements to dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC or structures annexed to those dwellings or townhouses as defined in the USBC. The RBC classification also provides for this function. The HIC specialty does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting functions. It does not include new construction functions beyond the existing building structure other than decks, patios, driveways, and utility outbuildings that do not require a permit per the USBC. Only an RBC license will cover new construction functions of residential structures in Virginia.
Exam Prep Class:
This class will prepare you to take the Virginia Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) exam at PSI. We cover all the material that you are allowed to bring into the exam. The pre-recorded content included with all class purchases also includes practice exam questions and answers to prepare you to take the timed exam.
Class Days and Times:
This prep course is available in three options: Pre-Recorded, Live In-Class, and Live-Streamed Webinar.
The online pre-recorded content is included with the purchase of any live course to serve as a follow-up study material. Pre-Recorded content includes highlighting instructions and practice exam questions for each book.
Pre-Recorded classes are available to you immediately upon purchase and can be completed at your own time and pace.
Live Classes are a one-day intensive prep course, held on:
Thursday
8:30 am ET – 5:30 pm ET
Additional Materials
The exam at PSI is open-book. You may bring the approved references into the exam, and reference manuals may be tabbed and highlighted. Tabs must be permanent adhesive tabs - removable tabs such as post-its are not allowed in the examination center.
Books
You may take the following references into the exam with you:
- 29 CFR Part 1926 Related Standards
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code Part 1
- International Residential Code, 2012 or 2015 edition - 2015 edition only starting 7/1/2020
- Carpentry & Building Construction
- The Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
- Craftsman's Manual and Textbook 8th Edition - Painting and Decorating
- Modern Masonry, 8th Edition
- Standard Practice for Installation of Rigid Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Siding and Sofit
- Insulation Handbook 2000
- Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
- ANSI A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
- Finish Carpenter's Manual
You can purchase the book bundle here.
Additional Courses
All Virginia Contractor Applicants are still required to meet other state licensing regulations in order to obtain a license. This includes taking a mandatory 8-Hour Pre-License Course before applying for licensure as well as submitting a license application. All applicants must also take a technical exam specific to the type of work they perform. We offer exam prep courses and materials for nearly every exam in Virginia - check them out here!
Exams are administered by PSI and can be scheduled by registering at candidate.psiexams.com
Exam Subject Areas
What is on the Exam?
| # of Questions | Minimum Passing Score | Time Allowed |
| 50 | 35 (70%) | 120 minutes |
| Subject Area | # of questions |
|---|---|
| Concrete | 4 |
| Masonry | 4 |
| Painting and Wall Covering | 4 |
| Drywall | 4 |
| Rough Carpentry and Framing | 5 |
| Siding | 5 |
| Finish Carpentry | 5 |
| Roofing | 5 |
| Insulation | 5 |
| Safety | 5 |
| Windows and Doors | 4 |
You can also refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin here for more information on testing policies.
