Getting your Contractor License in Virginia isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s also a great opportunity to grow your business, attract better clients, and work with safety and peace of mind.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of getting your license, what requirements you need to meet, how to take the exam (yes, you can take it in Spanish!), the different types of licenses available, and how HDS Biz Solutions can support you throughout the entire process—without the stress.
I WANT TO GET MY CONTRACTOR LICENSE IN VIRGINIA
Who Needs a Contractor’s License in Virginia?
If you work in construction, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, or home improvement—and you charge more than $1,000 per project—the State of Virginia requires you to have a contractor’s license issued by the DPOR (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation).
Without this license:
- You can’t sign formal contracts
- You can’t work on public projects
- You risk fines, lawsuits, or loss of payment
- You miss out on large, well-paying opportunities
Types of Contractor Licenses in Virginia
In Virginia, there are three classes of contractor licenses based on the monetary value of the work you perform—both per project and annually. These classes determine the kind of contracts you can legally take on:
Class C Contractor License:
This is the most basic license, ideal for individuals doing small jobs such as basic remodeling, painting, drywall, flooring installation, etc.
When does it apply?
- If you take on individual projects worth more than $1,000 but less than $10,000, and
- Your total annual income from contracts doesn’t exceed $150,000.
What do you need to apply?
- At least 2 years of experience in the field
- Completion of the mandatory 8-hour pre-license course (available in Spanish)
- No general contractor exam required
You may need a technical exam if you apply for certain specialties like “Home Improvement” or if you work with electrical, HVAC, or plumbing systems.
In those cases, the responsible party must hold a specific trade license or pass the corresponding technical exam.
Class B Contractor License:
This license is ideal for those already handling mid-sized jobs or looking to take on larger projects.
When does it apply?
- If your projects are up to $120,000 per contract.
- And up to $750,000 per year.
What do you need?
- At least 3 years of experience
- Completion of the 8-hour pre-license course
- Passing the required exams: Virginia Law and Business Exam
- General Contractor Exam
These exams can also be taken in Spanish. Check out this video where we explain it: https://youtu.be/zdx5sIa-GHI
Class A Contractor License
This is the most advanced license. If your goal is to work with construction firms, large companies, or on public works, this is the license that gives you unlimited access.
When does it apply?
- If you take on contracts of any amount, with no monetary limit.
What do you need?
- At least 5 years of proven experience
- Completion of the 8-hour pre-license course
- Passing the required exams: Law and Business Exam, General Exam and Advanced Exam. (These are administered by PSI, consist of multiple-choice questions, time limits, and minimum passing scores.)
Recommended for established businesses, experienced professionals, or those looking to qualify for government bids.
If you’re just starting or focusing on residential remodeling, Class C or B is the most common. As your business grows, you can apply for a higher license category.
Comparison Between Types of Contractor Licenses in Virginia
| Feature | Class C | Class B | Class A |
| Limit per individual contract | Up to $10,000 | Up to $120,000 | Unlimited |
| Annual project revenue limit | Up to $150,000 | Up to $750,000 | Unlimited |
| Required experience | At least 2 years | At least 3 years | At least 5 years |
| Required pre-licensing course | ✅ Yes (8 hours) | ✅ Yes (8 hours) | ✅ Yes (8 hours) |
| Exam required | ❌ No (except in technical trades) | ✅ Law & Business exam + General Contractor exam | ✅ Law & Business exam + General Contractor exam + Advanced exam |
| Ideal for | Small jobs and simple remodels | Medium-sized projects, growing businesses | Large contractors, established companies, public projects |
| Examples of projects | Painting, drywall, flooring, minor carpentry | Full remodels, home additions | Large-scale projects, bids, government contracts |
| Exam available in Spanish | ✅ Yes (if applicable) | ✅ Yes (if applicable) | ✅ Yes (if applicable) |
General Requirements to Obtain a Contractor License in Virginia
Each license type has its own specific requirements, but the general process includes:
-
Register a legal business (such as an LLC)
You must have a registered business in Virginia or another state, with a legal trade name.
👉 We help you register your business from home
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Have a Qualified Individual
This is the person who demonstrates technical experience in the construction field. They must have verifiable experience within the last 5 years (e.g., 2 years for Class C, 3 years for Class B, 5 years for Class A).
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Complete the 8-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
This course is mandatory for all license classes. You can take it in Spanish or English.
👉 Click here to view our Pre-Licensing Course
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Take the Exam (Depending on License Type)
Not all applicants are required to take an exam. This depends on the class of license and the type of work you perform.
Class C Contractor License:
- You are not required to take the general contractor exam.
- However, if your trade is regulated (such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, etc.), you may need to pass a technical exam or submit specific credentials.
Class B Contractor License:
- You must pass two sections:
- Virginia Law and Business
- General Contractor Exam
Class A Contractor License:
- You must pass three sections:
- Virginia Law and Business
- General Contractor Exam
- Advanced Exam
Good news: You can take all of these exams in Spanish. We explain everything in this video: https://youtu.be/zdx5sIa-GHI
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Submit Your Application to the DPOR
Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you’ll need to fill out the official form, pay the required fee, and send it to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
What Our Students Are Saying
There’s nothing better than hearing directly from those who have already gone through the process.
Check out what one of our students shared after getting their Contractor License in Virginia with our support:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmmSHFczkFU
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happens if I don’t pass the contractor exam?
Don’t worry—you can retake it. The DPOR allows you to take the exam again, but you’ll need to wait a specific period and pay the exam fee again. At HDS Biz Solutions, we prepare you with updated materials and practical classes to help you increase your chances of passing on your first try.
2. Can I work while waiting for my license?
You can only perform minor jobs that do not exceed $1,000 per project. To sign larger contracts, take on remodeling work, or apply for public projects, you must have an active license. Working without it can result in fines and damage to your professional credibility.
3. Do I need a license for remodeling in Virginia?
Yes. If you perform remodeling work that exceeds $1,000 per contract, the state of Virginia requires you to have a valid contractor license. Depending on the type of remodeling (for example, if it involves electrical or plumbing work), you may also need additional technical licenses.
4. Why is it important to get licensed if I’m a Latino contractor in Virginia?
Many Latino contractors in Virginia work without a license, which limits their income and professional growth. By getting licensed, you can work legally, access better opportunities, increase client trust, and build a strong business that can grow over time.
5. How can I work legally in construction in Virginia?
To work legally in construction in Virginia, you need to meet three basic requirements:
- Register a business (such as an LLC)
- Have the minimum required experience
- Obtain the appropriate license based on the type of work you perform
HDS Biz Solutions Guides You Every Step of the Way
At HDS Biz Solutions, we guide you step by step to correctly fill out your application, gather all the necessary documents (such as proof of experience, certificates, financial responsibility documents, and more), and make sure everything is in order before submitting it.
We’ve helped over 4,000 contractors get licensed in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey.
📲 Ready to get started? Contact us here: 👉 https://hds-biz.com/en/contact-hds/
With your Virginia Contractor License, you’ll be able to work with confidence, grow professionally, and protect your business.
You’re just a few steps away—and you don’t have to do it alone.
HDS Biz Solutions is with you every step of the way!
