5 Simple Steps to Getting Your Contractor’s License in Virginia

As a kid, maybe you were someone who enjoyed playing Leggos or was fascinated with taking things apart and putting them back together… If you enjoyed those as a kid or in the slightest bit simply enjoyed working with your hands, then you have a very bright future working as a licensed contractor in the great state of Virginia.

The construction industry in Virginia is suffering from a supply-demand imbalance, which is the leading cause of inflation in the industry. There’s a great demand for contractors, subcontractors, and laborers but the supply is low. That’s why now is the perfect time to start taking the necessary steps to get a contractors license in VA.

Getting your contractor’s license in this state isn’t going to be a quick and easy feat like some of the other licensing and certification requirements in other trades. As a contractor, you’re going to be responsible for overseeing that a construction project runs according to schedule, and you’re going to be responsible for acquiring all the labor, materials, necessary equipment, tools, and essentials needed for the project to be completed.

So, if any of those responsibilities are of any interest to you, then you do indeed have a bright future as a contractor, and Virginia is the perfect state to get licensed in. Follow these five simple steps to secure your financial future and have a successful career as a contractor in Virginia.

Earn Your Virginia Contractor License in 5 Steps

1. Determine the License Class You Want

In the state of Virginia, there are three different classes of contractors licenses and they’re based on the total value of a single contract or if the project is over a certain dollar amount.

• Class A: This license is required if the total value of a single contract or project is at least $120,000 or more, or if the value is over $750,000 over the course of 12 months. To obtain this license, you must have a minimum of five years of experience.

• Class B: This license is required if the total value of a single contract or project is at least $10,000 or more but doesn’t exceed $120,000, or if the value is over $150,000 or more but doesn’t exceed $750,000 over the course of 12 months. To obtain this license, you must have a minimum of three years of experience.

• Class C: This license is required if the total value of a single contract or project is more than $1,000 but doesn’t exceed $120,000, or is at least $150,000 but doesn’t exceed $750,000 over the course of 12 months. To obtain this license, you must have a minimum of two years of experience.

2. Complete Your Pre-Licensing Course

To become a contractor and work on any type of project, you’re going to be required to complete your pre-licensing education course approved by the Board for Contractors. There are several different approved courses and providers of these courses that have their own associated fees, locations, etc, but you can complete yours online through RocketCert for only $99.

3. Purchase Your Exam Prep Study Materials

For any test or exam, you’re going to need the right study materials if you want any hope of passing, and your preparation process is the most crucial part of the entire process. Purchase the necessary books, workbooks, and all other necessary materials to pass. You’ll then be able to create a designated study schedule to follow until you’re ready to take the test.

4. Take the Exam (and Pass)

At this point, you should have studied for the exam and know exactly what to expect. When you’re ready to begin the process to take the Virginia State Exam, you’ll want to call PSI at 800-733-9267 and find a testing center near you and the testing schedule availability as well.

5. Apply For Your License

After you pass your exam, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for… You can now apply for your license. You’ll apply through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

This 5-step process isn’t as tedious as it may seem. The biggest part is obtaining your study materials and disciplining yourself to actually study. If you can do that, you’ll pass the exam with flying colors and will be on your way to having quite the lucrative career as a Virginia contractor.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes