Virginia Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Virginia requires statewide contractor licensing through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors. Virginia uses a tiered system based on project value: Class A (unlimited), Class B (up to $120,000 per project / $750,000 annual), and Class C (up to $10,000 per project / $150,000 annual). Individual tradesmen (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) are licensed separately under the Tradesmen Program with journeyman and master tiers. All contractor licenses are issued to business entities, not individuals.
General Contractor
RequiredExperience5 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$445
Electrician
RequiredExperience4 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$175
Plumber
RequiredExperience4 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$175
HVAC Technician
RequiredExperience4 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$175
Roofing Contractor
RequiredExperience5 years
ExamYes
Est. Cost$445
Reciprocity Agreements
Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
alabama — Reciprocity for electrician licensing — exam may be waived with verified active license
kentucky — Reciprocity for electrician and master electrician licenses
maryland — Reciprocity for master electrician and journeyman/master HVAC license examinations
ohio — Reciprocity for electrician licensing
west virginia — Reciprocity for journeyman and master electrician tradesman licenses
district of columbia — Reciprocity for journeyman and master electrician tradesman licenses
washington suburban sanitary commission — Examination agreement for journeyman and master plumbers and gas fitters (WSSC service area)