Virginia HIC Exam Study Guide | 2026 Health Insurance
Licensing Prep
1. What type of license is required to perform home improvement work in Virginia
exceeding $10,000?
o A. Class C License
o B. Class B License
o C. Class A License
o D. No license is required
Answer: B
Rationale: A Class B license is required for projects ranging from $10,000 to
$120,000 annually. Class A is for higher amounts, while Class C is for smaller
projects.
2. How often must a contractor renew their license in Virginia?
o A. Every year
o B. Every two years
o C. Every three years
o D. Only upon request
Answer: B
Rationale: Contractor licenses in Virginia are typically renewed biennially (every
two years) to stay active and compliant.
3. What is the penalty for working as a contractor without a license in Virginia?
o A. A $500 fine
o B. A misdemeanor charge and fines
, o C. A felony charge
o D. A warning letter
Answer: B
Rationale: Contracting without a license in Virginia is considered a
misdemeanor, and violators are subject to fines and legal penalties.
Contracts and Agreements
4. What is the minimum requirement for a valid contract under Virginia law?
o A. It must be notarized
o B. It must include the contractor’s license number
o C. It must be in writing for work over $1,000
o D. It must include proof of insurance
Answer: C
Rationale: Contracts for work exceeding $1,000 are required by law to be in
writing to protect both parties.
5. If a customer cancels a contract, how long does the contractor have to return the
deposit?
o A. 7 days
o B. 10 days
o C. 15 days
o D. 30 days
Answer: C
, Rationale: Contractors must return any money owed to the customer within 15
days of contract cancellation in accordance with consumer protection laws.
Construction Codes and Safety
6. What is the minimum required height for guardrails in residential construction?
o A. 30 inches
o B. 36 inches
o C. 42 inches
o D. 48 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: Guardrails in residential construction must be at least 36 inches high
to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC) standards adopted by
Virginia.
7. When is a building permit not required for home improvement work?
o A. When the work is cosmetic only
o B. When the work costs under $1,000
o C. When the homeowner performs the work themselves
o D. When the work involves plumbing or electrical
Answer: A
Rationale: Cosmetic work, such as painting or wallpapering, typically does not
require a building permit. Structural, plumbing, and electrical changes do.
Licensing Prep
1. What type of license is required to perform home improvement work in Virginia
exceeding $10,000?
o A. Class C License
o B. Class B License
o C. Class A License
o D. No license is required
Answer: B
Rationale: A Class B license is required for projects ranging from $10,000 to
$120,000 annually. Class A is for higher amounts, while Class C is for smaller
projects.
2. How often must a contractor renew their license in Virginia?
o A. Every year
o B. Every two years
o C. Every three years
o D. Only upon request
Answer: B
Rationale: Contractor licenses in Virginia are typically renewed biennially (every
two years) to stay active and compliant.
3. What is the penalty for working as a contractor without a license in Virginia?
o A. A $500 fine
o B. A misdemeanor charge and fines
, o C. A felony charge
o D. A warning letter
Answer: B
Rationale: Contracting without a license in Virginia is considered a
misdemeanor, and violators are subject to fines and legal penalties.
Contracts and Agreements
4. What is the minimum requirement for a valid contract under Virginia law?
o A. It must be notarized
o B. It must include the contractor’s license number
o C. It must be in writing for work over $1,000
o D. It must include proof of insurance
Answer: C
Rationale: Contracts for work exceeding $1,000 are required by law to be in
writing to protect both parties.
5. If a customer cancels a contract, how long does the contractor have to return the
deposit?
o A. 7 days
o B. 10 days
o C. 15 days
o D. 30 days
Answer: C
, Rationale: Contractors must return any money owed to the customer within 15
days of contract cancellation in accordance with consumer protection laws.
Construction Codes and Safety
6. What is the minimum required height for guardrails in residential construction?
o A. 30 inches
o B. 36 inches
o C. 42 inches
o D. 48 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: Guardrails in residential construction must be at least 36 inches high
to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC) standards adopted by
Virginia.
7. When is a building permit not required for home improvement work?
o A. When the work is cosmetic only
o B. When the work costs under $1,000
o C. When the homeowner performs the work themselves
o D. When the work involves plumbing or electrical
Answer: A
Rationale: Cosmetic work, such as painting or wallpapering, typically does not
require a building permit. Structural, plumbing, and electrical changes do.
