Virginia General Contractor License
A contractor’s license is required in Virginia if you are performing work greater than $1,000.
Benefits of a Virginia General Contractor's License
Having a contractor’s license in Virginia offers a number of benefits, including legal authorization to perform work, increased credibility with clients, and access to larger, higher-paying projects. It allows contractors to enforce contracts, file mechanic’s liens, and meet requirements for insurance and bonding.
Your Contractor License
NASCLA Exam
After passing the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors, you can qualify for a commercial building contractor license in Virginia, such as the Commercial Building (CBC) or Residential Building (RBC) classification under a Class A or B license. The NASCLA exam is widely accepted across 17+ states, making it an ideal choice for contractors who plan to operate in multiple states. It eliminates the need to take separate trade exams in each state, streamlining the licensing process and saving time and money. Passing the NASCLA exam demonstrates a high level of competency in general contracting and opens the door to larger commercial projects, multi-state work opportunities, and enhanced credibility with clients and regulatory agencies.
Commercial Building Contractor (CBC): This license allows contractors to manage construction, renovation and demolition projects for commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, and accessory buildings, including multi-family housing. This license does not cover residential homes or townhouses. CBC license holders can act as prime contractors and subcontract out specialty work.
Residential Building Contractor (RBC): This license permits contractors to handle construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal, or demolition of dwellings and townhouses, along with accessory structures on their property.
Our NASCLA Prep Plans
NASCLA Practice Exam
For students already well prepared for the NASCLA
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Two attempts on a timed NASCLA practice exam
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Answer key
NASCLA Full Course
For students looking for the best all around NASCLA prep
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Tutorial Videos
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Study guides and test taking tips
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Practice quizzes for each book
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Time practice exams
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1,200+ question bank
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Unlimited quiz and exam attempts
NASCLA Book Tabs
Yes, tabbing is allowed and encouraged!
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Pre-printed book tabs for each chapter and each book
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Additional 'Index' printed tabs
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Additional blank tabs
Get More With A Virginia General Contractor's License
Builds Credibility And Trust
Being a licensed contractor demonstrates to clients, suppliers, and subcontractors that you meet state-mandated experience and financial standards, have passed necessary exams and background checks and operate as a legitimate and responsible business
This builds consumer trust and can help win more bids or contracts.
Business Growth Opportunities
Licensing makes it easier to subcontract legally, hire employees and scale operations, bid on state, federal, or municipal contracts, and operate across state lines (especially if you take the NASCLA exam).
Legal Authorization
A Virginia contractor’s license is required by law for construction projects greater than $1,000. Having a license keeps you in compliance and protects you from fines, penalties, or being shut down.
The Process
VA General Contractor Application Requirements
Before you begin the process of getting your contractor’s license in Virginia, it is important to understand the Virginia contractor license requirements, application steps, and exam process. The Virginia Board for Contractors provides the official guidelines to help you stay compliant and on track. To make things easier, we’ve outlined key information that every contractor applicant in Virginia should know before submitting their application.
1. Business Setup
Set up your business (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.) and register with the Virginia SCC. Complete the contractor’s license application as the entity that you wish to be the license holder. You, the exam taker will be the qualifying individual. However, your entity that will be performing work will be the qualifying individual.
2. Virginia Contractor License Financial Responsibility
Class A CBC or RBC Contractor
Net worth / equity: Minimum $45,000
Alternatively, you can obtain a $50,000 surety bond in lieu of the financial statement
Class B CBC or RBC Contractor
Net worth / equity: Minimum $15,000
Alternatively, you can obtain a $50,000 surety bond in lieu of the financial statement
Acceptable Methods of Proof
A financial statement using DPOR’s official form
A CPA-reviewed balance sheet
A $50,000 surety bond from an approved insurer
3. Pass The Required Exams
Required Exams for a Virginia Contractor’s License
1. Virginia Business and Law Exam
Required for Class A, Class B, and Class C licenses.
Covers Virginia contractor regulations, tax laws, lien laws, contracts, and labor laws.
Administered by PSI Exams.
2. Virginia Contractor Specialty/Trade Exams
Required for Class A and B license applicants depending on the classification (e.g., CBC, RBC, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC).
Each specialty has its own trade exam unless you qualify through the NASCLA exam.
3. Advanced Portion Exam (Class A Only)
Covers complex business and project management topics.
Required only for Class A contractor applicants.
Virginia Exam Requirements by License Class
| License Class | Business Law | General Exam | Advanced Exam | NASCLA Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (CBC/RBC only) |
| Class B | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (CBC/RBC only) |
| Class C | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
4. Complete The 8-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Applicants must complete the Virginia Contractor License 8-hour pre licensing course before obtaining a license.
5. Meet The Experience Requirements
In Virginia, the required years of experience for a Qualified Individual (QI) depend on the class of general contractor license you’re pursuing:
Class C: Minimum 2 years of experience in the relevant specialty
Class B: Minimum 3 years of experience
Class A: Minimum 5 years of experience
This experience must be real work experience for the trade area you’re applying for. You will need to document it through an experience verification form, typically with signatures from licensed supervisors or clients
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About PassTheNASCLAExam.com
At passthenasclaexam.com we are dedicated to providing the tools you need to pass the NASCLA exam and obtain your contractor’s license.
VA Contractor License FAQ
If you’re preparing to get your contractor’s license in Virginia, we have you. Explore everything you need to know about the Virginia contractor license process—including requirements, exams, and application steps. Still have questions? Contact our team—we’re here to guide you through every step of becoming a licensed contractor in Virginia.
An unlicensed contractor can only perform projects up to $25,000 in Tennessee.
The VA contractor license application fee is broken up into the Class that you are applying for.
Class A Contractor License Application Fee – $360
Class B Contractor License Application Fee – $345
Class C Contractor License Application Fee – $210
The Virginia Class A contractor license allows a contractor to perform construction projects of any dollar value.
A Virginia Class A contractor should have a minimum net worth/equity of $45,000 and will need to document this on the financial responsibility form on the application.
The Virginia Class B contractor license allows a contractor to perform construction projects up to $120,000, with the limit of total amount of projects value in a year being $750,000.
A Virginia Class B contractor should have a minimum net worth/equity of $15,000 and will need to document this on the financial responsibility form on the application.
The Virginia Class C contractor license allows a contractor to perform construction projects less than $10,000. The limit of total amount of projects in a year is $150,000.
The qualified individual on a VA contractor license will be either a full-time employee of the business or listed as a member of the Responsible Management. The will need to have the minimum required years of experience for the Class that is being applied for.
A qualified individual needs to have at least 5 years of experience for a Class A license.
A qualified individual needs to have at least 3 years of experience for a Class B license.
A qualified individual needs to have at least 2 years of experience for a Class C license.
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