Virginia Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Virginia licenses contractors at the state level through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The Board for Contractors issues contractor business licenses by class (A, B, or C) and by classification/specialty (such as Building, Residential Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC). Individual tradespeople in the electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, and gas fitting trades are also licensed as journeymen and masters under DPOR’s Tradesman Program.
For most construction, repair, or improvement work valued at $1,000 or more, a DPOR-issued contractor license is required. Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting) requires proper tradesman credentials and, when the project value meets the threshold, an appropriate contractor business license. Fairfax County and some other jurisdictions may require local business registration in addition to state licensing, but the licenses themselves are issued by DPOR.
This guide spotlights several representative licenses and authorities for Virginia; we update it periodically as additional details are clarified or requested by readers. Use the quick navigation below to jump to your trade and see the steps, exams, fees, and renewal rules that commonly apply statewide.
Quick Navigation
Overview of Virginia Contractor Licensing
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) is the statewide regulator for contractor businesses and tradesman credentials. Through the Board for Contractors, DPOR licenses contractor entities by class—Class A, Class B, or Class C—based on project and annual volume thresholds, and by classification/specialty that defines the scope of work (for example, Building Contractor (BLD), Residential Building Contractor (RBC), Electrical (ELE), Plumbing (PLB), and HVAC (HVA)).
DPOR also administers journeyman and master licenses in the core skilled trades: electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, and gas fitting. These are individual credentials that verify code knowledge and practical competency. For projects at or above $1,000, work must be performed under a properly licensed contractor business, even when the individual tradesman is licensed.
While DPOR issues the statewide licenses, some localities, such as Fairfax County, also require local contractor registration or a local business license prior to permitting or work. Always check local requirements in the city or county where you plan to operate, in addition to fulfilling DPOR’s statewide licensing requirements.
Browse all Virginia contractor license practice tests →
Electrician Licenses in Virginia
Virginia regulates electrical work with 4 license types.
Journeyman Electrician
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Tradesman Program (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Experience: Typically 4 years of practical experience and/or approved education in electrical work to qualify for the journeyman exam (combinations are outlined in DPOR tradesman application criteria).
- Education: Documented electrical apprenticeship or formal trade education as permitted by DPOR’s tradesman regulations.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Exam: NEC-based journeyman exam covering electrical theory, wiring methods, services, overcurrent protection, grounding/bonding, and Virginia regulations.
Fees
Application and exam fees are set by DPOR and its exam vendor. Exact fee amounts are specified in the current tradesman application and exam bulletin.
Insurance
No state insurance requirement is specified for the individual journeyman credential.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial (every 2 years).
- Continuing Education: NEC update CE required prior to renewal.
Before applying, confirm the current exam vendor, fees, and any documentation updates with DPOR’s Board for Contractors (Tradesman Program).
Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. Virginia Journeyman Electrician Practice Test.
Master Electrician
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Tradesman Program (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Experience: Journeyman license plus additional documented electrical experience (commonly at least 1 year at the journeyman level; see DPOR tradesman instructions).
- Education: Completion of journeyman-level education with any advanced training recognized by DPOR for master eligibility.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Exam: Master-level exam covering advanced NEC application, load calculations, design, supervision responsibilities, and Virginia codes.
Fees
Application and exam fees are established by DPOR and its exam provider and are listed in the current tradesman application materials.
Insurance
No state insurance requirement is specified for the individual master credential.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- Continuing Education: NEC update CE required prior to renewal.
Before applying, verify the current exam vendor, fee schedule, and any documentation updates with DPOR’s Board for Contractors (Tradesman Program).
Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. Virginia Master Electrician Practice Test.
Electrical (ELE) Specialty – Contractor Classification
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Qualified Individual: Must hold appropriate journeyman or master electrician tradesman credentials and meet experience minimums aligned to the contractor class: generally 2 years (Class C), 3 years (Class B), or 5 years (Class A).
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course completed by responsible management before initial licensure.
- Exams: For Class A/B, the contractor business exam is required (Virginia portion and General portion; plus Advanced for Class A). The Qualified Individual must also meet applicable tradesman exam requirements.
Fees
- Application: Approximately $385 (Class A), $370 (Class B), $235 (Class C) per DPOR fee guidance commonly cited in training resources.
- Renewal: Biennial renewal with fees per the Board for Contractors schedule.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
- Class A: Minimum net worth $45,000 or equivalent surety bond.
- Class B: Minimum net worth $15,000 or equivalent surety bond.
- Class C: No minimum net worth specified by DPOR.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years for the contractor business license.
- CE: No state CE for contractor business classifications; tradesman CE (e.g., NEC updates) applies to the individual electrician credential.
Confirm the current exam provider, any exam fees, and renewal fee amounts with DPOR prior to applying.
Electrical (ELE) Tradesman License – Journeyman/Master
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Tradesman Program (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Experience: On‑the‑job training and formal education in the electrical trade per DPOR pathways; additional experience beyond journeyman for master level.
- Education: Completion of an approved apprenticeship or trade program recognized by DPOR may substitute for part of the experience requirement.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Exam: NEC-based tradesman exam for journeyman and master consistent with Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code provisions.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- Continuing Education: NEC update CE prior to renewal.
Verify the current application and exam fees, as well as exam administration details, with DPOR before applying.
Plumbing Licenses in Virginia
Virginia regulates plumbing work with 3 license types.
Journeyman Plumber
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Tradesman Program (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Experience: Documented years of plumbing experience and/or completion of a plumbing apprenticeship or trade school program to qualify for the journeyman exam.
- Education: Plumbing-related classroom and apprenticeship training recognized by DPOR.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Exam: Covers drainage, venting, water supply, fixtures, fuel gas (if applicable), and Virginia Plumbing Code topics.
Fees/Insurance
Tradesman application and exam fees are set by DPOR and the exam vendor; insurance is not specified for the individual journeyman credential.
Renewal
- Cycle: Biennial (every 2 years).
Confirm the current fee schedule, exam administration details, and any CE requirements with DPOR prior to applying.
Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. Virginia Journeyman Plumber Practice Test.
Master Plumber
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Tradesman Program (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Experience: Journeyman plumber license plus additional documented journeyman-level experience to sit for the master exam (per DPOR tradesman criteria).
- Education: Advanced trade education and/or significant journeyman experience in plumbing systems.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Exam: Emphasizes design, complex systems, supervision, and full application of Virginia Plumbing Code.
Fees/Insurance
Application and exam fees are published in DPOR’s tradesman materials; no state insurance requirement is specified for the individual master credential.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
Verify the current exam provider, fees, and any CE requirements with DPOR before applying.
Exam Prep: PDF study guide with 1,500-2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators to exact code sections. Study offline; no time or use limits. Virginia Master Plumber Practice Test.
Plumbing (PLB) Specialty – Contractor Classification
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Qualified Individual: Journeyman or master plumber tradesman credential with experience meeting Class A/B/C minimums (2–5 years depending on class).
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course completed by responsible management.
- Exams: Contractor business exam for Class A/B (Virginia and General portions; Advanced also for Class A) plus the tradesman exam requirements for the Qualified Individual.
Fees
- Application: Approximately $385 (Class A), $370 (Class B), $235 (Class C).
- Renewal: Every 2 years per DPOR contractor renewal cycle.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
- Class A: Minimum net worth $45,000 or surety bond.
- Class B: Minimum net worth $15,000 or surety bond.
- Class C: No minimum net worth requirement.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- CE: No statewide CE for contractor business classifications; tradesman CE requirements may apply to the individual plumber credential.
Confirm the current exam vendor and exact fee amounts with DPOR prior to applying.
HVAC Licenses in Virginia
Virginia regulates HVAC contractors with 3 license types.
Journeyman HVAC (Mechanical) Tradesman
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Tradesman Program (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Experience: Several years of HVAC/mechanical field experience and/or completion of an approved HVAC apprenticeship to sit for the journeyman exam.
- Education: HVAC-related classroom training and/or apprenticeship recognized by DPOR.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Exam: Covers heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and Virginia Mechanical Code provisions.
Fees/Insurance
Tradesman application and exam fees are published by DPOR and its exam vendor; no state insurance requirement is specified for the individual journeyman credential.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
Verify current fees, exam administration, and any CE updates with DPOR prior to applying.
Master HVAC (Mechanical) Tradesman
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Tradesman Program (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Experience: Journeyman HVAC/mechanical license plus additional years of experience to qualify for the master examination.
- Education: Advanced training and experience in HVAC system design, installation, and supervision per DPOR guidelines.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Exam: Focused on complex HVAC design, code application, and supervisory responsibilities.
Fees/Insurance
Application and exam fees are listed in DPOR’s tradesman materials; no state insurance requirement is specified for the individual master credential.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
Confirm the current exam vendor, applicable fees, and any CE requirements with DPOR before applying.
HVAC (HVA) Specialty – Contractor Classification
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Qualified Individual: Journeyman or master mechanical/HVAC tradesman credential with experience that aligns to Class A/B/C minimums (2–5 years).
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course for responsible management.
- Exams: Contractor business exam for Class A/B (Virginia and General; plus Advanced for Class A). The Qualified Individual must also hold and maintain the appropriate tradesman credential.
Fees
- Application: Approximately $385 (Class A), $370 (Class B), $235 (Class C).
- Renewal: Biennial.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
- Class A: $45,000 minimum net worth or surety bond.
- Class B: $15,000 minimum net worth or surety bond.
- Class C: No minimum net worth requirement.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- CE: No statewide CE for the contractor business classification; tradesman CE requirements may apply based on current DPOR rules.
Before applying, confirm the current exam vendor, exam fees, and any documentation changes with DPOR.
General Contractor Licenses in Virginia
Virginia general contractor licensing includes 5 types.
Class A Contractor License
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Scope and Thresholds
Class A is required for contracts of $120,000 or more, or when annual total volume is $750,000 or more. It is the highest class and requires additional exam components and financial responsibility.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the classification/specialty sought.
- Pre-license Education: Mandatory 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course completed by responsible management.
- Exams: Virginia contractor business exam consisting of three parts: Virginia, General, and Advanced.
Fees
- Application: $385 initial application/license fee (paid to DPOR’s Board for Contractors).
- Renewal: Every 2 years; renewal fee per DPOR schedule.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
$45,000 minimum net worth or an equivalent surety bond is required. Separate liability and workers’ compensation insurance may be required by law or by contract.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- CE: No statewide CE for contractor business classifications.
Confirm the current exam provider, exam fees, and documentation requirements with DPOR before applying.
Class B Contractor License
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Scope and Thresholds
Class B is required for contracts of $10,000 up to $120,000, with annual totals under $750,000. It requires the business exam but not the Advanced portion.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in the classification/specialty sought.
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course.
- Exams: Virginia and General portions of the contractor business exam (Advanced portion not required).
Fees
- Application: $370 initial application/license fee per DPOR schedule referenced in training materials.
- Renewal: Every 2 years; renewal fee per the Board for Contractors schedule.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
$15,000 minimum net worth or an equivalent surety bond is required.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- CE: No statewide CE for contractor business classifications.
Verify the current exam provider, fees, and documentation requirements with DPOR before applying.
Class C Contractor License
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Scope and Thresholds
Class C covers contracts over $1,000 up to $10,000. It does not require the contractor business exam but still requires pre-license education.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in the classification/specialty sought.
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course.
- Exams: No contractor business exam required for Class C.
Fees
- Application: Commonly cited as $235 (some provider references list $210–$235 based on DPOR-cited schedules).
- Renewal: Every 2 years; renewal fee per DPOR schedule.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
No minimum net worth requirement is specified for Class C.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- CE: No statewide CE for contractor business classifications.
Confirm the current application fee amount and any documentation updates with DPOR before applying.
Residential Building Contractor (RBC) Specialty
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Scope
RBC authorizes residential building work within the monetary limits of the business’s Class A, B, or C license. Roofing, siding, framing, and other residential scopes are included under this specialty as defined by DPOR classification guidance.
Requirements
- Experience: Qualified Individual/responsible management must meet the class-based experience minimums (2, 3, or 5 years).
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course.
- Exams: Contractor business exam for Class A/B; any RBC-specific content is referenced in Board exam outlines.
Fees
Application and renewal fees follow the underlying contractor class (A/B/C) fee schedule.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
Net worth/bond requirements follow the business’s license class: $45,000 (Class A), $15,000 (Class B), none for Class C.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- CE: No statewide CE for the RBC business classification.
Confirm current exam outlines, fee amounts, and documentation requirements with DPOR before applying.
Building Contractor (BLD) Specialty
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Scope
BLD covers building construction work (residential and commercial) within the monetary limits of the business’s license class. It encompasses a broader range of building activities compared to RBC.
Requirements
- Experience: Qualified Individual must show experience consistent with the chosen class (A/B/C) thresholds.
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course.
- Exams: Contractor business exam for Class A/B (Virginia and General portions; Advanced also for Class A).
Fees
Application and renewal fees follow the business’s license class (A/B/C) schedule.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
Net worth/bond requirements follow the business’s license class.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- CE: No statewide CE for the BLD business classification.
Prior to applying, verify fee amounts, exam vendor, and any documentation changes with DPOR.
Roofing Licenses in Virginia
Virginia regulates roofing contractors with 1 license type.
Roofing Contractor (Included Under Building/Residential Building Specialties)
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Scope
Roofing is performed under broader building-related specialties (BLD or RBC). For projects valued over $1,000, the contractor business must hold an appropriate building classification and operate within the monetary limits of its Class A/B/C license.
Requirements
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course (for the contractor license).
- Exams: No separate state roofing exam; roofing is covered under the contractor business exam associated with the building classification (Class A/B exams as applicable).
- Experience: Demonstrated experience in roofing as part of the BLD or RBC classification, aligned with Class A/B/C thresholds.
Fees
Application and renewal fees follow the business’s class (A/B/C) schedule.
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
Net worth/bond minimums follow the business’s class: $45,000 (Class A), $15,000 (Class B), none for Class C. General liability and workers’ compensation may be required by law/contracts.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
Confirm any documentation updates, fee amounts, and bonding options with DPOR before applying.
Specialty Trade Licenses in Virginia
Virginia regulates specialty trades with 3 license types.
Gas Fitter (Tradesman License)
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Tradesman Program (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Requirements
- Experience: Documented experience and/or training in gas piping and appliance installation to qualify for journeyman; additional experience for master-level.
- Education: Trade education or apprenticeship in gas fitting recognized by DPOR.
- Age: 18 or older.
- Exam: Fuel gas code, piping, combustion air, venting, and appliance installation.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
Confirm application/exam fees, any CE requirements, and exam vendor details with DPOR before applying.
Fire Protection, Well Drilling, Elevator, and Other Specialty Classifications (Under DPOR Board for Contractors)
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Scope
DPOR administers numerous specialty contractor classifications. Each specialty requires a Qualified Individual with appropriate, specialty-specific experience, and the business must hold Class A, B, or C according to expected contract sizes.
Requirements
- Qualified Individual: Specialty-specific experience aligned with class-based (A/B/C) minimums.
- Pre-license Education: 8‑hour DPOR-approved business course for responsible management.
- Exams: Contractor business exam (Class A/B) plus any technical exam components associated with the chosen specialty as outlined by DPOR.
Fees
Application and renewal fees follow the business’s license class (A/B/C).
Insurance/Financial Responsibility
Net worth/bond minimums follow the business’s class: $45,000 (Class A), $15,000 (Class B), none for Class C.
Renewal
- Cycle: Every 2 years.
- CE: Some specialties may have CE per DPOR rules; the contractor business classification itself does not mandate CE.
Verify specialty-specific exam requirements, fee amounts, and documentation with DPOR before applying.
Virginia Contractor Business and Law Exam (Requirement for Certain Classes)
Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) – Contractor License (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors)
Who Takes This Exam?
Required for Class A and Class B contractor licenses. Class B applicants take the Virginia and General portions; Class A applicants take the Virginia, General, and Advanced portions.
Content
Business practices, contract and lien law, labor and tax requirements, and DPOR regulations. Completion of the 8‑hour DPOR-approved pre-license business course is required before sitting for the exam.
Fees/Renewal
Exam fees are associated with the contractor application process and the exam vendor. This is a one-time requirement tied to licensure (no separate renewal for the exam).
Confirm the current exam vendor, scheduling process, and fee amounts with DPOR prior to applying.
Application Process
- Determine if the work you will perform requires a state contractor license. Any project of $1,000 or more in value must be performed by a Virginia-licensed contractor; specialized trades like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC require proper licensing regardless of project size.
- Choose your contractor class based on contract value and annual volume:
- Class C: Over $1,000 up to $10,000.
- Class B: $10,000 up to $120,000 and annual totals under $750,000.
- Class A: $120,000 or more, or annual totals of $750,000 or more.
- Select your classification/specialty (e.g., Residential Building Contractor (RBC), Building Contractor (BLD), Electrical (ELE), Plumbing (PLB), HVAC (HVA), or other specialties) that matches your scope of work.
- Create and register a business entity with the Commonwealth of Virginia; contractor licenses are issued to business entities, not individuals.
- Complete an 8‑hour Virginia Contractor Basic Business pre-license education course through a DPOR-approved provider (required for all classes; must be completed by a member of responsible management).
- Designate responsible management and a Qualified Individual who meets both experience minimums for your class (2, 3, or 5 years) and the technical credentialing required for your specialty (e.g., journeyman or master in the trade).
- Submit the Board for Contractors License Application (Form A501-27LIC) with supporting documents: proof of experience, financial statements or surety bond (Class A/B), business registration, and proof of pre-license education.
- For Class A and Class B: schedule and pass the required Virginia contractor business and law exam portions (Virginia/General for Class B; Virginia/General/Advanced for Class A).
- Pay the application/license fee: approximately $385 (Class A), $370 (Class B), and $235 (Class C), consistent with commonly cited DPOR-linked schedules.
- Await DPOR processing and license issuance; typical processing time is around 30 days after submission of a complete application.
Timeline: Approximately 30 days from submission of a complete application package to license issuance, not including time for pre-license education and exam scheduling.
Reciprocity
Virginia has reciprocity with: Alabama (electrical contractors), District of Columbia (electrical contractors), Kentucky (electrical contractors), Maryland (electrical contractors), North Carolina (electrical contractors), West Virginia (electrical contractors), Louisiana (commercial building contractor reciprocity agreement, residency required).
Requirements: The Board for Contractors offers limited reciprocity and examination exemptions in certain classifications. Electrical contractors licensed in Alabama, DC, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia may qualify by reciprocity or exam waiver when they submit evidence that their out-of-state licensure meets Virginia standards. A commercial building contractor reciprocity agreement with Louisiana is also noted and requires Louisiana residency. All reciprocity applicants must file a full DPOR application, document good standing, and meet Virginia-specific requirements such as financial responsibility and the 8‑hour pre-license education where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Virginia?
Approximately 30 days from submission of a complete application package to license issuance, excluding time needed for pre-license education and exam scheduling.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Virginia?
Virginia recognizes certain out-of-state credentials through limited reciprocity. Notably, electrical contractor reciprocity is available with Alabama, DC, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia. There is also a commercial building contractor reciprocity agreement with Louisiana that requires Louisiana residency. Applicants must still submit a full Virginia application, provide verification of good standing, and meet Virginia’s class-based financial and education requirements.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies and waiting periods are set by the exam vendor and detailed in DPOR’s exam bulletins. Confirm current retest rules and any additional fees with DPOR or the exam provider before rescheduling.
Do I need insurance?
For contractor businesses, Virginia requires financial responsibility by license class: Class A ($45,000 minimum net worth or surety bond) and Class B ($15,000 minimum net worth or surety bond). Class C has no minimum net worth requirement. Separate general liability and workers’ compensation coverage may be required by law or contract. Individual tradesman licenses (journeyman/master) do not carry a state insurance requirement.
How do I renew my license?
DPOR contractor and tradesman licenses renew every 2 years. Electricians must complete NEC update continuing education before renewal; other tradesman CE may apply per DPOR rules. Contractor business classifications (e.g., BLD/RBC/ELE/PLB/HVA) do not have a statewide CE requirement.
What if my city has additional requirements?
Some Virginia localities require local contractor registration or a local business license in addition to your DPOR credential. Always verify permitting and registration requirements with the city or county where you will perform work (for example, check the local building or permitting department website).
Where can I find practice tests for Virginia exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Virginia contractor exams. Each download typically includes 1,500–2,500 code-focused questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators that point to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace with no time or use limits. Browse Virginia contractor practice tests.
Virginia · Practice tests
Virginia contractor license practice tests
The Virginia practice tests we publish today: comprehensive PDF guides, typically 1,500 to 2,500 questions each, with full answer keys and reference locators to the exact code sections. We add new tests regularly, so if your license isn’t listed here, contact us and we’ll build it.
- Business, Law, and Project Management (NASCLA) Reference Practice Test
- Installing Hardwood Flooring NOFMA - Reference Practice Test
- National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017 Practice Test
- Virginia Journeyman Plumber License - Practice Test
- Virginia Master Plumber License - Practice Test
Related Official Resources
Official Sources for Further Details:
-
Virginia Board for Contractors – DPOR
http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-06-02 -
Board for Contractors License Application (A501-27LIC) – DPOR
https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/boards/Contractors/A501-27LIC.pdf
Official Board Form / Fee Schedule | Accessed: 2026-06-02 -
How to Become a Contractor in Fairfax County
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/plan2build/how-become-contractor-fairfax-county
County Government Guidance | Accessed: 2026-06-02
Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements can change. Always verify current rules, fees, and forms with official sources before applying or scheduling exams.
Official Source: For current information, contact Multiple Authorities – See research notes:
- Website: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov
- Phone: (804) 367-8500
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult DPOR or a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your situation and business model.
Local Requirements: Some jurisdictions may require local registration or a local business license in addition to your DPOR credential. Verify with your local building department before starting work.
