With close access to the Appalachian Trail, Washington D.C., and Shenandoah Park, Virginia has a lot to give. If you’re living in or moving to the state and wondering how to become a contractor there, you’re in the right place.
To work as a contractor in Virginia, you’ll need to:
- Create and register your contracting business
- Identify your Qualified Individual (QI) and Designated Employee (DE)
- Determine your license type – Class A, B, or C
- Have your QI and DE complete all required exams and training
- Apply and submit all supporting documents
Let’s dive into each step further.
Do You Need a Contractor’s License in Virginia?
Any person bidding on or performing the construction, repair, removal, or improvement of any building or structure owned by another person requires a contractor’s license in Virginia. Improvement includes cleanup, remediation, or containment to make spaces useable for human occupancy.
Contractor licenses in VA are overseen by the Virginia Board for Contractors and are only granted to businesses – not individuals.
- Create and Register Your Contracting Business
Since VA contractor licenses are only given to businesses, you’ll need to register your contractor business before applying for a license. The most common business entities are sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and partnerships.
Your business name should be related to the contracting work you plan to do. Check out Virginia’s Business One Stop page for more guidance directed toward entrepreneurs and business owners.
Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships are also required to register with the State Corporation Commission. Regular partnerships and sole proprietorships should be registered with the court in their jurisdiction.
When applying for your business contractor’s license, you’ll need to identify all officers, partners, members, owners, etc. of your business entity and include their personal information on your license application.
- Identify your Qualified Individual (QI)
The Q1 of your business must be a full-time employee, working at least 30 hours per week for the business. Businesses should have one QI for each specialty license they are applying for.
This person must meet the experience requirements for the license class you are applying for and pass any required exams for their specialty.
Below are the work experience requirements for QIs for all 3 license classes.
- Class A Licenses require 5+ years of experience.
- Class B Licenses require 3+ years’ experience.
- Class C Licenses require 2+ years of experience.
More specific Q1 requirements depending on their specialty can be found here.
You must provide your QI’s name, birthdate, Social Security number OR Virginia DMV Control Number, address, and a copy of their government ID.
- Determine Your License Type
When applying to become a contractor in VA, you’ll need to first choose your license class and specialty.
VA Contractor License Classes
Virginia offers three types of contractor license classes: Class A, B, and C. The class is determined by the monetary value of the projects the contractor undertakes.
Below are the definitions and requirements for each class.
- Class A Contractor Licenses: Class A contractors work on single contracts or projects valued at $120,000 or more OR total project costs of $750,000+ completed within one year.
- Class B Contractor Licenses: Class B contractors work on single contracts or projects valued at $10,000 or more, but less than $120,000 OR on total project costs between $150,000-$749,999 within one year.
- Class C Contractor Licenses: Class C contractors work on single contracts or projects valued between $1,001-$9,999 OR total project costs of less than $150,000 within one year. Class C includes electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors who are also required to be licensed masters in their trade.
Contractor License Specialties
Once you know how much work your business will undertake, you must specify what kind of work you will do. Contractor License specialties are written as 3-letter abbreviations on the physical license. QIs must meet the specialty requirements for your business to apply for that specialty.
Some examples of specialties include sign contracting, commercial improvement contracting, drywall contracting, home improvement contracting, roofing contracting, and many more. A full list of specialties, their definitions, and their abbreviations can be found here.
- Complete Examination and Pre-Licensure Training
Once you have your business set up and your QI meets the class and specialty licensing requirements, you must select your Designated Employee (DE).
The DE must be a member of management (business owner, partner, etc.) or a full-time employee. They will be responsible for completing the official contractor’s exam (Class A and B licenses only) and pre-licensing training (all classes).
Contractor Exams
Class A DEs will need to pass the General, Virginia, and Advanced portions of the exam.
Class B DEs will need to pass the General and Virginia portions.
For more information on the exam layouts, time frame, and study materials, see the official PSI Candidate Bulletin.
Pre-Licensure Training
The DE – or another member of responsible management – should complete the pre-licensure training before the business applies for a contractor’s license. This training is a basic business course that covers important statutes, requirements, and VA regulations.
There are several dozen places that provide this course, but you must choose one that is approved by the Board.
If you are applying to be a Residential Building Energy Analyst, you’ll also need to complete a class through an RBEA provider.
- Apply for Your License
If your business is registered, you have a QI and DE, and all respective parties have passed their exams and training, you can now apply for your Virginia Contractor License.
You can complete your application online or print it out and fill it in by hand.
With your application, you’ll need to submit:
- The application form, signed and completed in its entirety
- Financial Verification Forms, a CPA Review, OR a Surety Bond Form (Class A and B licenses only)
- Your business information
- Information on your management, QI, and DE, including copies of their IDs
- Experience Verification Forms for the QI
- Proof of passed exams and training completion
- Application fee:
- Class A: $385
- Class B: $370
- Class C: $235
Applications are usually reviewed within 30 days but may take longer. You will receive a letter if the Board requires more information from you. Otherwise, your license will be issued and mailed to you.
More details on the Virginia Contractor License application procedure, including information about renewals, can be found here.