Virginia HIC Exam Questions | 100% Correct Answers with
Detailed Rationales (2026/2027 Edition)
SECTION 1: Virginia Licensing and Regulatory Requirements
1. Which Virginia state agency oversees the licensing and regulation of home
improvement contractors?
A. Virginia Department of Health Professions
B. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
C. Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
D. Virginia State Corporation Commission
Correct Answer: B. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
(DPOR)
Rationale: DPOR administers the Virginia Contractor Licensing Board and enforces
contractor licensing laws. The Department of Health Professions regulates medical
licensees, the Department of Housing and Community Development oversees housing
programs but not contractor licensing, and the State Corporation Commission regulates
business entities and utilities.
2: A contractor holds a Class C license and is offered a kitchen renovation with an
estimated cost of $9,800. The homeowner later requests custom countertops that
increase the total contract price to $11,200. Which statement accurately describes the
contractor's legal position?
A. The contractor may complete the project under the Class C license because the
original estimate was below $10,000
,B. The contractor must decline the additional work or refer it to a properly licensed
contractor
C. The contractor may split the contract into two separate agreements to maintain
compliance
D. The contractor may proceed if the homeowner signs a waiver of licensing
requirements
Correct Answer: B. The contractor must decline the additional work or refer it to a
properly licensed contractor
Rationale: A Class C license limits individual contracts to $10,000. Once the contract
value exceeds this threshold, the contractor cannot legally perform the work. Splitting
contracts to evade licensing limits constitutes a violation. Homeowners cannot waive
statutory licensing requirements.
3. How many hours of continuing education are required biennially for Class A and
Class B contractors in Virginia?
A. 4 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 16 hours
D. 24 hours
Correct Answer: B. 8 hours
Rationale: Virginia regulations require Class A and Class B contractors to complete 8
hours of continuing education during each two-year license renewal period. Class C
contractors are not required to complete continuing education.
4. A contractor applies for a Class B license. What is the minimum experience
requirement that must be demonstrated?
A. 1 year in the trade
B. 3 years in the trade
C. 5 years in the trade
D. 7 years in the trade
, Correct Answer: B. 3 years in the trade
Rationale: Virginia requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in the trade for Class B
licensure, 5 years for Class A, and 1 year for Class C. Experience must be verified and
relevant to the classification being sought.
5. Where must a licensed contractor display their license number according to
Virginia regulations?
A. Only on filed permit applications
B. At their place of business and on all advertising materials
C. Only on official contracts and business cards
D. On all vehicles and equipment only
Correct Answer: B. At their place of business and on all advertising materials
Rationale: Virginia law requires contractors to display their license number at their place
of business and include it on all advertising, contracts, and correspondence. This
ensures consumers can verify licensure status before engaging services.
6. A homeowner files a complaint with DPOR alleging incomplete and defective
work by a licensed contractor. What is the primary role of DPOR in this matter?
A. DPOR acts as a mediator to negotiate a settlement between the parties
B. DPOR investigates potential violations of contractor licensing laws and may impose
disciplinary action
C. DPOR automatically suspends the contractor's license upon receipt of any complaint
D. DPOR refers all complaints directly to the Virginia Attorney General for criminal
prosecution
Correct Answer: B. DPOR investigates potential violations of contractor licensing laws
and may impose disciplinary action
Rationale: DPOR's regulatory function is to enforce licensing standards. While DPOR
may facilitate resolution, its primary authority is investigation and discipline, including
Detailed Rationales (2026/2027 Edition)
SECTION 1: Virginia Licensing and Regulatory Requirements
1. Which Virginia state agency oversees the licensing and regulation of home
improvement contractors?
A. Virginia Department of Health Professions
B. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
C. Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
D. Virginia State Corporation Commission
Correct Answer: B. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
(DPOR)
Rationale: DPOR administers the Virginia Contractor Licensing Board and enforces
contractor licensing laws. The Department of Health Professions regulates medical
licensees, the Department of Housing and Community Development oversees housing
programs but not contractor licensing, and the State Corporation Commission regulates
business entities and utilities.
2: A contractor holds a Class C license and is offered a kitchen renovation with an
estimated cost of $9,800. The homeowner later requests custom countertops that
increase the total contract price to $11,200. Which statement accurately describes the
contractor's legal position?
A. The contractor may complete the project under the Class C license because the
original estimate was below $10,000
,B. The contractor must decline the additional work or refer it to a properly licensed
contractor
C. The contractor may split the contract into two separate agreements to maintain
compliance
D. The contractor may proceed if the homeowner signs a waiver of licensing
requirements
Correct Answer: B. The contractor must decline the additional work or refer it to a
properly licensed contractor
Rationale: A Class C license limits individual contracts to $10,000. Once the contract
value exceeds this threshold, the contractor cannot legally perform the work. Splitting
contracts to evade licensing limits constitutes a violation. Homeowners cannot waive
statutory licensing requirements.
3. How many hours of continuing education are required biennially for Class A and
Class B contractors in Virginia?
A. 4 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 16 hours
D. 24 hours
Correct Answer: B. 8 hours
Rationale: Virginia regulations require Class A and Class B contractors to complete 8
hours of continuing education during each two-year license renewal period. Class C
contractors are not required to complete continuing education.
4. A contractor applies for a Class B license. What is the minimum experience
requirement that must be demonstrated?
A. 1 year in the trade
B. 3 years in the trade
C. 5 years in the trade
D. 7 years in the trade
, Correct Answer: B. 3 years in the trade
Rationale: Virginia requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in the trade for Class B
licensure, 5 years for Class A, and 1 year for Class C. Experience must be verified and
relevant to the classification being sought.
5. Where must a licensed contractor display their license number according to
Virginia regulations?
A. Only on filed permit applications
B. At their place of business and on all advertising materials
C. Only on official contracts and business cards
D. On all vehicles and equipment only
Correct Answer: B. At their place of business and on all advertising materials
Rationale: Virginia law requires contractors to display their license number at their place
of business and include it on all advertising, contracts, and correspondence. This
ensures consumers can verify licensure status before engaging services.
6. A homeowner files a complaint with DPOR alleging incomplete and defective
work by a licensed contractor. What is the primary role of DPOR in this matter?
A. DPOR acts as a mediator to negotiate a settlement between the parties
B. DPOR investigates potential violations of contractor licensing laws and may impose
disciplinary action
C. DPOR automatically suspends the contractor's license upon receipt of any complaint
D. DPOR refers all complaints directly to the Virginia Attorney General for criminal
prosecution
Correct Answer: B. DPOR investigates potential violations of contractor licensing laws
and may impose disciplinary action
Rationale: DPOR's regulatory function is to enforce licensing standards. While DPOR
may facilitate resolution, its primary authority is investigation and discipline, including
