What is on the Virginia contractor exam?
- Who gives it
- PSI1
- The exam
- The designated employee (age 18+, full-time employee or in responsible management) of a Class A or B firm must pass the board-approved business exam (Va. Code 54.1-1106(E), 54.1-1108. 18VAC50-22-50 B, -60 B). Each qualified individual must also pass the technical exam for the classification (RBC, CBC, HIC, CIC and others) unless they hold the prerequisite license listed in 18VAC50-22-61. Exams run through PSI per DPOR.1
- Exam fee
- up to $2002
Retake rules: check with VA Board for Contractors (DPOR).
Journeyman and master exams in Virginia
Electrician
- Who gives it
- PSI3
- Code book
- National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), 2017 edition per the bulletin
- Open book
- Yes
- Exam fee
- $150
Plumber
- Who gives it
- PSI3
- Code book
- International Plumbing Code 2018 edition, moving to 2021 for exams from 5/1/2025 per the bulletin
- Open book
- Yes
- Exam fee
- $150
HVAC
- Who gives it
- PSI3
- Code book
- International Mechanical Code 2018 edition (2021 for residential HVAC) per the bulletin
- Open book
- Yes
- Exam fee
- $150
How do you book the exam?
Apply to the DPOR first. The board approves your application, then tells you how to schedule with the testing company (PSI). VA Board for Contractors (DPOR)
Sources
- VA Board for Contractors (DPOR): exam (law.lis.virginia.gov, 2026-10-27)
- VA Board for Contractors (DPOR): fees (law.lis.virginia.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Virginia electrician license: exam (vaawwa.org, 2026-10-27)