Virginia Contractor License Courses, Classes & Exam Prep

Join the thousands of professionals who have launched successful careers with the help of our flexible courses. We offer the comprehensive knowledge base and study tools you need to start and grow your career as a contractor in Virginia.

Choose Your Virginia Licensing Path

Virginia Construction Contractor Exam Prep

Virginia Electrical Contractor Exam Prep

Gain the Knowledge You Need to Pass the Virginia Contractor Exams

Contractor Training Center provides the right tools, resources, and exam prep services to meet all Virginia general contractors license requirements. Our programs include everything you need for a strong start in building and growing your construction career.

We’ll walk you through the steps to obtain your license, discuss the different types of exams, and offer additional resources to make the process of acquiring your license as easy and stress-free as possible.

Overview

Virginia Contractor's License: Everything You Need to Know

Construction laws vary from state to state, but in Virginia, a contractor’s license is required for any work that exceeds $1,000 in labor and materials. As a contractor, you can work in the construction, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical field. The primary benefits of a Virginia contractor’s license are:

Instant Credibility

The license allows you to establish yourself, build trust, and build your business.

Work More. Earn More.

Larger projects are off limits without the license and clients will pay a higher price for the work of a licensed contractor than an unlicensed handyperson.

Obtaining a contractor’s license in Virginia doesn’t need to be an overwhelming process. Contractor Training Center can help you every step of the way, lessening the hassles and headaches while we’re at it.

Our experienced and knowledgeable team understands this process and is equipped with the knowledge and know-how to support you through this process.

License Requirements

Steps to Earning Any Virginia Contracting License

Here’s what you’ll need to do to become a licensed contractor in Virginia:

Mandatory Pre-License Course You must complete the eight-hour pre-licensing course to apply for your contractor license
Business Law Exam Class A and Class B contractor applicants must pass a business law exam before applying for a contractor license
License Application Applicants must submit a license application to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
Technical Licensing Exam Once DPOR approves your application for licensure, you must take and pass a technical licensing exam that covers topics specific to the type of work to be performed under the license.

Contractor Training Center offers all the exam prep support and materials you’ll need to pass any Virginia contractor exam, plus license application processing services. For more information, check out our blog “How to Get Licensed as a Contractor in Virginia.”

Exam Preparation

How to Prepare for the Virginia Contractor Exams

Virginia contractor exams are administered by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Their purpose is to evaluate aspiring contractors' knowledge of their specific field.

Effective preparation involves a thorough review of all study materials and reference books and relevant Virginia state codes.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About Contractor Licensing in Virginia

How long is my license Valid?

A contractor’s license will expire two years after the month that the license was received and issued.

Does the Commonwealth of the State of Virginia issue temporary licenses?

Temporary licenses may be issued to out-of-state contractors associated with out-of-state entities in need of a license during the waiting period for their permanent one. Temporary licenses are valid for 45 days, can’t be reinstated, reapplied, renewed, or reissued.

The fee for a temporary license is usually around $50. Applicants must provide a letter of good standing from another state and pay both application fees (temporary and permanent).

Is continuing education required for contractors in the state of Virginia?

No. Continuing education is not required in the state of Virginia. However, Virginia Tradesmen and Home Inspectors must take continuing education through their respective licensing boards.

Is the NASCLA accredited commercial contractor exam accepted in the state of Virginia?

Yes. Virginia accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors in lieu of the Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) trade exam. Applicants who wish to obtain a CBC license may take either the state CBC exam or the National NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.

What kinds of contractor licenses are available in Virginia?

Virginia issues several different kinds of contractor licenses. Learn more about them here.