Getting your Virginia license starts here...
The Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) licenses all contractors at the business entity level. Licenses are issued as Class A, B, or C depending on project size and financials, and must be tied to classifications such as Commercial Building (CBC), Residential Building (RBC), or specialty trades like Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Roofing, and Fire Suppression. Applicants must complete pre-license education, pass exams, and meet financial or surety bond requirements.
Virginia also accepts certain reciprocity and NASCLA exam waivers, but all applicants must meet the state’s bonding, insurance, and business law requirements.
Contractor Licensing Inc. helps you prepare Virginia applications, secure the required bonds, align financials, and leverage reciprocity options to get licensed faster and stay compliant.
Virginia Contractor Licensing
The Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) licenses business entities, not individuals. Licenses are issued in three classes—Class A, B, and C—based on financial strength and project size, and each license must list a Designated Employee, Qualified Individual(s), and Responsible Management. Contractors must also select at least one classification or specialty, covering everything from general building to specialty trades.
License Classes
- Class A: Unlimited project size. Requires $45,000 net worth and 5 years experience.
- Class B: Up to $120,000 per project / $750,000 per year. Requires $15,000 net worth and 3 years experience.
- Class C: Up to $10,000 per project / $150,000 per year. Requires 2 years experience.
Sample Specialties & Classifications
Virginia contractors must designate one or more classifications. Examples include:
- Building: CBC (Commercial Building), RBC (Residential Building), CIC (Commercial Improvement), HIC (Home Improvement)
- Trades: PLB (Plumbing), ELE (Electrical), HVA (HVAC), REF (Refrigeration)
- Specialties: Roofing (ROC), Masonry (BRK), Drywall (DRY), Painting (PTC), Flooring (FLR), Glass/Glazing (GLZ)
- Other: Fire Alarm (FAS), Fire Suppression (FSP), Elevator/Escalator (EEC), Asbestos/Lead Abatement (ASB/LAC)
Financials & Surety Bonds
- Class A: Minimum net worth of $45,000 (or surety bond in that amount).
- Class B: Minimum net worth of $15,000 (or surety bond in that amount).
- Financial statements must be submitted with the application; CPA-reviewed or audited may be required for higher limits.
- Public projects may also require separate bid, performance, and payment bonds.
Education & Exams
- Pre-license business course required for all licenses.
- Class A: must pass Advanced, General, and Virginia exams.
- Class B: must pass General and Virginia exams.
- Specialties (AES, HVA, ELE, PLB, etc.) require experience verification and trade exams.
RECIPROCAL STATES
Virginia Reciprocity / Endorsement
Virginia may grant exam waivers or license recognition to contractors licensed in other jurisdictions. To qualify, applicants must submit a Letter of Good Standing from the issuing state board showing license history, method of qualification (exam or reciprocity), and any disciplinary history. Applicants must still meet Virginia’s financial, bonding, and business course requirements.
Reciprocity is most common for building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and related specialties. NASCLA-accredited commercial building exam results are also accepted in Virginia.
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