Virginia Residential Building Contractor (RBC) Exam Prep Courses

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

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Overview & Benefits

Your guide to the Virginia Residential Building Contractor Exam

Contractor Training Center offers everything you need to prepare for the Virginia Residential Building Contractor (RBC) Exam and obtain a business contractor license.

The Virginia Residential Building 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 residential building contractor in Virginia, you will be able to perform ground-up construction on residential structures such as single-family homes, including accessory buildings or structures.

Such projects often include:

  • Construction 
  • Renovation 
  • Repair 
  • Improvement  
  • Removal 
  • Demolition  

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

  • Electrical work 
  • Plumbing 
  • HVAC projects

What's on the Exam?

Virginia RBC Exam Content & Details

# of Questions Minimum Passing Score Time Allowed
80 56 (70%) 160 minutes
Subject Area # of questions
Layout 7
Excavation 6
Foundations 7
Framing 9
Insulation 3
Ventilation 3
Windows, Doors, and Skylights  3
Exterior 10
Decks, Walks, and Ramps 4
Finishing 6
Masonry 4
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs 1
Prints, Plans, and Specifications 8
Safety and Employee Protection 8
Construction Debris, Cleanup, and Disposal 1

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 Residential Building Contractor Exam

To become a licensed residential building contractor in Virginia, you must pass the Virginia Residential Building Contractor (RBC) Exam. This license permits you to contract for the construction of residential structures.  

The Virginia Residential Building Contractor Exam is a three-hour, open-book test consisting of 80 questions. 

The exam covers topics including: 

  • Excavation 
  • Foundations 
  • Framing 
  • Insulation 
  • Ventilation 
  • Windows, doors, and skylights 
  • Exteriors 
  • Decks, walks, and ramps 
  • Finishing 
  • Masonry 
  • Swimming pools and hot tubs 
  • Prints, plans, and specifications 
  • Safety and employee protection    
  • Construction debris cleanup and disposal 

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 Residential Building Contractor license

To register for the Virginia Residential Building 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 Residential Building Contractor exam is an open-book test of 80 multiple-choice questions. You are allotted three 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