VA CONTRACTORS: GENERAL VA
ADVANCED (CLASS A) EXAM
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational
Regulation (DPOR)
200 MCQs (Advanced Level)
📋 EXAM COVERAGE DESCRIPTION
This exam covers the following core domains as assessed for the Virginia Class A Contractor
License (General VA Advanced):
Virginia Contractor Licensing Law: DPOR regulations, licensing requirements,
classifications, and statutes (Code of Virginia Title 54.1)
Business & Financial Management: Contracts, accounting, financial statements,
bonding, insurance, liens, and business organization
Project Management: Scheduling, estimating, bidding, change orders, submittals, and
project controls
Construction Law: Contract types, dispute resolution, claims, OSHA regulations, and
legal obligations
Building Codes & Regulations: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC),
International Building Code (IBC) adoption, permit requirements
Safety & OSHA: Federal OSHA standards, Virginia OSHA (VOSH), jobsite safety,
hazard communication
Site Work & Excavation: Earthwork, grading, drainage, soil mechanics, and
underground utilities
Concrete & Masonry: Structural concrete, reinforcement, masonry systems, and
foundations
Structural Systems: Steel, wood framing, load calculations, and structural principles
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing: MEP coordination, systems overview, and
contractor responsibilities
Estimating & Bidding: Quantity takeoffs, bid preparation, markup, overhead, and profit
Environmental Regulations: Environmental compliance, stormwater, wetlands,
asbestos, lead, and hazardous materials
Workers' Compensation & Labor Law: Virginia workers' comp, labor laws,
subcontractor requirements
Liens & Bonds: Virginia mechanic's lien law, surety bonds, payment and performance
bonds
,SECTION 1: VIRGINIA CONTRACTOR LICENSING
LAW
1. Under the Virginia contractor licensing law, a Class A contractor license is required when the
total value of a single contract or the total value of all contracts in a 12-month period exceeds
what threshold?
A. $1,000 B. $7,500 C. $10,000 ✅ (correct answer) D. $120,000 E. $500,000
Rationale: Virginia Code §54.1-1100 and DPOR regulations establish three contractor license
classes based on project value: Class C — contracts $1,000 to $10,000 (not exceeding $150,000
in aggregate annually); Class B — contracts from $10,000 to $120,000 (not exceeding $750,000
aggregate annually); Class A — single contracts exceeding $120,000 OR aggregate contracts
exceeding $750,000 in any 12-month period. The Class A license is the highest classification and
requires the most stringent qualifications. General contractors performing large commercial or
residential projects requiring Class A licensure must meet education, experience, and
examination requirements.
2. Under Virginia law, which of the following individuals must qualify for a contractor's license
on behalf of a business entity?
A. The company's accountant or bookkeeper B. Any licensed employee of the firm C. A
Responsible Management Official (RMO) or Qualified Individual (QI) who meets the experience
and examination requirements ✅ (correct answer) D. The company's legal counsel E. Any
officer of the corporation regardless of construction experience
Rationale: Virginia contractor licensing requires that a business entity have a Qualified
Individual (QI) or Responsible Management Official (RMO) who has passed the required
examination and meets experience requirements. This individual must be: a member, partner,
officer, or employee of the licensed entity; responsible for supervising construction activities;
and listed on the license application. If the QI or RMO leaves the company, the license may be in
jeopardy until a replacement is qualified. This ensures that licensed businesses have a
knowledgeable individual responsible for construction quality and code compliance.
3. Virginia contractor licenses must be renewed on what basis, and what is the standard renewal
period?
,A. Annually — every 12 months B. Biennially — every 24 months ✅ (correct answer) C.
Every 36 months D. Every 5 years with continuing education E. Licenses do not expire once
issued in Virginia
Rationale: Virginia DPOR contractor licenses are renewed on a biennial (2-year) basis. Before
renewal, contractors must: (1) Submit a renewal application; (2) Pay renewal fees; (3) Certify
continued compliance with licensing requirements; (4) Ensure the Qualified Individual remains
associated with the business. DPOR provides renewal notices in advance. Failure to renew
results in license expiration, and contracting without a valid license constitutes unlicensed
contracting — a violation of Virginia law subject to civil penalties and potential criminal
charges. Contractors should maintain accurate contact information with DPOR to receive
renewal notices.
4. Under Virginia law, which of the following contractors does NOT need a Virginia contractor
license?
A. A general contractor building a $500,000 commercial building B. A specialty contractor
performing $50,000 in roofing work C. A homeowner performing work on their own primary
residence ✅ (correct answer) D. A subcontractor performing $15,000 in drywall installation E.
A contractor performing $8,000 in deck construction
Rationale: Virginia Code §54.1-1101 provides exemptions from contractor licensing, including
homeowners performing work on their own primary residence (owner-occupant exemption).
This exemption applies when the homeowner: (1) Personally performs the work; (2) On their
own single-family residence; (3) Which they occupy or intend to occupy as their principal
residence. Note: homeowners may still need building permits and must comply with building
codes. The homeowner cannot use this exemption to avoid licensing when performing work for
compensation or on property they don't occupy. All contractors performing work for others for
compensation above the threshold must be properly licensed.
5. A Virginia Class A General Contractor wishes to perform electrical work on a project they are
contracted to build. Under Virginia law, which of the following is correct?
A. The Class A license covers all trades including electrical B. The general contractor may self-
perform electrical work with their Class A license for projects under $500,000 C. Electrical work
requires a separate specialty contractor license (electrical) — the Class A general contractor
license does not authorize electrical work ✅ (correct answer) D. The GC may perform
electrical work if they employ a licensed journeyman electrician E. Class A contractors
automatically receive all specialty trade approvals upon licensure
Rationale: Virginia contractor licenses are classified by both class (A, B, C) AND specialty
classification. A Class A General Contractor license authorizes general contracting but does
, NOT authorize specialty trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting, etc.) that requires
separate specialty contractor licenses. Contractors performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC
work must hold the appropriate specialty contractor license for those trades. Alternatively, they
may subcontract this work to licensed specialty contractors. This specialty licensing system
ensures that contractors performing specific trades have demonstrated competence in those
technical areas.
6. Under Virginia DPOR regulations, which of the following is a ground for denial, revocation,
or suspension of a contractor license?
A. Completing a project within budget and ahead of schedule B. Obtaining more than five
contractor licenses C. Misrepresenting facts in a license application or engaging in fraudulent
contracting practices ✅ (correct answer) D. Charging fees higher than competitors for
comparable work E. Refusing to bid on government projects
Rationale: Virginia Code §54.1-1111 and DPOR regulations provide grounds for disciplinary
action against contractors including: (1) Misrepresentation or fraud in the licensing application;
(2) Gross negligence or incompetence; (3) Financial irresponsibility; (4) Abandonment of
projects; (5) Violations of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code; (6) Engaging in
unlicensed contracting; (7) Using the license of another contractor; (8) Aiding unlicensed
contracting; (9) Making misrepresentations to clients. The DPOR Board for Contractors
adjudicates disciplinary matters. Penalties range from probation to license revocation and
monetary fines.
7. Under Virginia law, a contractor who performs work without a required license may face
which of the following consequences?
A. Only a warning letter from DPOR with no other consequences B. Civil penalties up to $500
per violation and potential inability to collect payment for the unlicensed work ✅ (correct
answer) C. Automatic imprisonment for unlicensed contracting D. Only the need to retroactively
obtain a license with no penalty E. A maximum fine of $100 per day
Rationale: Virginia Code §54.1-1115 provides penalties for unlicensed contracting: (1) Civil
penalty up to $500 per violation; (2) Each day of unlicensed contracting may constitute a
separate violation; (3) Courts may be reluctant to enforce contracts by unlicensed contractors
(potential inability to collect); (4) Criminal misdemeanor charges possible for willful violations;
(5) The owner may have defenses to payment claims. Additionally, DPOR may issue a Stop
Work Order. Virginia also has "lien-free" provisions — some courts have held that unlicensed
contractors may not enforce mechanic's liens. The public policy is to protect consumers from
unqualified contractors.
ADVANCED (CLASS A) EXAM
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational
Regulation (DPOR)
200 MCQs (Advanced Level)
📋 EXAM COVERAGE DESCRIPTION
This exam covers the following core domains as assessed for the Virginia Class A Contractor
License (General VA Advanced):
Virginia Contractor Licensing Law: DPOR regulations, licensing requirements,
classifications, and statutes (Code of Virginia Title 54.1)
Business & Financial Management: Contracts, accounting, financial statements,
bonding, insurance, liens, and business organization
Project Management: Scheduling, estimating, bidding, change orders, submittals, and
project controls
Construction Law: Contract types, dispute resolution, claims, OSHA regulations, and
legal obligations
Building Codes & Regulations: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC),
International Building Code (IBC) adoption, permit requirements
Safety & OSHA: Federal OSHA standards, Virginia OSHA (VOSH), jobsite safety,
hazard communication
Site Work & Excavation: Earthwork, grading, drainage, soil mechanics, and
underground utilities
Concrete & Masonry: Structural concrete, reinforcement, masonry systems, and
foundations
Structural Systems: Steel, wood framing, load calculations, and structural principles
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing: MEP coordination, systems overview, and
contractor responsibilities
Estimating & Bidding: Quantity takeoffs, bid preparation, markup, overhead, and profit
Environmental Regulations: Environmental compliance, stormwater, wetlands,
asbestos, lead, and hazardous materials
Workers' Compensation & Labor Law: Virginia workers' comp, labor laws,
subcontractor requirements
Liens & Bonds: Virginia mechanic's lien law, surety bonds, payment and performance
bonds
,SECTION 1: VIRGINIA CONTRACTOR LICENSING
LAW
1. Under the Virginia contractor licensing law, a Class A contractor license is required when the
total value of a single contract or the total value of all contracts in a 12-month period exceeds
what threshold?
A. $1,000 B. $7,500 C. $10,000 ✅ (correct answer) D. $120,000 E. $500,000
Rationale: Virginia Code §54.1-1100 and DPOR regulations establish three contractor license
classes based on project value: Class C — contracts $1,000 to $10,000 (not exceeding $150,000
in aggregate annually); Class B — contracts from $10,000 to $120,000 (not exceeding $750,000
aggregate annually); Class A — single contracts exceeding $120,000 OR aggregate contracts
exceeding $750,000 in any 12-month period. The Class A license is the highest classification and
requires the most stringent qualifications. General contractors performing large commercial or
residential projects requiring Class A licensure must meet education, experience, and
examination requirements.
2. Under Virginia law, which of the following individuals must qualify for a contractor's license
on behalf of a business entity?
A. The company's accountant or bookkeeper B. Any licensed employee of the firm C. A
Responsible Management Official (RMO) or Qualified Individual (QI) who meets the experience
and examination requirements ✅ (correct answer) D. The company's legal counsel E. Any
officer of the corporation regardless of construction experience
Rationale: Virginia contractor licensing requires that a business entity have a Qualified
Individual (QI) or Responsible Management Official (RMO) who has passed the required
examination and meets experience requirements. This individual must be: a member, partner,
officer, or employee of the licensed entity; responsible for supervising construction activities;
and listed on the license application. If the QI or RMO leaves the company, the license may be in
jeopardy until a replacement is qualified. This ensures that licensed businesses have a
knowledgeable individual responsible for construction quality and code compliance.
3. Virginia contractor licenses must be renewed on what basis, and what is the standard renewal
period?
,A. Annually — every 12 months B. Biennially — every 24 months ✅ (correct answer) C.
Every 36 months D. Every 5 years with continuing education E. Licenses do not expire once
issued in Virginia
Rationale: Virginia DPOR contractor licenses are renewed on a biennial (2-year) basis. Before
renewal, contractors must: (1) Submit a renewal application; (2) Pay renewal fees; (3) Certify
continued compliance with licensing requirements; (4) Ensure the Qualified Individual remains
associated with the business. DPOR provides renewal notices in advance. Failure to renew
results in license expiration, and contracting without a valid license constitutes unlicensed
contracting — a violation of Virginia law subject to civil penalties and potential criminal
charges. Contractors should maintain accurate contact information with DPOR to receive
renewal notices.
4. Under Virginia law, which of the following contractors does NOT need a Virginia contractor
license?
A. A general contractor building a $500,000 commercial building B. A specialty contractor
performing $50,000 in roofing work C. A homeowner performing work on their own primary
residence ✅ (correct answer) D. A subcontractor performing $15,000 in drywall installation E.
A contractor performing $8,000 in deck construction
Rationale: Virginia Code §54.1-1101 provides exemptions from contractor licensing, including
homeowners performing work on their own primary residence (owner-occupant exemption).
This exemption applies when the homeowner: (1) Personally performs the work; (2) On their
own single-family residence; (3) Which they occupy or intend to occupy as their principal
residence. Note: homeowners may still need building permits and must comply with building
codes. The homeowner cannot use this exemption to avoid licensing when performing work for
compensation or on property they don't occupy. All contractors performing work for others for
compensation above the threshold must be properly licensed.
5. A Virginia Class A General Contractor wishes to perform electrical work on a project they are
contracted to build. Under Virginia law, which of the following is correct?
A. The Class A license covers all trades including electrical B. The general contractor may self-
perform electrical work with their Class A license for projects under $500,000 C. Electrical work
requires a separate specialty contractor license (electrical) — the Class A general contractor
license does not authorize electrical work ✅ (correct answer) D. The GC may perform
electrical work if they employ a licensed journeyman electrician E. Class A contractors
automatically receive all specialty trade approvals upon licensure
Rationale: Virginia contractor licenses are classified by both class (A, B, C) AND specialty
classification. A Class A General Contractor license authorizes general contracting but does
, NOT authorize specialty trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting, etc.) that requires
separate specialty contractor licenses. Contractors performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC
work must hold the appropriate specialty contractor license for those trades. Alternatively, they
may subcontract this work to licensed specialty contractors. This specialty licensing system
ensures that contractors performing specific trades have demonstrated competence in those
technical areas.
6. Under Virginia DPOR regulations, which of the following is a ground for denial, revocation,
or suspension of a contractor license?
A. Completing a project within budget and ahead of schedule B. Obtaining more than five
contractor licenses C. Misrepresenting facts in a license application or engaging in fraudulent
contracting practices ✅ (correct answer) D. Charging fees higher than competitors for
comparable work E. Refusing to bid on government projects
Rationale: Virginia Code §54.1-1111 and DPOR regulations provide grounds for disciplinary
action against contractors including: (1) Misrepresentation or fraud in the licensing application;
(2) Gross negligence or incompetence; (3) Financial irresponsibility; (4) Abandonment of
projects; (5) Violations of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code; (6) Engaging in
unlicensed contracting; (7) Using the license of another contractor; (8) Aiding unlicensed
contracting; (9) Making misrepresentations to clients. The DPOR Board for Contractors
adjudicates disciplinary matters. Penalties range from probation to license revocation and
monetary fines.
7. Under Virginia law, a contractor who performs work without a required license may face
which of the following consequences?
A. Only a warning letter from DPOR with no other consequences B. Civil penalties up to $500
per violation and potential inability to collect payment for the unlicensed work ✅ (correct
answer) C. Automatic imprisonment for unlicensed contracting D. Only the need to retroactively
obtain a license with no penalty E. A maximum fine of $100 per day
Rationale: Virginia Code §54.1-1115 provides penalties for unlicensed contracting: (1) Civil
penalty up to $500 per violation; (2) Each day of unlicensed contracting may constitute a
separate violation; (3) Courts may be reluctant to enforce contracts by unlicensed contractors
(potential inability to collect); (4) Criminal misdemeanor charges possible for willful violations;
(5) The owner may have defenses to payment claims. Additionally, DPOR may issue a Stop
Work Order. Virginia also has "lien-free" provisions — some courts have held that unlicensed
contractors may not enforce mechanic's liens. The public policy is to protect consumers from
unqualified contractors.
