Required Books

The references listed below are allowed to be used during the exam and are used in our preparation seminar. These references may be tabbed (with permanent index tabs) and highlighted.

***One of the approved references, Finish Carpenters’ Manual, 1993, is out of print and only available from Amazon.

Effective immediately either the 2012 or 2015 Code can be used. As of 7/1/20 only the 2015 edition can be used.

They are available for purchase from our online contractor’s bookstore or by calling our office at 1-800-992-1910.

Add All Required Books to Cart ($1,216.90)

2021 International Residential Code for 1 & 2 Family Dwellings, Tabbed & Highlighted

Bookstore

This comprehensive code comprises all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and electrical requirements for one- and two-family dwellings…

$216.00
Add to cart
ANSI A117.1-2017 Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities

Bookstore

ANSI A117.1-20017 Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities

$59.00
Add to cart
ASTM D-4756-21 Stand Practice for Instal of Rigid (PVC) Siding (Special Order)

Bookstore

SPECIAL ORDER USUALLY SHIPS 7-10 BUSINESS DAYS ASTM Standards: Plastic Collection - D4756-21 Standard Practice for Installation of…

$130.50
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Carpentry & Building Construction, 6th Ed, 2016

Bookstore

.awq5 { POSITION: absolute } Help students get ready for professional certification and competitive events with Glencoe's NEWCarpentry and…

$152.00
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Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction 4th Ed.

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Written by and for contractors, and referenced by many licensing authorities, this guide details proven practices to produce…

$111.00
Add to cart
Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th

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Gypsum Construction Handbook, 2014, is a guide to good construction procedures for gypsum drywall, veneer plaster, cement board…

$57.50
Add to cart
Insulation Handbook, (Special Order)

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Insulation Handbook, 1996- No longer printed, Quantites may be limited.

$94.00
Add to cart
Modern Masonry, 2022

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Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone provides a broad understanding of the properties and applications of masonry materials. It…

$148.00
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OSHA 29. CFR 1926 for Contractors Highlighted & Tabbed

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Occupational Safety & Health Standards for the Construction Industry (OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry), Published by American…

$55.00
Add to cart
Painting and Decorating Craftsmans Manual and Textbook, 8th ed. (Special Order)

Bookstore

From the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) comes this informative review of architectural, commercial, and industrial…

$160.00
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VA-BLDTabs

Bookstore

One sheet of tabs for the Carpentry & Building Book and one blank sheet of tabs

$10.95
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Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2018 .pdf

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.awq5 { POSITION: absolute } Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2018 USBC, Department of Housing and Community Development Office…

$22.95
Add to cart

Additional Services

Virginia Application Processing

Application Processing

New Application Processing Fee for Virginia License

$299.00
Add to cart

Confirm This Is the Right License for Your Work

Every state licensing board defines the exact project types, sizes, and trades that fall under each contractor classification. Review the scope below to make sure this license matches the work you actually do — then enroll in the seminar that prepares you for that exam the first time.

Scope of Work: Home Improvement Contracting means that service which provides for repairs or improvements to one-family and two-family residential buildings or structures annexed to real property. The BLD classification also provides this function. The HIC specialty does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting functions. It does not include high rise buildings, buildings with more than two dwelling units, or new construction functions beyond the existing building structure other than decks, patios, driveways and utility out buildings.

HIC includes the following specialties and they are not required to be listed separately on your contractor license:

Masonry Contracting (BRK)

Painting and Wallcovering Contracting (PTC)

Roofing Contracting (ROC)

License Requirements

NOTICE: Effective March 1, 2016, all Contractor Specialty examinations will require pre-approval from DPOR prior to taking the examination. For more information please contact the Board for Contractors Licensing Section directly at (804) 367-8511.

As of 8/21/06, the Designated Employee or a member of Responsible Management of all contractors applying for initial licensure (for an entity that is not currently licensed) must successfully complete an 8-hour business class approved by the Board for Contractors.

This applies to Class-A, Class-B & Class-C Contractors. (Please note that individuals applying for a Class C license; A Owner/Officer/Partner of the Company must be the person to take the required 8-hour Business Course required by the Board.)

Effective December 1, 2012, contractors will be required to take technical exams for the specialties they put on their license. This applies to Class A, B and C licenses. Contact the Virginia Board for Contractors for more information.

Reciprocity

Virginia currently does not have reciprocity with any state for this classification.

Continuing Education

Virginia currently does NOT require Continuing Education for this classification.

The Exam

The exam is 50 questions, Multiple Choice, 120 Minutes and a 70% is required to pass.

Exam topics include Concrete, Masonry, Painting and Wall Covering, Drywall, Rough Carpentry and Framing, Siding, Finish Carpentry, Roofing, Insulation, Safety, and Windows and Doors.

How We Help You Prepare

American Contractors is currently offering a one-day seminar for individuals wishing to take and pass the Virginia Home Improvement Contractor exam. Please contact us at (800) 992-1910 for more information.

To apply for a license, contact:

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233
(804)367-8511

License Fees:

Class A - $425.00
Class B - $405.00
Class C - $260.00

Important Contacts

To apply for a license, contact:

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233
(804)367-8511

http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/

Virginia exams are given by:

PSI Licensure: Certification
ATTN: Exam Registration
Daniel Building
3805 Cutshaw Ave., Suite 310
Richmond, VA 23230
(800) 733-9267

www.psiexams.com

For Tradesman Testing Approval, completed applications should be sent to:
Board for Contractors
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233

For more information, visit the website:

www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/tra_main.cfm

Full Seminar Schedule

Compare upcoming dates, locations, and class details. Use the Choose button to move a session into the registration selector.

Date	Location	Format	Location Info	Price	Select
Nov 6, 2026	Richmond,VA	In-Person	View details ACES Richmond Office 13803 Village Mill Dr Suite 102 Midlothian, VA 23114 800-992-1910 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM This is a 1 day course	$445.00

What Past Attendees Say

This two day course was the missing link I needed to pass the general contractors exam.

Jason C.

5-star Google review

With the help of their exam prep seminar I passed the licensing exam on the first try!

Jim C.

I have taken classes here and they are worth it! All their instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful.

Amy G.

Virginia Home Improvement Contractor

What Is Included in Your Seminar

Required Books

2021 International Residential Code for 1 & 2 Family Dwellings, Tabbed & Highlighted

ANSI A117.1-2017 Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities

ASTM D-4756-21 Stand Practice for Instal of Rigid (PVC) Siding (Special Order)

Carpentry & Building Construction, 6th Ed, 2016

Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction 4th Ed.

Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th

Insulation Handbook, (Special Order)

Modern Masonry, 2022

OSHA 29. CFR 1926 for Contractors Highlighted & Tabbed

Painting and Decorating Craftsmans Manual and Textbook, 8th ed. (Special Order)

VA-BLDTabs

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2018 .pdf