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 ($990.40)
Additional Services
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.
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)
To apply for a license, contact:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233
(804)367-8511
Important Contacts
Virginia currently does not have reciprocity with any state for this classification.
Virginia currently does NOT require Continuing Education for this classification.
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.
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.
