Virginia Pre-License Course
Complete the DPOR-approved, mandatory 8-hour Virginia pre-license course for contractor licensing. Choose the format that fits you best: Zoom, live, streaming, interactive instruction or a self-paced online tutorial-based course. This mandatory pre-license course is the only CEP course offered remotely. All Virginia and Maryland exam-preparation classes are exclusively live, in-person only, and instructor-led.
- Mandatory for new Virginia contractor licenses
- Required for Class A, Class B, and Class C contractors
- Two course options to fit different learning preferences
- Part of the broader Virginia contractor licensing path
Quick Answer
The Virginia pre-license course is the mandatory 8-hour business course required by DPOR for new Virginia contractor licenses. It is separate from the Class A and B Business and Law exam requirement and applies across all Virginia contractor license classes. We currently offer two formats: a live, interactive online course and an online tutorial-based course.
What This Page Covers
This page helps contractors understand the Virginia mandatory 8-hour pre-license course, who needs it, the two available options, and where this step fits into the larger process of getting licensed in Virginia.
Choose the Virginia Pre-License Course Format That Fits You Best
Our current offering presents two ways to complete the required Virginia pre-license step: a ZOOM live, streaming, interactive class and a tutorial-based online option.
ZOOM Live, Streaming, Interactive Video Conference
Get the benefits of a live class without the travel. This option is presented as a live, interactive ZOOM video conference course where students can ask questions and get answers in real time.
- Live, interactive instruction
- Ask questions and get real-time answers
- Attend from home or office
- Requires device access and basic video-conference setup
Online Tutorial-Based Pre-License Course
This option is offered through our partner and is presented as an online course that can be completed from home. This is a convenient tutorial-based alternative.
- Self-paced online format
- Complete from home
- No classroom travel required
- Includes what is needed to fulfill the pre-license requirement
Choose Your Virginia Pre-License Course Date
Select a date below to register. All sessions are held remotely via Zoom from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Virginia Mandatory 8-Hour Pre-License Course
Select the course date that works best for you.
Selecting a date above will update the Register Now button automatically.
Online Tutorial-Based Course Through Our Partner
We offer this mandatory eight-hour course our educational partner and can be completed conveniently from home or office according to your schedule if you prefer a tutorial-based format.
This option includes what is needed to fulfill the DPOR mandatory pre-license requirement.
Who Each Option May Be Best For
- Live Interactive: contractors who want real-time instruction, the ability to ask questions, and more guided support.
- Tutorial-Based: contractors who prefer a self-paced online option and want maximum scheduling flexibility.
Both options are valid ways to complete the required Virginia pre-license step.
Who Is Required to Take the Virginia Pre-License Course?
This pre-license education MUST be completed by a member of responsible management or designated employee for a Class A or B license, or by a member of responsible management for a Class C license.
The Pre-License Course Is the Usually First Required Step in the Virginia Licensing Process
In pursuing your contractor license in the state of Virginia, this is where the mandatory, eight-hour pre-licensing course generally comes in with the licensing process.
- Take the required pre-license course
Complete the Virginia pre-license requirement before moving forward.You Are Here - Choose Your Class of License and Establish Your Business Entity.
Choose Class A, Class B or Class C contractor license. Create Your Business Entity. -
Pass the Business/Law Exam
Move through the Class A/B Business and Law exam with more clarity, speed, and confidence. - Choose your specialty
Review your Virginia contractor specialties and select the right path. - Submit your application
Complete the forms, documentation, and payment required by Virginia. - Prepare for and pass your specialty exam
Continue with CIC, RBC/BLD, or your other specialty prep as needed.
How to Get Your Virginia Contractor License
The Virginia pre-license course is one part of the broader path. If you want to see the full step-by-step process, visit how to get your Virginia contractor license.
How to Get Your Virginia Contractor License
See the full six-step path and where the pre-license course fits.
Business and Law Exam Prep
For contractors who need the Business and Law step after pre-license.
Virginia Contractor Specialties
Review specialty paths such as HIC, RBC/BLD, CIC, and H/H.
Virginia Contractor License Exam Prep
See the broader Virginia contractor exam prep system.
Choose the Virginia Pre-License Course Option That Fits You Best
Whether you want the live, interactive option or the tutorial-based course, this is the required first step in the Virginia contractor licensing path.
Virginia Pre-License Course Questions
The Virginia pre-license course is the mandatory 8-hour business course required by DPOR for new Virginia contractor licenses.
Yes. The pre-license course requirement applies across Virginia contractor license classes, including Class A, B, and C.
We offer two convenient options: a live, streaming, interactive video conference course and an online tutorial-based course through our partner. Both options fulfill the mandatory pre-license course DPOR requirement.
No. The pre-license education course is a separate requirement from the Class A and B Business and Law exam.
The best option depends on how you like to learn. The live option offers real-time interaction and questions, while the tutorial-based option offers more self-paced convenience.
After completing the pre-license course, contractors continue through the larger licensing path, which includes choosing your class of license, passing Business and Law if required, choosing a specialty, and preparing for specialty exams.