Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Virginia
Roofing, VA
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Virginia
Types of Roofing Licenses in Virginia
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Virginia
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Virginia
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Virginia?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Virginia?
How to Get a Roofing License in Virginia
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Virginia?
Virginia Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Virginia Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Virginia?
Do I Need to Renew My Virginia Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Virginia Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Virginia Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Virginia
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Virginia employs 2,320 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Virginia is 2%.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started.
Roofing License Requirements in Virginia
The state of Virginia issues licenses for contracting businesses engaged in the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of properties. Virginia contractor licenses also include a classification or specialty for a specific type of work, such as roofing.
In addition, Virginia cities and counties may require permits for roofing work, depending on the project. Check with the locality where you plan to work for local permitting requirements.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) issues contractor licenses to business entities. The class of license is based on the contract price of projects.
The Class A, B, or C license also includes a classification or specialty for certain types of work.
Virginia contractor licenses include:
Class A contractors: A Class A license is for a contractor business that performs or manages construction, removal, repair, or improvements of a single contract of $120,000 or more, or the total value of projects in a 12-month period is $750,000 or more.
Class B contractors: A Class B license is for a business that performs or manages construction, removal, repair, or improvements of a single contract of $10,000 or more but less than $120,000, or the total value of projects in a 12-month period is $150,000 or more but less than $750,000.
Class C contractors: A Class C license is for a business that performs or manages construction, removal, repair, or improvements of a single contract of $1,000 but no more than $10,000, or the total value of projects in a 12-month period is no more than $150,000.
License classifications and specialties
Virginia’s license classifications and specialties cover a wide range of contracting work. General contractor license classifications pertaining to roofing include:
Commercial Building Contractors (CBC): This classification covers construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal, or demolition of commercial, institutional, and governmental buildings or structures, including multi-family housing contracts. It includes several specialties, including roofing contracting, but does not include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting services.
Residential Building Contractor (RBC): This classification covers the construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal, or demolition of residential buildings or structures. It includes several specialties, including roofing contracting, but does not include work by electricians, plumbers, HVAC, or gas fitters.
Specialties pertaining to roofing contractors include:
Commercial Improvement Contracting (CIC): The CIC specialty covers services to structures not defined as dwellings and townhouses in the Virginia building code. The CBC classification also covers these functions.
Home Improvement Contracting (HIC): The HIC specialty covers services to dwellings and townhouses. The RBC classification also covers these functions.
Roofing Contracting (ROC): The ROC specialty allows the installation, repair, removal or improvement of materials for roofs and decks. The CBC and RBC classifications and the HIC and CIC specialties also cover roofing contracting.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Virginia
To obtain a contractor license in Virginia, follow these steps:
Register your sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, or corporation with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Choose your contractor license class and specialty.
Identify the members of responsible management.
Identify qualified individuals.
Identify a designated employee.
Complete the pre-license education course.
Complete the application process by mail and pay the application fee.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Virginia
There are many benefits to obtaining a Virginia contractors license.
First, and most important, it is illegal for contractors to perform roofing work without the proper licensing.
Licensing proves your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
Only licensed contractors can perform roofing work in Virginia.
Being properly registered protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Virginia?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean salary for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $49,230 for those in Virginia. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Virginia is $20.28 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $45,454 for a full-time roofer per year.
Indeed also lists a salary for a roofing and siding contractor in Virginia as $88,733 annually.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Virginia?
Getting started in the roofing field in Virginia is relatively affordable.
Costs include:
A pre-licensure education course. Cost varies based on the program.
A contractor exam fee to PSI:
One exam portion: $40
Two exam portions: $72
Three exam portions: $85
A qualified individual specialty exam to PSI: $85
Initial license application fee:
Class A license: $360
Class B license: $345
Class C license: $210
Contracting businesses also may need a CPA review or audit or a surety bond, depending on how they choose to provide financial documentation to the state.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Virginia
Virginia requires businesses performing roofing work to obtain a state contractor license based on the monetary amount of projects. Contractor license requirements vary based on the type of license.
The state also requires a business to list a designated employee to pass a business licensure examination. The business also chooses a qualified individual for each classification and specialty listed on the contractor license application.
Pre-licensure Experience
Contracting business owners need to choose a qualified individual for each classification or specialty. The state requires different pre-licensure experience requirements depending on the license.
Class A license: 5 years of experience
Class B license: 3 years of experience
Class C license: 2 years of experience
An experience verification form must be submitted for each qualified individual requesting a designation that requires pre-approval for an examination.
Pre-licensure Education
The state requires new contractor applicants to complete an approved eight-hour pre-license course. The course is a basic business course covering relevant regulations, statutes, and requirements for business owners.
For Class A and B applicants, the pre-license education must be completed by a member of responsible management, such as the owner or managing partner, or a designated employee. For Class C applicants, a member of responsible management completes the education.
Financial Requirements
Virginia requires Class A and B license applicants to meet financial requirements.
Class A: At least $45,000 net worth/equity
Class B: At least $15,000 net worth/equity
The business must provide a completed financial statement form with supporting documentation, a CPA review or audit, or a surety bond.
Examination
The state contracts with PSI to manage licensing exams.
For Class A and B license applicants, a business chooses a designated full-time employee or a member of responsible management to take a general contractor exam.
In addition to the contractor exam, qualified individuals seeking the CIC, HIC, or ROC specialty licensure must also successfully complete a technical examination.
Fees
The state requires an initial license application fee with the mailed application package. Applicants may pay by check or money order to the Treasurer of Virginia, or include credit card information.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Virginia?
The length of time to obtain a contractor’s license in Virginia depends on the type of license. Applicants must meet pre-licensure experience requirements ranging from two to five years.
The state also requires applicants to complete an eight-hour pre-licensure course and complete the appropriate examinations. The state processes licensing applications in about 30 days.
Virginia Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a building construction technology or construction management degree. Several higher education options throughout the Old Dominion State offer these types of programs.
Some options include:
Norfolk State University | Norfolk BS Construction Management Engineering Technology — 4 years
Northern Virginia Community College | Alexandria AAS Construction Management Technology — 2 years
University of Virginia | Charlottesville BS Civil Engineering with Construction Engineering and Management track — 4 years
Virginia Tech | Blacksburg BS Building Construction — 4 years BS Construction Engineering and Management — 4 years
Western Virginia Community College | Roanoke Construction Management certificate — 1 year AAS Engineering Construction Specialization — 2 years
Virginia Roofing Licensing Exam Details
A designated employee or a member of responsible management takes the contractor exam for Class A and B license applicants.
The designated employee for Class A licenses must pass three sections, which include the general, Virginia, and advanced portions of the exam. The designated employee for Class B licenses must pass two sections, which include the general and Virginia portions of the exam.
The state also requires a technical examination for qualified individuals seeking specialty licensure.
The Board for Contractors lists exam prep information on its website for designated employees and qualified individuals, including examination reference materials, content outlines, and other information related to scheduling and taking the tests.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Virginia?
The Board for Contractors under the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) issues contractor licenses.
Do I Need to Renew My Virginia Roofing License?
Virginia contractor licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal fees are due with the renewal application.
Renewal fees are as follows:
Class A license: $240
Class B license: $225
Class C license: $195
Continuing Education
Those renewing their licenses must continue to meet license requirements, but do not have continuing education requirements. Continuing education only applies to those with tradesmen licenses.
Does Virginia Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Unlike for electrician, plumber, and HVAC licenses, the state of Virginia does not hold reciprocal agreements for general contracting licenses.
Does My Virginia Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Virginia does not hold reciprocity agreements with any other state for general contracting. Virginia roofing contractors will need to check with the state they plan to perform work to obtain the appropriate licenses.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and increase your opportunity to make more money.
You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Virginia through the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia.
Other Requirements Unique to Virginia
Virginia localities may require permits for roofing work. Those performing roofing work need to check with the city and county where they plan to work to meet local permitting requirements.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
