Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors Licensing Information

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board of Contractors regulates numerous professions in the state of Virginia, including various trades and contracting specialties.

Contracting is a regulated profession in Virginia. In addition to trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, there are over 40 contractor specialties that require passing a state-approved exam.

Several specialties (Highway/Heavy, Commercial Building, Residential Building, Commercial Improvement, Home Improvement, etc.) are 'umbrella' specialties that cover multiple smaller classifications.

Available Contractor Classifications

• Highway/Heavy Contractors (HH)
• Residential Building Contractors (RBC)
• Accessibility Services Contracting (ASC)
• Alternative Energy System Contracting (AES)
• Asbestos Contracting (ASB)
• Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating Contracting (PAV)
• Billboard/Sign Contracting (BSC)
• Blast/Explosive Contracting (BEC)
• Commercial Improvement Contracting (CIC)
• Drywall Contracting (DRY)
• Electronic/Communication Service Contracting (ESC)
• Elevator/Escalator Contracting (EEC)
• Environmental Monitoring Well Contracting (EMW)
• Environmental Specialties Contracting (ENV)
• Equipment/Machinery Contracting (EMC)
• Farm Improvement Contracting (FIC)
• Finish Carpentry Contracting (FIN)
• Fire Alarm Systems Contracting (FAS)
• Fire Sprinkler Contracting (SPR)
• Fire Suppression Contracting (FSP)
• Flooring & Floor Covering Contracting (FLR)
• Framing Subcontractor (FRM)
• Gas Fitting Contracting (GFC)
• Home Improvement Contracting (HIC)
• Insulation & Weather Stripping Contracting (INS)
• Landscape Irrigation Contracting (ISC)
• Landscape Service Contracting (LSC)
• Lead Abatement Contracting (LAC)
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas Contracting (LPG)
• Manufactured Home Contracting (MHC)
• Marine Facility Contracting (MCC)
• Masonry Contracting (BRK)
• Natural Gas Fitting Provider Contracting (NGF)
• Painting & Wallcovering Contracting (PTC)
• Radon Mitigation Contracting (RMC)
• Recreational Facility Contracting (RFC)
• Refrigeration Contracting (REF)
• Roofing Contracting (ROC)
• Sewage Disposal Systems Contracting (SDS)
• Steel Erection Contracting (STL)
• Swimming Pool Construction Contracting (POL)
• Tile, Marble, Ceramic & Terrazzo Contracting (TMC)
• Underground Utility & Excavating Contracting (UUC)
• Vessel Construction Contracting (VCC)
• Water Well/Pump Contracting (WWP)

Understanding Contractor Classes vs. Specialties

Contractor Class: Your business size and revenue capacity (Class A, B, or C).

Specialty: The type of work you're authorized to perform. You can hold multiple specialties at any class level.

Pro Tip: It's best to apply for the largest specialty you qualify for, as this opens the door for increased opportunities in the future without needing additional exams.