General Contractor License Requirements in Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors (DPOR) |
| License Type | Class A / B / C - Building Contractor (BLD) |
| Experience Required | Class A: 5 years verified experience. Class B: 3 years. Class C: 2 years. Experience must be verified by individuals who observed the applicant's work. All applicants must complete 8 hours of DPOR-approved pre-license education. |
| Education Substitute | Relevant construction management degree or technical education may substitute for a portion of experience — evaluated case by case by DPOR |
| Exam Required | Yes — Class A Business & Law (Parts 1-3) + Class B Business & Law (Parts 1-2 only) + Class C Business & Law |
| Bond Required | Yes — $50,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | ~30 days (4 weeks) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $360 |
| Exam Fee | $85 |
| Class B application | $345 |
| Class C application | $210 |
| Pre-license education (approx.) | $200 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,200 |
Renewal: $270 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Class A Business & Law (Parts 1-3)
98 questions208 minutesPass: Part 1 (VA questions): 75%; Part 2 (General): 70%; Part 3 (Advanced, Class A only): 70%
Virginia contractor statutes and regulationsBusiness managementContract lawProject managementAdvanced construction topics
Class B Business & Law (Parts 1-2 only)
74 questions148 minutesPass: Part 1 (VA questions): 75%; Part 2 (General): 70%; Part 3 (Advanced, Class A only): 70%
Virginia contractor statutes and regulationsBusiness managementContract law
Class C Business & Law
80 questions160 minutesPass: Part 1 (VA questions): 75%; Part 2 (General): 70%; Part 3 (Advanced, Class A only): 70%
Virginia contractor statutes and regulationsBusiness managementBuilding codes
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Class A
5 years verified experience; net worth $45,000+; no project limit
Exam: Required
Class B
3 years verified experience; net worth $15,000+; projects under $120,000 / annual under $750,000
Exam: Required
Class C
2 years verified experience; no net worth minimum; projects under $10,000 / annual under $150,000
Exam: Required
Notes
- License is issued to the business entity, not an individual — a Designated Employee or Responsible Management member must qualify
- Class A: no project or annual revenue limit; net worth $45,000+
- Class B: single project under $120,000; annual revenue under $750,000; net worth $15,000+
- Class C: single project under $10,000; annual revenue under $150,000; no net worth requirement
- 8 hours pre-license education required for all classes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia requires a statewide general contractor license through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Virginia?
The estimated initial cost is $445, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DPOR