Virginia Licensing Overview

  • All contractors must successfully complete an 8-hour business class approved by the Board for Contractors
  • Virginia requires construction work in excess of $1,000.00 be regulated at the State level. HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Gas Fitting is regulated, for any amount, at the State level.
  • Effective August 21, 2006, the Designated Employee or a member of Responsible Management of all contractors applying for initial licensure (for an entity that is not currently licensed) must successfully complete an 8-hour business class approved by the Board for Contractors. This applies to Class-A, Class-B, and Class-C Contractors.
  • Effective January 1, 2008, all Electrical, Plumbing, Gas Fitters and HVAC licenses require Continuing Education hours.
  • Effective March 1, 2016, all Contractor Specialty examinations will require pre-approval from DPOR prior to taking the examination. For more information please contact the Board for Contractors Licensing Section directly at (804) 367-8511.
  • For additional licensing requirements including experience, financial and bonding requirements, exam information, reference books needed, reciprocity and Continuing Education Requirements, please select the appropriate License link below.

Virginia Residential

Residential

Virginia Class A or Class B w/ Residential Building Contractor

The A or B license sets the monetary limit for which you will be allowed to bid. It covers all specialty categories in which your job would be over $120,000.00 for class A, and $10,000.00 up to $120,000.00 for class B.The Building Technical exam is required for any new construction. Individual whose contracts include construction on real property owned, controlled or leased by another person of commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, residential (single-family, two-family, or multi-family) and accessory use buildings or structures.This license also allows remodeling, repair, improvement or demolition of these buildings & structures.
Online Registration Available$795.00
View course
Residential

Virginia Home Improvement Contractor

Home Improvement Contracting means that service which provides for repairs or improvements to one-family and two-family residential buildings or structures annexed to real property. The RBC classification also provides this function. The HIC specialty does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting functions. It does not include high rise buildings, buildings with more than two dwelling units, or new construction functions beyond the existing building structure other than decks, patios, driveways and utility out buildings.
Online Registration Available$445.00
View course
Residential

Virginia Residential Building Contractor

Residential Building Contractor (RBC) means those individuals whose contracts include construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal, or demolition on real property owned, controlled, or leased by another person of dwellings and townhouses, as defined in the USBC, including accessory buildings or structures on such property. The RBC classification does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting services and does not allow construction, repair, or improvement, to commercial, industrial, institutional, or governmental use structures outside of dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC. The residential building classification includes but is not limited to the functions carried out by the following specialties for contracts of dwellings and townhouses, as defined by the USBC, and related accessory use buildings or structures: Concrete contracting Masonry contracting, Home improvement contracting, Painting and Wallcovering contracting, Industrialized Building contracting, Roofing contracting, Landscape Service contracting, and Swimming Pool contracting.
Online Registration Available$445.00
View course

Virginia Commercial

Commercial

Virginia Commercial Building Contractor

Commercial Building Contractors (Abbr: CBC) means those individuals whose contracts include construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal, or demolition on real property owned, controlled, or leased by another person of commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, and accessory use buildings or structures. The CBC classification does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting services and does not allow construction, repair, or improvement, of dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC. If the CBC contractor performs specialty services, other than those listed in this definition, all required specialty designations shall be obtained. The CBC contractor may act as a prime contractor and contract with subcontractors to perform work not permitted by the CBC license. The commercial building classification includes but is not limited to the functions carried out by the following specialties for contracts of commercial, institutional, governmental, and accessory use buildings or structures, including multi-family housing: Billboard/sign contracting, Marine facility contracting, Commercial improvement contracting, Masonry contracting, Concrete contracting, Painting and wall-covering contracting, Farm improvement contracting, Recreational facility contracting, Industrialized building contracting, Roofing contracting, Landscape service contracting, Swimming pool contracting.
Online Registration Available$795.00
View course
Commercial

Virginia Steel Erection Contractor

Virgina Steel Erection Contractor

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Steel Erection Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Virginia Electrical

Electrical

Washington D.C. Master/Journeyman Electrician

As a Master Electrician, you are able to develop and oversee wire system installations, acquire permits, and design the routing of circuits for installation. A master electrician also has the ability to serve as a supervisor to other journeymen or apprentices. Journeyman electricians have acquired the experience, knowledge, and training necessary to work independently, allowing them to gain even more experience and training in order to qualify for a master electrician license down the road. They work in commercial, industrial, and residential settings, where they are qualified to install, alter, add, and/or repair electrical systems, conductors, and associated materials and equipment. They have a full comprehension of the NEC and electrical theory. They often also supervise the work of apprentices. Electrical Apprenticeships are structured, regulated, and all-inclusive, consisting of at least 4-5 years of classroom study and on-the-job training (between 500 and 1,000 classroom hours and between 8,000 and 10,000 hours on-the-job). Although most apprenticeships include the classroom component, you may complete an electrician diploma or associate degree program beforehand, if desired, and satisfy all of the required classroom hours before beginning your apprenticeship.
Online Registration Available$595.00
View course

Virginia NASCLA

NASCLA

NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor

The NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building Contractor Exam eliminates the trade examination only for the participating state agencies. Once you have passed an exam within the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program, contractors will still have to meet additional state licensure requirements within each participating state to obtain their license, as well as passing the state specific Business Law exam.

Online Registration Available$795.00
View course

Virginia HVAC and Mechanical

HVAC and Mechanical

Virginia HVAC

This license allows contracts including the installation, repair, maintenance, and/or alteration of heating systems, boilers, process piping, and mechanical refrigeration systems, including tanks incidental to the system.
Online Registration Available$445.00
View course

Virginia Plumbing

Plumbing

Virginia Gasfitter

There are three (3) classifications available, each with a Master and Journeyman Level: Master/Journeyman Gas Fitter is a tradesman who does gas fitting related work. This work includes the installation, repair, improvement or removal of LP or Natural Gas piping, tanks, and appliances annexed to real property. Master/Journeyman LP Gas Fitter is a tradesman whose work includes the installation, repair, improvement, alterations or removal of piping, LP gas tanks, and appliances. This does not include hot water heaters, boilers, and central heating systems that require a HVAC or Plumbing certificate. Master/Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter is a tradesman who repairs, tests, or removes Natural Gas piping or fittings annexed to real property, excluding new installation of gas piping for hot water heaters, boilers, central heating systems, or other Natural Gas equipment that requires HVAC or Plumbing certification.
Online Registration Available$445.00
View course
Plumbing

Virginia Plumbing

This license allows contracts including the installation, maintenance, extension, alteration or removal of all piping, fixtures, appliances, appurtenances in connection with; boilers, backflow prevention devices, hot water heaters, hydronic systems, process piping, steam heating systems, venting systems related to plumbing, and others.
Online Registration Available$445.00
View course

Virginia Low Voltage and Fire

Low Voltage and Fire

Virginia Fire Suppression Contractor

 Fire Suppression Contracting (Abbr: FSP) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or removal of fire suppression systems including but not limited to halon and other gas systems; dry chemical systems; and carbon dioxide systems annexed to real property. No other classification provides for this function. The FSP specialty does not provide for the installation, repair, or maintenance of water sprinkler systems.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Fire Suppression Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Virginia Specialty Trades

Specialty Trades

Virginia Alternative Energy System Contracting

Alternative Energy System Contracting means that service which provides for the installation, repair or improvement, from the customers meter, of alternative energy generation systems, supplemental energy systems and associated equipment annexed to rel property. This service does not include the installation of emergency generators powered by fossil fuels. No other classification or specialty service provides for this function. This specialty does NOT provide for Electrical, Plumbing, Gas fitting or HVAC functions.
Online Registration Available$445.00
View course
Specialty Trades

Virginia Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating Contracting

Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating Contracting means that service which provides for the installation of asphalt paving and/or sealcoating on subdivision streets and adjacent intersections, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, running tracks, and play areas, using materials and accessories common to the industry. This includes height adjustments of existing sewer manholes, storm drains, water valves, sewer cleanouts and drain grates, and all necessary excavation and grading. The H/H classification also provides for this function.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating Contracting training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Billboard/Sign Contracting

Virginia Billboard/Sign Contracting

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Billboard/Sign Contracting training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Class C Contractor License

A Class C Contractor is any contractor that has single contracts from $1,000 or more but less than $10,000 or contracts totaling less than $150,000 over a one-year period. The following specialty trades are recognized under the Class A, B, and C licenses: • Alarm/security systems • Alternative energy system • Asbestos • Asphalt paving and sealcoating • Billboard, sign • Blast, explosive • Commercial improvement • Concrete • Electronic /communication service • Elevator /escalator • Environmental monitoring well • Environmental specialties • Equipment /machinery • Farm improvement • Fire alarm systems • Fire sprinkler • Fire suppression • Gas fitting • Home improvement • Landscape irrigation • Landscape service • Lead abatement • Liquefied petroleum gas • Marine facility • Masonry • Modular/ mobile/ manufactured building • Natural gas • Painting and wall covering • Radon mitigation • Recreational facility • Refrigeration • Roofing • Sewage disposal systems • Swimming pool construction • Vessel construction • Water well/ pump Virginia does not require Continuing Education for the Class C Contractor classification. Effective August 21, 2006, the Designated Employee or a member of Responsible Management of all contractors applying for initial licensure (for an entity that is not currently licensed) must successfully complete an eight hour business class approved by the Board for Contractors.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Class C Contractor License training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Concrete Contractor

Concrete Contracting (CEM) means that service which provides for all work in connection with the processing, proportioning, batching, mixing, Conveying and placing of concrete composed of materials common to the concrete industry.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Concrete Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Electronic/Communication Service Contractor

Electronic/Communication Service Contracting (ESC) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or removal of electronic or communications systems annexed to real property including telephone wiring, computer cabling, sound systems, data links, data and network installation, television and cable TV wiring, antenna wiring, and fiber optics installation, all of which operate at 50 volts or less.
Online Registration Available$445.00
View course
Specialty Trades

Virginia Equipment/Machinery Contracting

Equipment/Machinery Contracting means that service which provides for the installation or removal of equipment or machinery including but not limited to conveyors ir heavy machinery. Boilers exempted by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code but regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry are also included in this specialty. This specialty does not provide for any Electrical, Plumbing, Process Piping or HVAC functions.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Equipment/Machinery Contracting training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Farm Improvement Contracting

Farm Improvement Contracting means that service which provides for the installation, repair or improvement of a non-residential farm building or structure, or non-residential farm accessory-use structure, or additions thereto. The BLD classification also provides for this function. The FIC specialty does not provide for any Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC or gas fitting functions.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Farm Improvement Contracting training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Finish Carpentry Contractor

Virginia Finish Carpentry Contracting (FIN) means the service that provides for the installation, repair, and finishing of cabinets, sash casing, door casing, wooden flooring, baseboards, countertops, and other millwork.  Finish carpentry does not include the installation of ceramic tile, marble, and artificial or cultured stone.  The RBC and CBC classifications and the HIC and CIC specialties also provide for this function.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Finish Carpentry Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Fire Alarm Systems Contractor

Fire Alarm Systems Contracting means that service which provides for the installation, repair, or improvement of fire alarm systems which operate at 50 volts or less. The ELE classification also provides for this function. A firm with an FAS license is responsible for meeting all the applicable tradesman licensure standards.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Fire Alarm Systems Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Framing Subcontractor

Virginia Framing Subcontractor

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Framing Subcontractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor

Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Highway / Heavy Contractor

Highway/Heavy Contractors (H/H) means those individuals whose contracts include construction, repair, improvement, or demolition of the following: bridges, dams, drainage systems, foundations, parking lots, public transit systems, railroads, roads, runways, street, structural signs and lights, and tanks.
Online Registration Available$795.00
View course
Specialty Trades

Virginia Industrialized Building Contractor

Industrial Buildling Contracting means that service that provides for the installation or removal of an industrialized building as defined in the Virginia Industrialized Building Safety Regulations. This classification covers foundation work in accordance with the provisions of the USBC and allows the license to complete internal tie-ins of plumbing, gas, electrical, and HVAC systems. It does not allow for installing additional plumbing, gas, electrical, or HVAC work such as installing the service meter, or installing the outside compressor for the HVAC system. The BLD classification also provides for this function.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Industrialized Building Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Insulation and Weather Stripping Contractor

Virginia Insulation and Weather Stripping Contractor

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Insulation and Weather Stripping Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Landscaping Irrigation Contractor

Landscape Irrigation Contracting means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or removal or irrigation sprinkler systems or outdoor sprinkler systems. The PLB and H/H classifications also provide for this function. This specialty may installl backflow prevention devices incendental to work in this specialty when the installer has received formal vocational training approved by the Board that included instruction in the installation of backflow prevention devices.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Landscaping Irrigation Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Landscaping Service Contractor

Landscape Service Contracting (LSC) means that service which provides for the alteration or improvement of a land area not related to any other classification or service activity by means of excavation, clearing, grading, construction of retaining walls for landscaping purposes, or placement of landscaping timbers.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Landscaping Service Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Marine Facility Contracting

Virginia Marine Facility Contracting

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Marine Facility Contracting training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Masonry Contractor

Masonry Contracting (BRK) means that service which includes the installation of brick, concrete block, stone, marble, slate or other units and products common to the masonry industry, including mortarless type masonry products. This includes installation of grout, caulking, tuck pointing, sand blasting, mortar washing, parging and cleaning and welding of reinforcement steel related to masonry construction. The CBC and RBC classifications and the HIC and CIC specialties also provide for this function.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Masonry Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Painting and Wall Covering Contractor

Painting and Wall Covering Contracting (Abbr: PTC) means that service that provides for the application of materials common to the painting and decorating industry for protective or decorative purposes, the installation of surface coverings such as vinyls, wall papers, and cloth fabrics. This includes surface preparation, caulking, sanding and cleaning preparatory to painting or coverings and includes both interior and exterior surfaces. The CBC and RBC classifications and the HIC and CIC specialties also provide for this function.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Painting and Wall Covering Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Recreational Facility Contracting

Recreational Facility Contracting means that which service provides for the construction, repair, or improvement of any recreational facility, Excluding Paving and the construction of Buildings, Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC functions. The BLD classification also provides for this function.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Recreational Facility Contracting training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Refrigeration Contractor

Refrigeration Contracting (REF) means that service which provides for installation, repair, or removal of any refrigeration equipment (excluding HVAC equipment). No electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, or HVAC functions are provided by this specialty.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Refrigeration Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Roofing Contractor

Virginia Roofing Contractor

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Roofing Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Swimming Pool Construction Contractor

Swimming Pool Construction Contracting means that service which provides for the service, repair, construction, improvement or removal of in-ground swimming pools. The RBC and CBC classifications and the RFC specialty also provide for this function. No trade related Plumbing, Electrical, Backflow or HVAC work is included in the specialty.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Swimming Pool Construction Contractor training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Tile, Marble, Ceramic and Terrazzo Contracting

Virginia Tile, Marble, Ceramic and Terrazzo Contracting

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Tile, Marble, Ceramic and Terrazzo Contracting training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.

Specialty Trades

Virginia Vessel Contracting

Vessel Construction Contracting means that which service which provides for the construction, repair, improvement, or removal of nonresidential vessels, tanks or piping that hold or convey fluids other than sanitary water, storm, waste, or potable water supplies. The H/H classification also provides for this function.

We offer custom training options for the Virginia Vessel Contracting training built around your schedule. Find out now what options we have available.