Getting your West Virginia license starts here...
The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board requires contractors to hold a license for most projects over $2,500–$5,000. Tested classifications include General Building, Residential, Multi-Family, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Masonry, and Utilities. Contractors must designate a qualifier, pass exams, carry insurance, and post a wage bond unless exempt.
West Virginia offers limited reciprocity with states like Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Ohio, but all applicants must pass the state’s Business & Law exam.
Contractor Licensing Inc. helps contractors prepare West Virginia applications, secure wage bonds and insurance, and leverage reciprocity options to get licensed quickly and stay compliant.
West Virginia Contractor Licensing
The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board requires all contractors to hold a license before bidding or performing work over $5,000 (commercial) or $2,500 (residential). Applicants must designate a qualifier who has passed the required trade and Business & Law exams, and provide proof of workers’ compensation, unemployment, and tax registration.
License Classifications
Tested classifications include:
- General Building Contractor
- Residential Contractor
- Multi-Family Contractor
- General Engineering Contractor
- Utilities (Water & Sewer)
- Excavation Contractor
- Concrete Contractor
- Masonry Contractor
- Structural Steel Erection Contractor
- Piping Contractor
- Plumbing Contractor
- Electrical Contractor
- HVAC Contractor
- Manufactured Home Installation
- Remodeling & Repair Contractor
- Sprinkler & Fire Protection Contractor
- Specialty Contractor (other work not covered above)
Bond & Insurance Requirements
- License Bond: Required for public projects, amounts vary by contract.
- Wage Bond: Contractors new to WV (less than 1 year with employees in state) must file a wage bond equal to 4 weeks’ payroll + 15% benefits, unless exempt (5+ years in business, $100,000 assets, or subsidiary of a parent company with 5+ years). Not required for single-family residential only.
- Insurance: Workers’ compensation and liability coverage required.
Application Process
- Complete Contractor License Application/Affidavit and pay $90 fee.
- Submit tax ID, unemployment, and workers’ comp proof.
- Pass Business & Law and trade exams through PSI.
- Provide wage bond or exemption affidavit.
West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board – Application Guide
RECIPROCAL STATES
West Virginia Reciprocity
West Virginia maintains reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing waiver of technical trade exams for contractors licensed in good standing elsewhere. States include Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia, and others depending on classification. Applicants must still pass the West Virginia Business & Law exam, meet financial and insurance requirements, and provide official license verifications.
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