General Contractor License Requirements in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB) |
| License Type | Class B - General Building |
| Experience Required | 5 years of construction experience for Class A and Class B; 3 years for Class B-2 (Residential) and B-3 (Multi-Family) |
| Education Substitute | Construction management degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience |
| Exam Required | Yes — WV Business and Law Exam + Trade Exam (Class B General Building) |
| Bond Required | Yes — Mandatory Wage Bond Affidavit required for all applicants. Contractors not actively engaged in WV construction for 5+ consecutive years must obtain a Wage Bond covering 4 weeks gross payroll at full production plus 15%. Contractors performing only residential single-family work may be exempt from the wage bond requirement. |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 6-10 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $90 |
| Exam Fee | $120 |
| Est. Initial Total | $210 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Exam fee per section | $60 |
Renewal: $90 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
WV Business and Law Exam
Trade Exam (Class B General Building)
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in West Virginia
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in West Virginia. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Class A - General Engineering
5 years construction experience
Exam: Required
Class B - General Building
5 years construction experience
Exam: Required
Class B-2 - Residential
3 years residential construction experience
Exam: Required
Class B-3 - Multi-Family
3 years multi-family construction experience
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- NASCLA exam accepted for Class B (General Building) trade exam
- 2025 Universal Professional Licensing Act: contractors licensed in another state for 1+ years in good standing may practice in WV without re-examination
- WV is one of 16 NASCLA-accepting states
Local requirements on top of your West Virginia license
The WVCLB general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in West Virginia. On top of it, most West Virginia cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in West Virginia as a general contractor — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board issues the Class B - General Building; the business that invoices West Virginia customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
West Virginia requires a surety bond. Mandatory Wage Bond Affidavit required for all applicants. Contractors not actively engaged in WV construction for 5+ consecutive years must obtain a Wage Bond covering 4 weeks gross payroll at full production plus 15%. Contractors performing only residential single-family work may be exempt from the wage bond requirement. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
West Virginia does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers compensation insurance and unemployment insurance required for all contractor types. Contractor insurance requirements→
Register locally.
Most West Virginia cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck general contractor businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year at $90.
Other licenses in West Virginia
- Electrician license in West Virginia
Statewide license required · $50 in initial government fees · WVDOL
- Plumber license in West Virginia
Statewide license required · $210 in initial government fees · WVDOL
- HVAC Technician license in West Virginia
Statewide license required · $85 in initial government fees · WVDOL
- Roofing Contractor license in West Virginia
Statewide license required · $210 in initial government fees · WVCLB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia requires a statewide general contractor license through the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board.
How much does a general contractor license cost in West Virginia?
The estimated initial cost is $210, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in West Virginia?
5 years of construction experience for Class A and Class B; 3 years for Class B-2 (Residential) and B-3 (Multi-Family) Education substitute: Construction management degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience
What exams are required for a general contractor license in West Virginia?
You must pass the WV Business and Law Exam and Trade Exam (Class B General Building) exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in West Virginia?
Yes, a surety bond is required. Mandatory Wage Bond Affidavit required for all applicants. Contractors not actively engaged in WV construction for 5+ consecutive years must obtain a Wage Bond covering 4 weeks gross payroll at full production plus 15%. Contractors performing only residential single-family work may be exempt from the wage bond requirement.
Does West Virginia have general contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 2 states that may apply to general contractors. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in West Virginia?
Processing time is typically 6-10 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in West Virginia?
No, West Virginia does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in West Virginia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: WVCLB