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VIRGINIA ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM (AES)
CONTRACTING EXAM QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS
VIRGINIA ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM (AES) CONTRACTING EXAM – \
The Virginia Alternative Energy System (AES) Contracting Exam is a specialty trade examination
administered by PSI Services on behalf of the Virginia Board for Contractors, under the Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Effective March 1, 2016, all contractor
specialty examinations require pre-approval from DPOR before scheduling with PSI.
Question 1
Which Virginia agency is responsible for overseeing contractor licensing for alternative energy systems?
A) Virginia Department of Energy
B) Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
C) Virginia State Corporation Commission
D) Virginia Board of Education
Answer: B
Rationale: The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) manages
contractor licensing across all categories, including Alternative Energy System Contracting. DPOR’s Board
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for Contractors specifically oversees licensing requirements and examinations for AES and other
contractor specialties.
Question 2
Under Virginia regulations, what is the maximum project value for a Class C licensed contractor?
A) $5,000
B) $10,000
C) $15,000
D) $25,000
Answer: B
Rationale: Virginia contractor licenses are based on project dollar thresholds. A Class C license allows
contractors to perform individual projects with a maximum value of **$10,000**. Class B covers
projects between $10,000 and $120,000, and Class A covers projects exceeding $120,000.
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Question 3
What is the minimum passing score required for the Virginia Alternative Energy System (AES) specialty
exam?
A) 65%
B) 70%
C) 72%
D) 75%
Answer: C
Rationale: The Virginia Board for Contractors requires a minimum passing score of 72% on the AES
specialty exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and candidates must correctly
answer approximately 44 of them to pass.
Question 4
A contractor installing a large commercial solar PV system valued at $250,000 must hold which class of
contractor license?
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A) Class C
B) Class B
C) Class A
D) No license required for this project value
Answer: C
Rationale: Virginia contractor license classes are based on project value. A Class A license is required for
projects exceeding **$120,000**. Since this project is valued at $250,000, a Class A license is required.
A Class B license only covers projects up to $120,000, and Class C is limited to $10,000.
Question 5
What is the minimum bond amount required for a Class A Alternative Energy System Contractor in
Virginia?
A) $10,000
B) $25,000
VIRGINIA ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM (AES)
CONTRACTING EXAM QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS
VIRGINIA ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM (AES) CONTRACTING EXAM – \
The Virginia Alternative Energy System (AES) Contracting Exam is a specialty trade examination
administered by PSI Services on behalf of the Virginia Board for Contractors, under the Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Effective March 1, 2016, all contractor
specialty examinations require pre-approval from DPOR before scheduling with PSI.
Question 1
Which Virginia agency is responsible for overseeing contractor licensing for alternative energy systems?
A) Virginia Department of Energy
B) Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
C) Virginia State Corporation Commission
D) Virginia Board of Education
Answer: B
Rationale: The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) manages
contractor licensing across all categories, including Alternative Energy System Contracting. DPOR’s Board
, Page 2 of 212
for Contractors specifically oversees licensing requirements and examinations for AES and other
contractor specialties.
Question 2
Under Virginia regulations, what is the maximum project value for a Class C licensed contractor?
A) $5,000
B) $10,000
C) $15,000
D) $25,000
Answer: B
Rationale: Virginia contractor licenses are based on project dollar thresholds. A Class C license allows
contractors to perform individual projects with a maximum value of **$10,000**. Class B covers
projects between $10,000 and $120,000, and Class A covers projects exceeding $120,000.
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Question 3
What is the minimum passing score required for the Virginia Alternative Energy System (AES) specialty
exam?
A) 65%
B) 70%
C) 72%
D) 75%
Answer: C
Rationale: The Virginia Board for Contractors requires a minimum passing score of 72% on the AES
specialty exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and candidates must correctly
answer approximately 44 of them to pass.
Question 4
A contractor installing a large commercial solar PV system valued at $250,000 must hold which class of
contractor license?
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A) Class C
B) Class B
C) Class A
D) No license required for this project value
Answer: C
Rationale: Virginia contractor license classes are based on project value. A Class A license is required for
projects exceeding **$120,000**. Since this project is valued at $250,000, a Class A license is required.
A Class B license only covers projects up to $120,000, and Class C is limited to $10,000.
Question 5
What is the minimum bond amount required for a Class A Alternative Energy System Contractor in
Virginia?
A) $10,000
B) $25,000
