Becoming a General Contractor (GC) in Virginia requires navigating the state’s regulatory structure. The license grants a business the legal authority to contract for construction projects, a privilege the Commonwealth strictly governs to protect the public. Obtaining licensure requires meeting specific financial, experience, and educational requirements tailored to the scale of work the contractor intends to undertake.
Defining the Role and Scope in Virginia
Virginia requires a contractor license for any construction, removal, repair, or improvement work on property owned by others when the project value exceeds $1,000. This regulation ensures businesses meet minimum standards of competence and financial stability. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), through the Board for Contractors, governs this licensure.
The Board licenses the business entity, not the individual. The company must be properly structured and registered before applying. The license consists of two parts: a class, which determines the financial limits of accepted projects, and a classification or specialty, which defines the type of work allowed.
Determining Your License Class
Virginia tiers its contractor licenses into three classes—A, B, and C—based on the monetary value of authorized projects. Selecting the appropriate class is the first major decision, as it dictates the required experience, financial strength, and examination requirements. The class determines the maximum size of a single contract and the total revenue a company can generate annually.
Class C License
The Class C license is the starting tier for smaller-scale projects. A business is restricted to single contracts valued at less than $10,000. The total value of all projects undertaken within any 12-month period must not exceed $150,000. This class has the most lenient experience requirements and does not require the applicant to demonstrate a minimum net worth.
Class B License
The mid-range Class B license authorizes a business to accept single contracts valued up to $120,000. The annual total value of all projects is capped at $750,000. Applicants for this class must meet higher standards for financial responsibility and experience.
Class A License
The Class A license represents the highest level of authorization, allowing the business to undertake the largest construction projects. There are no monetary restrictions on the size of a single contract or the total annual revenue. Obtaining this license requires the most rigorous demonstration of experience, technical knowledge, and financial stability.
Meeting Initial Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting a formal application, the business must satisfy prerequisites related to structure, personnel, experience, and financial standing. The business entity must first be registered with the State Corporation Commission (SCC). The applicant must then designate key personnel for the license:
Personnel Requirements
Responsible Management (RM)
A Qualified Individual (QI)
A Designated Employee (DE) (required for Class A and B licenses)
The experience requirement varies by class and must be met by the Qualified Individual, who demonstrates hands-on, field expertise in the chosen specialty. Experience must be verifiable and documented using an Experience Verification Form submitted with the application.
Class C requires two years of verifiable experience.
Class B requires three years.
Class A requires five years.
Financial stability is required for higher license classes. Class A applicants must document a minimum net worth or equity of $45,000, while Class B applicants must demonstrate at least $15,000. These thresholds can be proven through a financial statement or by securing a surety bond. Class C applicants are not required to meet a minimum net worth requirement.
Completing the Mandatory Pre-License Education
All three classes require the successful completion of an 8-hour pre-licensure business course approved by the DPOR. This course must be taken by a member of the Responsible Management team or the Designated Employee before the license application is submitted. The education ensures applicants are familiar with the legal and business environment of contracting in the state.
The curriculum covers topics fundamental to operating a compliant construction business in Virginia, including:
State-specific laws and regulations
Tax obligations
Labor laws
Safety regulations (OSHA and VOSH)
Proof of completion, typically a certificate, must be included in the final application package sent to the DPOR.
Navigating the Application and Examination Process
Once all prerequisites are met, the business must submit a comprehensive application package and the required fee to the DPOR Board for Contractors. The application details the company’s structure, responsible personnel, and selected license class and specialty. The application fee varies by license class.
The examination component is divided into two parts: the Business/Law exam and the Technical/Trade exam.
Business/Law Exam
This exam tests the Designated Employee’s knowledge of state contracting laws and business practices.
Class B applicants must pass the General and Virginia portions.
Class A applicants must pass all three portions, including the Advanced section.
Technical/Trade Exam
This exam focuses on the specific technical knowledge required for the chosen specialty. It is only required for Class A and Class B licenses. The Qualified Individual must be pre-approved by the DPOR before scheduling this test. Successful passing of both relevant exams is the final hurdle before the DPOR issues the license.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Virginia Contractor License
A Virginia contractor license is issued to the business entity and must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires submitting an application and paying the applicable fee before the expiration date. Continuing education is not currently mandated for renewal.
The licensed business must continuously maintain all requirements necessary for initial licensure, including required financial standing. License holders must notify the DPOR of any changes to the business structure (e.g., address change) or personnel changes (e.g., replacement of the Qualified Individual). Failure to uphold these compliance standards can result in the license lapsing or facing disciplinary action.