Board for Contractors

ALERT: Some DPOR services and information updates are temporarily unavailable. Please allow an additional 3-5 business days for license issuance and renewal. Contact us to check the status of your license or if you have a specific inquiry.

Contact Information

The Board for Contractors licenses businesses engaged in the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of facilities on property owned by others. Contractor licenses consist of two parts: the class of license (A, B, or C), which determines the monetary value of contracts/projects that may be performed, and the classification/specialty, which determines what type of work is allowed. The Board also licenses tradesmen, as well as individuals and firms engaged in residential building energy analysis, which involves evaluation of energy consumption and recommendations to improve energy efficiency.

Additional Notices

1. Select your application format: Working with Interactive and Static forms
2. Review the Introduction to Contractor Licensure (Spanish Version), Step-by-Step Application Guide (Spanish Version), and Requirements for Qualified Individuals (Spanish Version)
3. Learn about trade-related exams and qualifications
4. Applications Instructions: English or Spanish
5. Read and understand the Board for Contractors Regulations
6. Application fees are not refundable

APPLY | Contractor License

• Class A, B, and C
• business entities and sole proprietors, not individuals
• Application Instructions
  - English or Spanish translation
• looking for tradesmen applications?

• Required of Class A and B applicants only
• Select ONE form to verify net worth/equity

APPLY | Residential Building Energy Analyst (RBEA)

ADD/CHANGE License Information (for current licensees only)

TERMINATE License

RENEW

• Renewals cannot be processed over the phone.
• If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you must contact Board staff at (804) 367-8511 or Contractors@dpor.virginia.gov for further guidance.

EDUCATION PROVIDER FORMS

• FAQs for education providers

OTHER FORMS

DPOR Boards only accept the most current versions of the applications and forms as provided above. DPOR is not responsible for processing delays associated with forms that do not conform to this requirement.

Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

Statutes

• Chapter 11 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia - Contractors Statutes
• Section 55-70.1 of the Code of Virginia - New Home Warranty Statute

Regulations

• Contractors Regulationsonline | PDF
• TradesmenRegulationsonline | PDF
• Guidance Documents on Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
  • UPDATEDContractors Board Policies & Interpretations
    
  Meetings & Minutes

  Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

  The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to the board's meeting schedule, agendas, and past meeting minutes.

  Education & Exams

  Pre-License Education

  In order to become licensed as a Contractor (Class A, Class B, or Class C), applicants must complete eight hours of pre-license education. For Class A and Class B applicants, the pre-license education must be completed by a member of responsible management or the designated employee. For Class C applicants, a member of responsible management must complete the pre-license education. Pre-license education is required for all new contractor licenses and is a separate requirement from the Class A and Class B examinations.

  The pre-license education course is a basic business course that covers relevant regulations, statutes, and requirements that are necessary for every business owner. The course is not specific to any particular classification or specialty. A Board-approved advanced contractor class will also meet the requirements for the pre-license education course.

  In addition, applicants for licensure as a Residential Building Energy Analyst must complete a class from an approved RBEA vocational training provider.

  • Approved Contractor Pre-License Education Schools/Courses
  • Approved Residential Building Energy Analyst (RBEA) Vocational Training Schools/Courses

  Remedial Education

  The Board may order licensed contractors to complete remedial education as part of a disciplinary or consent order.

  Every licensee ordered to complete remedial education must attend a full-day eight-hour class in person at DPOR. Classes are free, taught by certified DPOR staff, and offered once a month at DPOR offices in the Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Board Room 2 (directions here).

  To sign up for a class, complete the Registration Form (see chart below) or contact the Board office at (804) 367-2785 or contractor@dpor.virginia.gov. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, and walk-ins can only be accommodated if space is available.

  All class participants must be a member of the Responsible Management team listed on the contractor license. You must bring a photo ID with you to register. Credit will not be given unless you attend the entire length of the full-day class.

  NOTE: All classes are 8:15 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with a 45-minute lunch break. Please bring your own lunch or be prepared to go off-site and return within the 45-minute time frame.

  2024 CLASS DATES

  
  Education Providers

  The Board for Contractors' Committee is responsible for reviewing applications from education providers seeking board approval. The Committee usually meets the day BEFORE the regularly scheduled Board meeting (schedule here) at 2:00 p.m.

  Submission of correct and complete school/course applications must be received ONE MONTH PRIOR to the Committee meeting for consideration by the Committee and approval by the Board. The date of receipt by the Board office determines whether the application materials were received by the deadline.

  Contact the Board's Education Section at (804) 367-2224 or contractors@dpor.virginia.gov with questions.

  Application for Education Provider/Course Approval	Interactive	Static
  Education Provider Listing Update Form	Interactive	Static
  Education Provider FAQs	Static

  Examinations

  • Important Notice Concerning the Coronavirus - Updates: https://www.psionline.com/important-notice-update-concerning-covid-19-coronavirus/
    
  • Successful completion of the examination is required before applying for licensure.
    
  • Information About QI Exam: Written Exam Requirement for Certain Contractor "Qualified Individuals"
    
  • The Virginia Building and Fire Regulations. The building and fire regulations are used as references on several examinations.

  View PSI Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs):

  • Contractor Business Exam CIB (taken by DE)
  • Contractor Specialty Exam CIB (taken by QI)