Construction / Roofing Contractor License / Virginia
- Virginia
- Roofing Contractor
- Class A, B & C Specialty
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Virginia Roofing Contractor License
Roofing in Virginia is a specialty you add to a Class A, B or C contractor license. Here’s what it covers, the exams you’ll take and how to apply with DPOR.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requirements
Application fee
$274.50–$439.50
Class C $274.50, B $419.50, A $439.50; plus $85 exam
Exam time
2 hrs
Roofing exam, plus Class A/B exams if needed
Time to get license
Varies
Course, exams and DPOR review
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE for contractor licenses
Overview
Do you need a Virginia roofing contractor license?
Yes, if you contract roofing work in Virginia. The Roofing Contractor specialty sits on top of a Class A, B or C contractor license from DPOR, so you need both: the contractor license and the roofing specialty exam.
License required when
- Installing, repairing, removing or improving materials that form a watertight, weather-resistant surface on roofs and decks
- Roofing system components installed as part of a roofing project
- Dampproofing and waterproofing
- Roof insulation panels and other insulation systems above the roof deck
Common exceptions
- Contractors who hold the CBC or RBC classification, or the HIC or CIC specialty, are already allowed to do this work
- Our sources don’t list other exemptions, so ask DPOR before you bid a roofing job
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalties. In general, DPOR’s Board for Contractors can take action against people who contract without the right license or specialty, so get licensed before you bid roofing work.
Your fast-track Virginia roofing contractor license checklist
The Virginia application, one page
- Class A, B or C chosen
- 8-hour pre-licensing course completed
- PSI exam pre-approval
- Passing roofing exam score
- Passing Class A/B exam scores, if required
- DPOR application with all required documents
Types
Virginia roofing contractor license types and classifications
The roofing specialty can’t stand alone. You add it to a Class A, B or C contractor license, and the class you choose decides which extra exams you take.
ROOF
Specialty
Roofing Contractor
Watertight roof and deck surfaces, roofing components, dampproofing, waterproofing and above-deck roof insulation.
Exam
Roofing exam
Limit
Set by your class
Class A
Largest projects
Class A Contractor
The top contractor class. Applicants pass three exams: Virginia, General and Advanced.
Exam
Virginia, General & Advanced
Limit
Not stated
Class B
Mid-size
Class B Contractor
The middle contractor class. Applicants pass portions of the Class A/B exam, depending on the classification.
Exam
Class A/B exam
Limit
Not stated
Class C
No class exam
Class C Contractor
The entry contractor class. The 8-hour pre-licensing course replaces the class exam.
Exam
Course only
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Virginia roofing contractor license requirements, class by class
Every roofing applicant takes the roofing exam and the 8-hour course. What changes by class is the extra contractor exams.
| Requirement | Class A | Class B | Class C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing specialty exam | Required | Required | Required |
| 8-hour pre-licensing course | Required | Required | Required |
| Contractor class exams | Virginia, General & Advanced | Class A/B portions | None |
| Exam pre-approval | Required | Required | Required |
| Monetary limit | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Continuing education | Not required | Not required | Not required |
Steps
How to get your Virginia roofing contractor license, step by step
- Choose your contractor classBefore you start
Decide on Class A, B or C. Roofing is a specialty added to one of these, and the class sets which exams you take. - Take the 8-hour pre-licensing courseBefore you apply
Anyone getting a Virginia contractor license must finish the state-approved 8-hour pre-licensing course. - Get exam pre-approvalBefore the exam
Pre-approval is required before you can schedule with PSI. Call 855-340-3910 or visit candidate.psiexams.com. - Pass the roofing examExam day
50 open-book questions in 120 minutes. You need 36 correct to pass. Class A and B applicants also take their class exams. - Apply to DPORAfter you pass
Submit your contractor license application with all required documents. Call DPOR at 804-367-8511 or visit dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors. - Receive your licenseAfter DPOR review
Once DPOR approves your application, you can contract roofing work within your class.
Exam
What to expect on the Virginia roofing contractor exam
The roofing exam is open book and taken with PSI. Passing it alone won’t get you licensed: you also need a Class A, B or C license, with its own exams or course.
Format
Open book
Questions
50
Passing score
36 correct
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- 50 questions in 120 minutes, 36 correct to pass
- Topics: estimating and plan reading, surface preparation and planning, steep and low slope roofing including BUR and waterproofing
- Also: roofing components, safety, repairs and reroofing
- References include the 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, OSHA 1926, Roofing Construction & Estimating and the NRCA steep-slope and membrane roofing manuals
- References can be tabbed and highlighted
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- The PSI exam fee is $85 and stays valid for one year; check with PSI for retake waiting periods
- Pre-approval is required before you schedule any Virginia exam
Exam references · Open book
The Roofing Contracting exam is open book, and the references below can be tabbed, highlighted and used during the test. The list covers the roofing trade exam, plus the business book used on the Class A/B contractor exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Construction Industry Regulations | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Roofing Construction & Estimating | Revised edition | Allowed in exam |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-Slope Roof Systems | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (Chapter 1 only) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management — Class A/B contractor exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
The Chapter 1 excerpt of the Statewide Building Code is a free state download you print yourself.
Prep
Best Virginia roofing contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Virginia roofing contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Class C license application (incl. $25 Recovery Fund) | Fixed | $274.50 |
| Class B license application (incl. $25 Recovery Fund) | Fixed | $419.50 |
| Class A license application (incl. $25 Recovery Fund) | Fixed | $439.50 |
| Roofing exam, PSI | Fixed | $85 |
| Class B exams (Virginia and General portions) | Fixed | $72 |
| Class A exams (Virginia, General and Advanced portions) | Fixed | $85 |
| 8-hour pre-licensing course | Variable | Varies |
| Reference books | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Class C license plus one $85 PSI exam; Class B adds $72 in exams, Class A $85; excludes course and books | $359.50–$609.50 |
Fees from the DPOR contractor license application, 18VAC50-22-100 and -140, and the PSI candidate bulletins, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Virginia accept out-of-state roofing contractor licenses?
Virginia doesn’t have any contractor reciprocity agreements.
No reciprocity agreements
Virginia doesn’t accept other states’ contractor licenses, so apply as a new applicant, take the 8-hour course and pass the required exams.
Local
Do Virginia cities and counties have their own roofing contractor licensing rules?
Your contractor license and roofing specialty come from the state. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Class A, B and C contractor licenses and specialties
- Exams, through PSI
- Pre-licensing course requirements
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Building permits and inspections
- Local business licenses where required
Governance
Who regulates roofing contractors in Virginia
Licensing authority
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors
804-367-8511
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues Class A, B and C contractor licenses and specialties
- Sets exam and pre-licensing course requirements
- Reviews license applications
- Disciplines licensed contractors
Maintenance
How to renew your Virginia roofing contractor license and keep it active
Virginia doesn’t require continuing education for contractor licenses, though trade licenses have their own CE rules. Contractor licenses renew every 2 years: $220 for Class C, $260 for Class B or $270 for Class A, plus a $30 Recovery Fund assessment. Miss the deadline and you’ll pay a reinstatement fee of $460 (Class C) or $550 (Class A or B) instead.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$220–$270 + $30 Recovery Fund
Late penalty
Reinstatement $460–$550
FAQ
Virginia roofing contractor license FAQs
Do I need a separate license to do roofing in Virginia?
You need a Class A, B or C contractor license with the Roofing Contractor specialty. Contractors with the CBC or RBC classification, or the HIC or CIC specialty, can already do roofing work.
Is the Virginia roofing exam open book?
Yes. It’s 50 open-book questions in 120 minutes, and you need 36 correct to pass.
Who gives the Virginia roofing exam?
PSI. You need pre-approval first, then you can schedule at 855-340-3910 or online.
Do I need the 8-hour pre-licensing course?
Yes. Anyone getting a Virginia contractor license must complete the state-approved 8-hour pre-licensing course.
Does a Class C roofer need to pass a class exam?
No. Class C applicants take the 8-hour course instead of a class exam, but they still pass the roofing specialty exam.
Is continuing education required for Virginia roofers?
No. Virginia has no continuing education for contractor licenses.
Does Virginia accept my out-of-state roofing license?
No. Virginia doesn’t have any contractor reciprocity agreements, so you apply as a new applicant.
Sources
Official sources for the Virginia roofing contractor license
- Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors
- PSI, Virginia contractor exam scheduling
- Virginia DHCD, 2021 Virginia Construction Code (PDF)
- Virginia Board for Contractors, Roofing Contractor specialty definition
- DPOR, Contractor License Application (PDF)
- Virginia Administrative Code, 18VAC50-22-100 Fees
- Virginia Administrative Code, 18VAC50-22-140 Renewal fees
- Virginia Administrative Code, 18VAC50-22-170 Reinstatement fees
- Virginia Administrative Code, 18VAC50-22-110 Renewal required
- PSI, Virginia Contractor Specialty Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF)
- PSI, Virginia Contractor Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF)
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.