Virginia Home Improvement Contracting (HIC) Exam Study Guide 2025 | 170+ Verified Practice Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations | Complete Licensing Prep for Residential Contractor Certification

Virginia Home Improvement Contracting (HIC) Exam
Study Guide 2025 | 170+ Verified Practice Questions
with Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations |
Complete Licensing Prep for Residential Contractor
Certification
QUESTION 1:
What is the primary purpose of the Virginia Home Improvement Contracting (HIC)
laws?
A) To increase contractor fees
B) To protect consumers from unfair practices in home improvement contracts
C) To limit the types of projects contractors can undertake
D) To simplify the licensing process
Correct Option: B) To protect consumers from unfair practices in home
improvement contracts
Rationale: HIC laws are designed to ensure consumer protection.


QUESTION 2:
What is required for a contractor to legally perform home improvement work in
Virginia?
A) A business card
B) A valid Home Improvement Contractor license
C) A verbal agreement
D) A social media presence
Correct Option: B) A valid Home Improvement Contractor license
Rationale: Licensing is essential for legal operation in home improvement.


QUESTION 3:
Which of the following must be included in a written home improvement contract
in Virginia?
A) Contractor's favorite color
B) Detailed description of the work to be performed
C) Personal opinions of the homeowner
D) The contractor's hourly rate only
Correct Option: B) Detailed description of the work to be performed
Rationale: Clear details in contracts protect both parties.

,QUESTION 4:
What is the maximum amount a contractor can accept as a deposit before work
begins, according to Virginia HIC regulations?
A) 25% of the total contract price
B) No more than 1/3 of the total contract price
C) 50% of the total contract price
D) Any amount agreed upon
Correct Option: B) No more than 1/3 of the total contract price
Rationale: This protects consumers from excessive upfront costs.


QUESTION 5:
What should a homeowner do if they have a dispute with a contractor in Virginia?
A) Ignore the issue
B) File a complaint with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational
Regulation (DPOR)
C) Publicly post negative reviews
D) Hire a lawyer immediately
Correct Option: B) File a complaint with the Virginia Department of Professional
and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
Rationale: DPOR can assist in resolving disputes and enforcing HIC laws.


QUESTION 6:
Which of the following projects typically requires a home improvement contractor
license in Virginia?
A) Selling home improvement materials
B) Renovating a kitchen
C) Providing landscaping advice
D) Offering home improvement financing
Correct Option: B) Renovating a kitchen
Rationale: Major renovations fall under the HIC regulations.


QUESTION 7:
What is a key requirement for home improvement contracts in Virginia?
A) They must be verbal.
B) They must be in writing and signed by both parties.
C) They can be informal.
D) They do not require a signature.

,Correct Option: B) They must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Rationale: Written contracts help prevent misunderstandings.


QUESTION 8:
How long do homeowners have to file a complaint against a contractor in Virginia?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 5 years
D) 6 months
Correct Option: B) 2 years
Rationale: This timeframe allows homeowners to address issues after project
completion.


QUESTION 9:
What is the first step a contractor must take to obtain a Home Improvement
Contractor license in Virginia?
A) Start working immediately
B) Complete the application process with DPOR
C) Hire a lawyer
D) Find clients first
Correct Option: B) Complete the application process with DPOR
Rationale: Licensing requires formal application and approval.


QUESTION 10:
What should a contractor do if they want to change the scope of work after the
contract is signed?
A) Proceed without notifying the homeowner
B) Obtain written consent from the homeowner for the changes
C) Change the work without any documentation
D) Ignore the original contract
Correct Option: B) Obtain written consent from the homeowner for the changes
Rationale: Changes must be documented to protect both parties.


QUESTION 11:
What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a Home Improvement Contractor
license in Virginia?

, A) 16
B) 18
C) 21
D) 25
Correct Option: C) 21
Rationale: The minimum age ensures that applicants are legally accountable.


QUESTION 12:
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining a Home Improvement
Contractor license in Virginia?
A) Proof of identity
B) Submitting a marketing plan
C) Background check
D) Proof of insurance
Correct Option: B) Submitting a marketing plan
Rationale: Marketing plans are not required for licensing.


QUESTION 13:
What type of insurance is typically required for home improvement contractors in
Virginia?
A) Life insurance
B) General liability insurance
C) Health insurance
D) Automobile insurance
Correct Option: B) General liability insurance
Rationale: This insurance protects against potential claims for damages.


QUESTION 14:
Which of the following must be included in a home improvement contract in
Virginia?
A) Contractor's favorite color
B) Total cost of the project
C) Personal opinions of the homeowner
D) Contractor's hobbies
Correct Option: B) Total cost of the project
Rationale: Transparency in pricing is essential for consumer protection.