Part II. Entry
18VAC50-22-40. Requirements for a Class C license.
A. A firm applying for a Class C license must meet the requirements of this section.
B. For every classification or specialty in which the firm seeks to be licensed, the firm must name a qualified individual who meets the following requirements:
1. Is at least 18 years of age;
2. Has a minimum of one year of experience in the classification or specialty for which the individual is the qualifier;
3. Is a full-time employee of the firm or is a member of the responsible management of the firm; and
4. Has met the appropriate prerequisite and board-approved examination, where applicable, for any classification or specialty service specified in 18VAC50-22-61 or has completed a board-approved examination for all other classifications and specialty services that do not require other certification or licensure. For the miscellaneous contracting (MSC) specialty service, the applicant must provide documentation acceptable to the board of the qualified individual's experience in the scope of practice for which the specialty service is being sought. All such applications will be considered by the board in accordance with the provisions of §§ 2.2-4019 and 2.2-4020 of the Code of Virginia.
C. The firm must provide information for the past three years prior to application on any outstanding, past-due debts and judgments; outstanding tax obligations; defaults on bonds; or pending or past bankruptcies. The firm and all members of the responsible management of the firm must submit information on any past-due debts and judgments or defaults on bonds directly related to the practice of contracting as defined in Chapter 11 (§ 54.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
D. The firm and all members of the responsible management of the firm must disclose at the time of application any current or previous contractor licenses held in Virginia or in other jurisdictions and any disciplinary actions taken on these licenses. This includes any monetary penalties, fines, suspensions, revocations, surrender of a license in connection with a disciplinary action, or voluntary termination of a license in Virginia or in any other jurisdiction.
E. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, all applicants must disclose the following information about the firm, all members of the responsible management, and the qualified individual for the firm:
1. All non-marijuana misdemeanor convictions within three years of the date of application; and
2. All felony convictions.
F. A member of responsible management must complete a board-approved basic business course.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR220-01-2:1 § 2.1, eff. March 31, 1995; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 2001; Volume 25, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2008; Volume 29, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2012; Volume 32, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2016; Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2019; Volume 38, Issue 5, eff. December 1, 2021; Volume 38, Issue 11, eff. February 16, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2025.
18VAC50-22-50. Requirements for a Class B license.
A. A firm applying for a Class B license must meet the requirements of this section.
B. The firm must name a designated employee who meets the following requirements:
1. Is at least 18 years of age;
2. Is a full-time employee of the firm or is a member of responsible management;
3. Has passed a board-approved examination as required by § 54.1-1108 of the Code of Virginia or has been exempted from the examination requirement in accordance with § 54.1-1108.1 of the Code of Virginia; and
4. Has followed all rules established by the board or by the testing service acting on behalf of the board with regard to conduct at the examination. Such rules include any written instructions communicated prior to the examination date and any oral or written instructions given at the site on the date of the examination.
C. For every classification or specialty in which the firm seeks to be licensed, the firm must name a qualified individual who meets the following requirements:
1. Is at least 18 years of age;
2. Has a minimum of three years of experience in the classification or specialty for which the individual is the qualifier;
3. Is a full-time employee of the firm or is a member of the responsible management of the firm; and
4. Has met the appropriate prerequisite and board-approved examination, where applicable, for any classification or specialty service specified in 18VAC50-22-61 or has completed a board-approved examination for all other classifications and specialty services that do not require other certification or licensure. For the miscellaneous contracting (MSC) specialty service, the applicant must provide documentation acceptable to the board of the qualified individual's experience in the scope of practice for which the specialty service is being sought. All such applications will be considered by the board in accordance with the provisions of §§ 2.2-4019 and 2.2-402 of the Code of Virginia.
D. Each firm must submit information on its financial position. Excluding any property owned as tenants by the entirety, the firm must verify a net worth or equity of $15,000 or more by submitting a completed financial statement with supporting documentation, a financial statement reviewed by a certified public accountant (CPA), or a CPA audit. In lieu of this requirement, the firm may obtain a $50,000 surety bond on the board's bond form.
E. Each firm must provide information for the four years prior to application on any outstanding, past-due debts and judgments; outstanding tax obligations; defaults on bonds; or pending or past bankruptcies. The firm, its designated employee, and all members of the responsible management of the firm must submit information on any past-due debts and judgments or defaults on bonds directly related to the practice of contracting as defined in Chapter 11 (§ 54.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
F. The firm, the designated employee, and all members of the responsible management of the firm must disclose at the time of application any current or previous substantial identities of interest with any contractor licenses issued in Virginia or in other jurisdictions and any disciplinary actions taken on these licenses. This includes any monetary penalties, fines, suspension, revocation, or surrender of a license in connection with a disciplinary action. The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant when any of the parties listed in this subsection have had a substantial identity of interest (as deemed in § 54.1-1110 of the Code of Virginia) with any firm that has had a license suspended, revoked, voluntarily terminated, or surrendered in connection with a disciplinary action in Virginia or any other jurisdiction.
G. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, all applicants must disclose the following information about the firm, designated employee, all members of the responsible management, and the qualified individual for the firm:
1. All non-marijuana misdemeanor convictions within three years of the date of application; and
2. All felony convictions.
H. The designated employee or a member of responsible management must successfully complete a board-approved basic business course.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 and of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR220-01-2:1 § 2.2, eff. March 31, 1995; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 2001; Volume 22, Issue 8, eff. February 1, 2006; Volume 25, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2008; Volume 29, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2012; Volume 32, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2016; Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2019; Volume 38, Issue 5, eff. December 1, 2021; Volume 38, Issue 11, eff. February 16, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2025.
18VAC50-22-60. Requirements for a Class A license.
A. A firm applying for a Class A license must meet all of the requirements of this section.
B. The firm must name a designated employee who meets the following requirements:
1. Is at least 18 years of age;
2. Is a full-time employee of the firm or is a member of the responsible management of the firm;
3. Has passed a board-approved examination as required by § 54.1-1106 of the Code of Virginia or has been exempted from the examination requirement in accordance with § 54.1-1108.1 of the Code of Virginia; and
4. Has followed all rules established by the board or by the testing service acting on behalf of the board with regard to conduct at the examination. Such rules include any written instructions communicated prior to the examination date and any oral or written instructions given at the site on the day of the examination.
C. For every classification or specialty in which the firm seeks to be licensed, the firm must name a qualified individual who meets the following requirements:
1. Is at least 18 years of age;
2. Has a minimum of five years of experience in the classification or specialty for which the individual is the qualifier;
3. Is a full-time employee of the firm or is a member of the responsible management of the firm; and
4. Has met the appropriate prerequisite and board-approved examination, where applicable, for any classification or specialty service specified in 18VAC50-22-61 or has completed a board-approved examination for all other classifications and specialty services that do not require other certification or licensure. For the miscellaneous contracting (MSC) specialty service, the applicant must provide documentation acceptable to the board of the qualified individual's experience in the scope of practice for which the specialty service is being sought. All such applications will be considered by the board in accordance with the provisions of §§ 2.2-4019 and 2.2-402 of the Code of Virginia.
D. Each firm must submit information on its financial position. Excluding any property owned as tenants by the entirety, the firm must verify a net worth or equity of $45,000 by submitting a completed financial statement with supporting documentation, a financial statement reviewed by a certified public accountant (CPA), or a CPA audit. In lieu of this requirement, the firm may obtain a $50,000 surety bond on the board's bond form.
E. The firm must provide information for the five years prior to application on any outstanding, past-due debts and judgments; outstanding tax obligations; defaults on bonds; or pending or past bankruptcies. The firm, its designated employee, and all members of the responsible management of the firm must submit information on any past-due debts and judgments or defaults on bonds directly related to the practice of contracting as defined in Chapter 11 (§ 54.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
F. The firm, the designated employee, and all members of the responsible management of the firm must disclose at the time of application any current or previous substantial identities of interest with any contractor licenses issued in Virginia or in other jurisdictions and any disciplinary actions taken on these licenses. This includes any monetary penalties, fines, suspensions, revocations, or surrender of a license in connection with a disciplinary action. The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant when any of the parties listed in this subsection have had a substantial identity of interest (as deemed in § 54.1-1110 of the Code of Virginia) with any firm that has had a license suspended, revoked, voluntarily terminated, or surrendered in connection with a disciplinary action in Virginia or in any other jurisdiction.
G. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, all applicants must disclose the following information about the firm, all members of the responsible management, the designated employee, and the qualified individual for the firm:
1. All non-marijuana misdemeanor convictions within three years of the date of application; and
2. All felony convictions.
H. The designated employee or a member of responsible management must successfully complete a board-approved basic business course.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR220-01-2:1 § 2.3, eff. March 31, 1995; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 2001; Volume 22, Issue 8, eff. February 1, 2006; Volume 25, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2008; Volume 29, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2012; Volume 32, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2016; Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2019; Volume 38, Issue 5, eff. December 1, 2021; Volume 38, Issue 11, eff. February 16, 2022; Volume 41, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2025.
18VAC50-22-61. Qualifications for classifications and specialties.
For the following classifications or specialty services, the qualified individual must meet the qualifications specified in this section:
Classification or Specialty Service | Prerequisites | Board-Approved Examination |
Accessibility services contracting (ASC) | Accessibility mechanic certification issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Accessibility services contracting - LULA (ASL) | Accessibility mechanic certification with the LULA endorsement issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Alternative energy system contracting (AES) | Years of experience based on class of license; or | Yes |
Qualify and obtain the roofing contracting (ROC) specialty service by examination and complete the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification or a board-approved certification | ||
Alternative sewage disposal system contracting (ADS) | Master alternative onsite sewage system installer license issued by the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals | No |
Asbestos contracting (ASB) | Asbestos supervisor's license issued by the Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors | No |
Blast/explosive contracting (BEC) | Blaster certification issued by the Department of Fire Programs | No |
Conventional sewage disposal system contracting (CDS) | Master conventional onsite sewage system installer license issued by the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals | No |
Drug lab remediation contracting (DLR) | Remediation course approved by the Board for Contractors | No |
Electrical contractors (ELE) | Master electrician tradesman license issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Elevator/Escalator contracting (EEC) | Elevator mechanic certification issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Fire sprinkler contracting (SPR) | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) - Sprinkler level III or higher certification; or | No |
Professional engineer license issued by the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects | ||
Gas fitting contracting (GFC) | Master gas fitter license issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
HVAC contractors (HVA) | Master HVAC tradesman license issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Lead abatement contracting (LAC) | Lead abatement supervisor license issued by the Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors | No |
Liquefied petroleum gas contracting (LPG) | Master liquefied petroleum gas fitter license issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Manufactured home contracting (MHC) | Manufactured Housing Installer Certification issued by the Department of Housing and Community Development | No |
Natural gas fitting provider contracting (NGF) | Master natural gas fitter provider license issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Plumbing contractors (PLB) | Master plumber tradesman license issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Radon mitigation contracting (RMC)* | Certificate issued by National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) *Must also qualify and obtain one of the following by examination: commercial building contractors (CBC) classification, commercial improvement contracting (CIC) specialty service, farm improvement contracting (FIC) specialty service, home improvement contracting (HIC) specialty service, or residential building contractors (RBC) classification. | No |
Waterwell/pump contracting (WWP) | Master water well systems provider license issued by the Board for Contractors | No |
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2025.
18VAC50-22-62. Requirements for residential building energy analyst firm.
A. An applicant for a residential building energy analyst firm license must meet the requirements of this section.
B. The firm must name a qualified individual who meets all of the following requirements:
1. Is at least 18 years of age;
2. Holds a current individual residential building energy analyst license issued by the board; and
3. Is a full-time employee of the firm or is a member of the responsible management of the firm.
C. The applicant must provide documentation, acceptable to the board, that the firm currently carries a minimum of $500,000 of general liability insurance from a company authorized to provide such insurance in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
D. The firm, the qualified individual, and all members of the responsible management of the firm must disclose at the time of application (i) any current or previous energy analyst or home inspection licenses held in Virginia or in other jurisdictions and (ii) any disciplinary actions taken on these licenses. This includes any monetary penalties, fines, suspensions, revocations, surrender of a license in connection with a disciplinary action, or voluntary termination of a license in Virginia or in any other jurisdiction.
E. The firm must provide information for the past five years prior to application on any outstanding past-due debts, outstanding judgments, outstanding tax obligations, defaults on bonds, or pending or past bankruptcies. The firm, its qualified individual, and all members of the responsible management of the firm shall submit information on any past-due debts and judgments or defaults on bonds directly related to the practice of residential building energy analysis as defined in § 54.1-1144 of the Code of Virginia.
F. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, all applicants must disclose the following information about the firm, all members of the responsible management, and the qualified individual for the firm:
1. All non-marijuana misdemeanor convictions within three years of the date of application; and
2. All felony convictions.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2016; amended, Virginia Register Volume 38, Issue 5, eff. December 1, 2021; Volume 41, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2025.
18VAC50-22-65. Temporary licenses.
A. A firm applying for a temporary license must meet all of the requirements of § 54.1-201.1 of the Code of Virginia, including the simultaneous submission of a completed application for licensure, and the provisions of this section.
B. A firm must hold a comparable license or certificate in another state and provide verification of current licensure or certification from the other state in a format acceptable to the board. The license or certificate, as applicable, must be in good standing and have comparable qualifications to the Virginia license applied for by the firm.
C. The following provisions apply to a temporary license issued by the board:
1. A temporary license will not be renewed.
2. A firm will not be issued more than one temporary license.
3. The issuance of the license will void the temporary license.
4. If the board denies approval of the application for a license, the temporary license will be automatically suspended.
D. Any firm continuing to practice as a contractor after a temporary license has expired or been suspended and that has not obtained a comparable license or certificate may be prosecuted and fined by the Commonwealth under § 54.1-111 A 1 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-1102 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2014; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2025.
18VAC50-22-66. Board's disciplinary authority over temporary license holders.
A. A temporary licensee is subject to all laws and regulations of the board and will remain under and be subject to the disciplinary authority of the board during the period of temporary licensure.
B. The licensee will be subject to disciplinary action for any violations of Virginia statutes or regulations during the period of temporary licensure.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-1102 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2014; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2025.
18VAC50-22-70. Qualifications for licensure by reciprocity or substantial equivalency.
Firms originally licensed in a state with which the board has a reciprocal agreement or whose eligibility criteria are substantially equivalent may obtain a Virginia contractor's license in accordance with the terms of that agreement.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-1102 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR220-01-2:1 § 2.4, eff. March 31, 1995; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2012.
18VAC50-22-80. Examinations.
All examinations required for licensure shall be approved by the board and provided by the board or a testing service acting on behalf of the board, or another governmental agency or organization. The examination fee shall consist of the administration expenses of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation ensuing from the board's examination procedures and contract charges. Exam service contracts shall be established through competitive negotiation in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 11-35 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). The current examination shall not exceed a cost of $100 per element to the candidate.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-1102 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR220-01-2:1 § 2.5, eff. March 31, 1995; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 2001.
18VAC50-22-90. Past due recovery fund assessments.
No license will be issued to an applicant whose previous license or registration was suspended for nonpayment of a Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund assessment until all past-due assessments have been paid.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-1102 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR220-01-2:1 § 2.6, eff. March 31, 1995; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 25, eff. September 1, 2025.
18VAC50-22-100. Fees.
All fees required by the board are nonrefundable. In the event that a check, money draft, or similar instrument for payment of a fee required by statute or regulation is not honored by the bank or financial institution named, the applicant or regulant will be required to remit fees sufficient to cover the original fee, plus an additional processing charge set by the department:
Fee Type | When Due | Amount Due |
Class C Initial License | with license application | $235 |
Class B Initial License | with license application | $380 |
Class A Initial License | with license application | $400 |
Temporary License | with license application and applicable initial license fee | $60 |
Residential Building Energy Analyst Firm License | with license application | $240 |
Change of Designated Employee | with change application | $125 |
Change of Qualified Individual | with change application | $125 |
Addition of Classification or Specialty | with addition application | $125 |
In accordance with § 54.1-1119 of the Code of Virginia, a $25 Recovery Fund assessment is also required with each initial license application. If the applicant does not meet all requirements and does not become licensed, this assessment will be refunded. No Recovery Fund assessment is required for residential building energy analyst firm license, change of designated employee, change of qualified individual, or addition of classification or specialty.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201, 54.1-1102, and 54.1-1146 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR220-01-2:1 § 2.7, eff. March 31, 1995; amended, Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1997; Volume 15, Issue 12, eff. May 1, 1999; Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 2001; Volume 19, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2003; Volume 21, Issue 20, eff. August 1, 2005; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2010; Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2014; Volume 32, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2016; Volume 41, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2025; Volume 41, Issue 25, eff. September 1, 2025; Errata, 42:1 VA.R. 221 August 25, 2025.