Browse Virginia Contractor Classifications
Exam prep for the Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR).
Getting your Virginia contractor license? Contractor Pathway offers an original, exam-focused study guide and four full-length practice exams for every Virginia classification that requires a state board exam — currently 6 courses across Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC / Mechanical. Choose your classification below and study with 30-, 60-, or 90-day access at $99, $129, and $169. Many Virginia classifications also require passing a separate Business & Law exam — and that course is included free with any trade course in your cart for the matching term.
Who licenses contractors in Virginia
These are the Virginia classifications we build exam prep for, each licensed by its responsible board:
| Trade area | Licensing authority | Exam basis |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) | National Electrical Code (NEC) |
| Plumbing | Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) | Adopted plumbing & fuel-gas codes |
| HVAC / Mechanical | Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) | Mechanical & fuel-gas codes, EPA 608 |
Always confirm the current code edition, experience requirements, fees, and passing score with the board and testing vendor before you schedule. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-prep provider and is not affiliated with any Virginia board or testing vendor.
How to get licensed in Virginia
- Meet the experience requirement. Each classification requires documented on-the-job hours (and, for senior licenses, time as a licensed journeyman). A registered apprenticeship is a common path.
- Apply to the board for your trade, submit fees and proof of experience, and get approved to test.
- Pass the exam. Virginia trade exams are typically open book against the adopted code, with a passing score commonly around 70%. Speed at finding and applying the right code section is what separates passers from re-testers.
- Hold and renew the license on its cycle, including any continuing-education and code-update hours.
Choose your Virginia classification
Each course includes a comprehensive 5,000-plus-word study guide — worked calculations, code-section breakdowns, common exam traps, a glossary, and a 30/60/90-day study plan — plus four full-length practice exams matched to the topic weightings of the Virginia test.
Virginia contractor licensing — FAQ
Who licenses contractors in Virginia?
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors. Virginia issues three monetary classes: Class A (no project-value limit), Class B (up to $120,000 per project and $750,000 per year), and Class C (up to $10,000 per project and $150,000 per year).
What exams and education does Virginia require?
Class A and B applicants complete an 8-hour pre-license education course, and the designated qualified individual passes a PSI exam. The passing score is generally 70%. Confirm the exact requirements for your class with DPOR.
What is on the Virginia contractor exam?
Depending on your class, a Business and Law portion (about 50 questions, 120 minutes) plus a trade portion (about 70 questions, 180 minutes). Scores are reported immediately at the PSI test center; a failed part can be retaken for a new $85 fee.
Are the Virginia exams open book?
The Virginia contractor exams are generally open book against the listed references, so fast reference navigation is a key skill. Confirm the current reference list and format in the PSI/DPOR candidate information bulletin for your classification.
How long should I study for the Virginia exam?
Most candidates do well on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan depending on experience, which is why we offer access at all three terms ($99 / $129 / $169). Each guide includes a day-by-day study plan.