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Roofing Contractor License Requirements in West Virginia

Licensing AuthorityWest Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB)
License TypeClass B-2 Residential or Class B General Building
Experience Required3 years of construction experience for residential roofing (Class B-2); 5 years for commercial roofing (Class B). Roofing work falls under the general contractor classification.
Exam RequiredYes — WV Business and Law Exam + Trade Exam
Bond RequiredYes — Mandatory Wage Bond Affidavit required. Wage bond may be required for contractors not actively working in WV for 5+ years.
InsuranceGeneral liability: recommended. Workers comp: required
Continuing EducationNot required
Processing Time6-10 weeks

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee$90
Exam Fee$120
Est. Initial Total$210

Renewal: $90 every 1 year

Exam Requirements

WV Business and Law Exam

50 questions2 hoursPass: 70%

Trade Exam

Pass: 70%
Building codesRoofing systemsSafetyEstimating

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.

Contractor License Online Study CourseMometrix · 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 →Contractor's Exam FlashcardsMometrix · 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 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.

tennesseeReciprocity for Electrical, General Building, HVAC, Multi-Family, Plumbing, Residential, and Sprinkler/Fire Protection classifications. Must pass WV Business and Law exam. Must meet financial and insurance requirements and provide official license verification from Tennessee.
virginiaReciprocity for multiple contractor classifications; must pass WV Business and Law exam and meet bonding/insurance requirements

Notes

  • Roofing contractors are licensed under the general contractor classification in WV
  • No separate roofing-specific license exists

You're licensed in West Virginia as a roofing 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.

  1. Form the business and get an EIN.

    The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board issues the Class B-2 Residential or 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.

  2. Post the bond.

    West Virginia requires a surety bond. Mandatory Wage Bond Affidavit required. Wage bond may be required for contractors not actively working in WV for 5+ years. How contractor bonds work→

  3. 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 is required for all contractors. Contractor insurance requirements→

  4. 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 roofing 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→

  5. Keep the license.

    Renewal is every year at $90.

Other licenses in West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a roofing contractor license in West Virginia?

Yes, West Virginia requires a statewide roofing contractor license through the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board.

How much does a roofing 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 roofing contractor license in West Virginia?

3 years of construction experience for residential roofing (Class B-2); 5 years for commercial roofing (Class B). Roofing work falls under the general contractor classification.

What exams are required for a roofing contractor license in West Virginia?

You must pass the WV Business and Law Exam and Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.

Do I need a bond for a roofing contractor license in West Virginia?

Yes, a surety bond is required. Mandatory Wage Bond Affidavit required. Wage bond may be required for contractors not actively working in WV for 5+ years.

Does West Virginia have roofing contractor license reciprocity?

Yes, West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 2 states that may apply to roofing 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 roofing contractor license in West Virginia?

Processing time is typically 6-10 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Is continuing education required for roofing contractors in West Virginia?

No, West Virginia does not currently require continuing education for roofing contractor license renewal.

Next steps

You know the requirements for roofing contractors in West Virginia— here's how to actually pass and apply.

Pass the exam →What to study, prep courses, and first-try strategies for the contractor license exam.Roofing Contractor requirements in every state →Compare apprenticeship hours, exams, fees, and the full path to getting licensed.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: WVCLB