Interested in becoming a successful contractor in Virginia? That’s a great goal you’ve got, and the best part about it is that it’s not even that hard to achieve. With the right dedication and resources, it’s only a matter of time before you rise to the level of being one of the most sought-after DPOR-approved contractors.
But how can you make this dream a reality with as minimum friction as possible? Well, here are a couple of tips to guide you:
1. Take Time to Understand the Requirements
There are three contractor licence classifications in Virginia. The Class A licence is the most advanced, and this one imposes no monetary limitations on the project size you’re allowed to handle. That’s the main benefit of being a Class A contractor licence holder in Virginia, but there are other major advantages such as being more marketable for advanced projects.
Before jumping into the application process, it’s highly advisable to understand all legal, educational, and financial prerequisites. These include:
- Having a business entity
- Proof of a minimum net worth of $45,000
- 5 Years Experience
- An initial licence fee of $360
- Completed financial statement form, surety bond form, or CPA audit
- 8-hour pre-licensing course
- Qualified individual to take the speciality trade exam
The requirements can always change, so it’s always advisable to check the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) website regularly for updates.
2. Invest in High-Quality Prep Resources
Most contractor licence applicants in Virginia make the mistake of thinking that the exam will be a walkover since it’s an open-book exam. That’s quite far from the truth. Do a little online research on various platforms and professional communities and you will realise that lots of initial applicants don’t make it through this stage.
Given how critical it is for Class A applicants to pass all three portions of the exam, you want to invest in a premium Virginia Class A Contractor License pre-licensing course/exam prep bundle from a top provider like RocketCert. Such top-class courses are created by expert tutors who likely have been contractors themselves, thus they know exactly what to focus on.
Such material will not only increase your chances of passing the exam but also help you succeed in general once you kick off your career.
3. Make Sure You Choose the Right Speciality Early Enough
As a Virginia Class A licence holder, you can choose from more than 30 specialities including Alternative Energy Systems, Billboards/Signs, Fire Suppression, Masonry, Residential Buildings, Roofing, and many others. Narrowing down on the right speciality as early as you can helps you create a tailored study plan for your speciality exam and helps you become more compliant with state regulations.
4. Create a Solid Financial Foundation
A strong financial foundation is a non-negotiable requirement for Class A applicants. You want to stop to ensure that you meet the $45,000 net worth requirement. Some of the actions you should take include:
- Using financial help to prepare accurate financial statements.
- Gathering your records of previous tax filings and financial obligations so you won’t experience delays when applying.
- Getting a surety bond if your net worth isn’t sufficient.
5. Network With Experienced Contractors
Never underestimate the power of networking and mentorship. You can make your application process a lot easier by interacting with people who’ve successfully gone through the same process. Consider joining subreddits or contractor forums to gain valuable tips such as:
- Insights into preparing for your exams.
- Recommendations for the best pre-licensing courses.
- Guidance on the mistakes to steer clear of during your application.
- And a lot more!
Apply Effortlessly With RocketCert
Preparing to become a Class A contractor licence holder in Virginia is often a lot of work, especially if this is your first time going through such a process. Not to worry though, since RocketCert, one of the top contractor education providers in Virginia, can simplify this process for you by a huge degree.
Thanks to expertly prepared courses and exam prep materials, as well as guidance from experienced tutors, your application process will feel significantly easier. Ready to get started? Visit rocketcert.com to see for yourself how they can support you in your journey.
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