DPOR • PSI • HIC Specialty • 50 Questions • 120 Minutes • 70% Passing • Open Book • 2021 IRC
Ready to prepare for the Virginia Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) examination? This guide explains the PSI trade exam, DPOR licensing, eleven study areas, and helpful books and courses from Contractor Exam Preps. You will also learn how Virginia separates contractor license classes from work specialties, and how to study efficiently without turning every codebook page into a treasure hunt.
Virginia's Home Improvement Contracting specialty, abbreviated HIC, covers repairs and improvements to existing dwellings, townhouses, and attached structures described by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. It suits remodelers whose everyday jobs include painting, siding, drywall, carpentry, roofing repairs, windows, doors, masonry repairs, or insulation. It is not a general permission slip to build any structure a customer imagines. Virginia limits the specialty's scope, and some work must be performed under separate trade licensing.
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, or DPOR, oversees contractor licensing through its Board for Contractors. PSI delivers the Home Improvement Contracting examination. DPOR regulates the license class and specialty attached to a contractor business, while PSI handles the trade testing process. Always read the official materials for both parts. A contractor might understand every step of installing new siding but still need the right business class before signing a large remodeling contract.
The Virginia Home Improvement Contracting specialty examination includes 50 multiple-choice questions. The published passing mark is 70%, which means 35 correct answers. PSI allows 120 minutes, or two hours. This works out to an average of 2.4 minutes for each question. Because the examination is open book, you must learn when to open the right reference and when to answer from trade knowledge. Spending ten minutes on one question could steal time from easier questions later.
The official outline lists 11 areas: concrete, masonry, painting and wall covering, drywall, rough carpentry and framing, siding, finish carpentry, roofing, insulation, safety, and windows and doors. Four categories have four questions each, and seven categories have five each. All 50 questions count toward the published test outline. No single topic dominates the exam, which means a balanced study plan matters. A painter should still review roof flashing; a carpenter should still understand safe ladder use.
Yes. The PSI specialty examination is open book, but only under specific rules. Candidates bring their own approved references. PSI does not permit study guides, loose pages, handwritten notes in references, or removable sticky tabs. References can be properly highlighted, indexed and marked with permanent tabs within the current instructions. Practice with your books before test day, and never assume that something included in a training bundle is automatically allowed in the exam room.
The PSI Home Improvement Contracting exam outline states that code questions use the 2021 International Residential Code beginning May 1, 2025. Older portions of the published PDF still list the 2018 IRC, so the dated transition notice is important. For a current appointment, read the newest PSI candidate directions and use the edition they identify. The Contractor Exam Preps Virginia HIC book package includes the 2021 IRC. That is a much better starting point than discovering an edition mismatch while sitting at the test center.
Home Improvement Contracting does not authorize independent electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas-fitting functions that need their own appropriate license. It also does not broadly authorize new-building construction beyond the existing structure. The specialty recognizes limited additional structures such as decks, patios, driveways and small accessory buildings that do not require a permit under the applicable code. Even those jobs require careful attention to local permits, zoning, inspections and the actual scope of your contractor license.
Yes. Virginia's published specialty description explains that Home Improvement Contracting includes Roofing Contracting, Painting and Wallcovering Contracting, and Masonry Contracting without needing those specialties separately listed on an HIC license. That does not mean every possible roof, masonry or painting project can be undertaken regardless of the dwelling-improvement scope and license class. Match the job to the permitted HIC scope, and confirm any specialty or permit questions with DPOR and your local building official.
Virginia uses license classes to set the size of projects and total annual volume a contractor may undertake. Class A applies to a project of $150,000 or more or at least $1 million in total work within twelve months. Class B generally covers $30,000 to less than $150,000 per project or $250,000 to less than $1 million annually. Class C covers projects over $1,000 but below $30,000 and annual work below $250,000. License class and HIC specialty are two different labels with different jobs.
No. A passing PSI HIC score demonstrates trade knowledge for the specialty requirement, but the business must satisfy Virginia's contractor licensing steps. This may involve naming a Qualified Individual, identifying a Designated Employee for Class A or B, verifying the necessary experience, completing pre-license education and meeting financial or other board conditions. The Class A and B business examinations are separate from the HIC specialty examination. Passing one does not automatically complete the other.
Yes. Virginia requires eight hours of approved pre-license education for a new contractor license. For Class A and B, a member of responsible management or the Designated Employee completes this course. For Class C, a member of responsible management completes it. The training introduces business law, regulations, and contractor responsibilities, rather than replacing technical home-improvement exam study. Check the DPOR course requirement carefully, because it is separate from exam preparation, and the order of paperwork can affect processing.
Review preparation for small slabs, driveways, footings and repairs. Know basic mixes, reinforcement concepts, placement, finishing, curing and crack prevention. Study the purpose of base preparation and the effects of water, temperature and poor workmanship. A remodeler does not have to become a concrete scientist overnight. However, recognizing when a repair method is wrong or a new patio requires a different approach can earn valuable points on a broad contractor exam.
The masonry category tests the basics behind safe and durable brick, block and stone work. Learn mortar selection, joint repair, water entry, flashing, material compatibility and how to recognize damaged work. The exam may also expect you to understand how masonry connects with building framing and moisture protection. Review drawings and book illustrations, not just definitions. It is easier to remember the right masonry detail once you can picture how rain would get through a poorly built wall.
Rough carpentry and framing account for five questions, and finish carpentry adds another five. Those categories are worth 20% of the full exam together. Study structural layouts, framing members, fasteners, wall and floor repairs, trim, doors and finish installation details. Practice finding dimension and span information in your references, and learn which jobs require structural review. The phrase 'it has always looked fine' is not a building standard and will not rescue a weak test answer.
Siding and roofing protect the home from water and weather, so they each receive five questions. For siding, study proper fastening, flashing, clearance and the purpose of housewrap and other weather barriers. For roofing, review underlayment, shingles, flashing, penetrations, drainage and repair methods. A common mistake is focusing on the visible finish and ignoring the hidden water-control layer beneath it. PSI questions often reward knowing the complete assembly, not just the outer surface.
Yes. Windows and Doors appear as four questions, while Insulation accounts for five. Window and door installation involves measurement, shimming, flashing, sealing, hardware and water management. Insulation questions may involve R-values, air leakage, material types and moisture control. Try tracing the route that outside air or water would take around an opening. When you understand the system as a whole, code and installation questions become much easier to answer.
The Drywall and Painting and Wall Covering categories each have four questions. Study proper wallboard selection, fasteners, joint compound, finishing procedures, substrate preparation, coatings, primers, paint compatibility, and conditions for applying finishes. Correct surface preparation often matters as much as the final visible coat. In home-improvement work, a rushed finish can hide trouble for a short time, but it rarely stays hidden from an unhappy homeowner.
Safety has five of the 50 questions. Study OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, especially falls, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, tools, power hazards and safe demolition practices. Safety is also relevant to real jobs, so connect each rule to an example. The right answer might involve fall protection, proper equipment placement or recognizing unsafe conditions before starting work. A confident contractor plans safe access before climbing onto a roof, not while already balancing on a ladder.
Contractor Exam Preps offers a Virginia Home Improvement Contracting Book Package that includes the 2021 IRC, construction references, OSHA safety material, and topic-specific books on concrete, masonry, gypsum, insulation, siding and finish carpentry. It also offers a highlighted-and-tabbed book set, an online HIC course, and rental packages for Class A/B business and trade preparation. Verify package contents against PSI's current approved reference list. Some extra business titles serve different exams.
That depends on how you study. Prepared tabs and highlighting can help you learn a reference book faster, but they do not substitute for knowing the subject. PSI only permits markings and permanent tabs that comply with its rules. Build a habit of locating key tables and construction sections without hunting through every page. A simple book can be useful when you know it well; a fancy tabbed book still takes time to use if you have never practiced with it.
Begin with licensing eligibility and the official PSI outline. Spend the next weeks covering masonry and concrete, carpentry and framing, roofing and siding, insulation and drywall, and finally safety and other finish details. Complete short timed drills every week, then run a complete 50-question, 120-minute simulation. Track the subjects you miss and return to the exact reference that answers each problem. A daily routine makes a stronger plan than trying to memorize eleven construction trades on one rainy weekend.
Confirm your PSI appointment, legal name on identification, testing center instructions, approved reference books, permitted markings and current code edition. Check the separate DPOR application requirements for the contractor business and make sure the Qualified Individual and Designated Employee roles are correctly assigned where applicable. Treat test results as a milestone, not a complete license. A good exam plan prepares you to pass, and a good licensing plan prepares you to work legally afterward.
Important 2026 HIC Update: Virginia Home Improvement Contracting (HIC) is a specialty under a contractor business license, not a separate license class. PSI publishes 50 questions, a 120-minute limit, 70% required to pass, and 11 study categories. The exam code transition notice identifies the 2021 International Residential Code beginning May 2025. New applicants also need eight hours of DPOR-approved pre-license education. Class A/B business examination requirements are separate from the HIC trade exam. Check the official PSI outline and DPOR before scheduling.
Virginia Home Improvement Contracting is the HIC specialty for remodeling, repairing, and improving existing dwellings and townhouses, including certain attached structures. It is a construction trade classification paired with a Virginia Class A, B, or C contractor license. It is not a substitute for licensed electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work.
HIC includes painting and wallcovering, roofing, and masonry contracting work within its defined scope. It does not authorize unrestricted new-house construction. DPOR and your local building official should be consulted whenever a project approaches the edge of the specialty.
Licensing authority: Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors.
Exam: PSI Home Improvement Contracting (HIC).
Trade exam: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 35 correct to pass.
Code reference: 2021 International Residential Code for code questions.
This reference separates the HIC specialty exam from the Virginia business license class and the pre-license course. Use it to organize requirements before paying for exam appointments.
| Requirement | Published Information | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors | Business licensing authority |
| Contractor specialty | Home Improvement Contracting (HIC) | Remodeling and repair of dwellings and townhouses |
| Trade test administrator | PSI | Use the current HIC examination bulletin |
| Trade questions | 50 | Eleven official subjects |
| Time limit | 120 minutes | Two-hour open-book test |
| Passing result | 70%, or 35 correct | Calculated from 50 questions |
| Official ICC code basis | 2021 International Residential Code | PSI notice effective May 1, 2025 |
| Open-book restrictions | Approved, bound reference books | No loose notes or unapproved study guides |
| Permanent tabs | Permitted under PSI rules | Removable tabs are not permitted |
| Home Improvement scope | Existing dwellings and townhouses | Repair and improvement, not unrestricted new construction |
| Not included in HIC | Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas fitting | Appropriate separate trade license needed |
| Included specialties | Masonry (BRK), painting (PTC), roofing (ROC) | Within the HIC scope |
| Class A value | $150,000+ per project or $1 million+ in 12 months | Check current Virginia code and business qualifications |
| Class B value | $30,000 to under $150,000 per project or $250,000 to under $1 million per year | Separate business requirements |
| Class C value | Over $1,000 and under $30,000 per project, with annual volume below $250,000 | Additional rules and exceptions may apply |
| Required education | Eight hours of approved pre-license education | Separate from HIC trade exam preparation |
| Class A/B examination | Business exam for designated employee | Separate from HIC trade exam |
| Qualified Individual | Qualification for HIC specialty | Verify board experience and designation requirements |
| Designated Employee | Class A/B business exam role | Different from Qualified Individual |
| Concrete | 4 questions | 8% of 50 |
| Masonry | 4 questions | 8% of 50 |
| Painting and Wall Covering | 4 questions | 8% of 50 |
| Drywall | 4 questions | 8% of 50 |
| Rough Carpentry and Framing | 5 questions | 10% of 50 |
| Siding | 5 questions | 10% of 50 |
| Finish Carpentry | 5 questions | 10% of 50 |
| Roofing | 5 questions | 10% of 50 |
| Insulation | 5 questions | 10% of 50 |
| Safety | 5 questions | 10% of 50 |
| Windows and Doors | 4 questions | 8% of 50 |
| Trade reference: safety | OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 | Compare current PSI reference list |
| Trade reference: framing | Carpentry and Building Construction (2016) | Listed HIC study reference |
| Trade reference: finish work | Finish Carpenters’ Manual | Check PSI edition and permission |
| Trade reference: insulation | Insulation Handbook | Home energy and installation topics |
| Trade reference: gypsum | Gypsum Construction Handbook | Drywall installation and repair |
| Trade reference: siding | ASTM D4756 | PVC siding and soffit installation |
| Trade reference: masonry | Modern Masonry | Repair and brick/block methods |
| Trade reference: concrete | Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction | Verify approved edition |
| Trade reference: accessibility | ICC A117.1 (2017) | Accessibility and usable buildings |
| Book package | Standard HIC set | View store package |
| Prepared books | Highlighted and tabbed HIC books | View prepared books |
| Course | HIC online exam prep | View online course |
| Rental package | Class A/B business and trade books | View rental materials |
| State verification | DPOR | Official Board for Contractors |
| Exam verification | PSI | Official HIC exam outline |
Use this quick table when comparing trade-study resources with business licensing paperwork. A home improvement trade score and an approved contractor application are not the same step.
| Detail | Category | Information |
|---|---|---|
| License specialty | HIC | Home Improvement Contracting |
| Regulatory board | DPOR | Board for Contractors |
| Testing vendor | PSI | Home Improvement trade exam |
| Questions | 50 | 11 official content areas |
| Time allowed | 120 minutes | 2 hours |
| Passing requirement | 70% | 35 correct answers |
| Testing approach | Open book | Permitted reference materials only |
| Code questions | 2021 IRC | 2025 code-cycle notice |
| Reference policy | No study guides | Permanent tabs only |
| Highest-weight topics | Seven categories | 5 questions each |
| Smaller topics | Four categories | 4 questions each |
| Business class | Class A / B / C | Project and annual value |
| Education | 8 hours | Board-approved pre-license instruction |
| Separate Class A/B business tests | Yes | For designated employee as applicable |
| Qualified Individual | HIC trade | Meet classification and experience rules |
| Building scope | Existing dwellings | Not open-ended new construction |
| HIC included work | Painting, roofing, masonry | Scope limits still apply |
| Not covered | Plumbing, electrical, gas, HVAC | Separate licensing |
| Reference order | Current bulletin first | Confirm approved titles and editions |
| Exam resource | Official PSI outline | Read HIC PSI PDF |
Trade exam: 50 questions and 120 minutes.
Pass mark: 70% or 35 correct.
Reference edition: 2021 IRC for code questions in the currently posted PSI outline.
The published PSI HIC outline contains eleven areas totaling 50 questions. Each category matters; the descriptions below show what to practice and why the skill matters on a real remodeling project.
Learn how to judge existing conditions, prepare small pours, handle curing and finishing, and recognize poor base preparation and repair methods. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Review mortar, unit masonry, joint repair, flashing, wall moisture and safe masonry cleanup. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Compare primers, surface preparation, coating selection, application conditions and wallcovering installation. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Practice selecting wallboard, fastening methods, joint finish and repair sequences for moisture-sensitive rooms. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Understand existing framing, joists, studs, fastening, load paths, structural alterations and how plans guide repairs. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Review vinyl/PVC siding details, weather-resistive barriers, clearances, flashing, fastening and water management. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Study doors, trim, cabinetry, stair-related finish details, measurement, cutting and visible workmanship. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Learn roof repair procedures, flashing, underlayment, roof drainage, safe access and common defect clues. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Review insulation types, R-values, air sealing, installation techniques and moisture effects. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Know ladders, fall protection, scaffolds, PPE, power tool safety and demolition hazards under OSHA. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Learn measurement, rough openings, flashing, weather sealing, glazing basics and door hardware. Study relevant definitions and diagrams, then answer timed open-book questions that require you to find the correct reference.
Test total: 50 questions across 11 categories.
Higher-weight categories: Seven areas have five questions apiece.
Current code: 2021 IRC, as identified in the PSI transition notice.
Open-book HIC preparation works best with a repeatable routine. Move from broad trade concepts into reference-book searches and finish with timed testing.
Begin by downloading the PSI Home Improvement Contracting content outline and the current DPOR license application instructions. Know whether you are working toward Class A, B, or C before scheduling.
Create an eleven-topic checklist. Set aside separate sessions for concrete, masonry, painting, drywall, framing, siding, finish carpentry, roofing, insulation, safety, and windows and doors.
Use the 2021 International Residential Code to practice code questions. Study with approved bound references and comply with the permanent-tab rules.
Work through rough and finish carpentry together, but keep the two categories separate in your study log. Each carries five questions.
Group weather-envelope subjects together. Review roofing, siding, insulation, window flashing and door sealing as connected home systems.
Practice recognizing the safe sequence of construction. A correct roof repair or window installation begins with proper access, protection and preparation.
Choose a home improvement preparation product that suits your learning style: bound reference books, highlighted-and-tabbed books, an online course, or rental materials.
Take a 50-question practice exam using a 120-minute clock. Afterward, revisit every missed answer and locate the supporting explanation.
Keep Class A/B business test study separate from the HIC technical test. There is useful overlap in safety and contracts, but the exam outlines are different.
Finish by checking your ID, PSI scheduling instructions, current reference list, approved tabs, and required education and license forms.
Step 1: Confirm official exam and licensing conditions.
Step 2: Master the eleven categories using real remodeling examples.
Step 3: Practice legal reference-book navigation.
Step 4: Complete multiple 50-question, 120-minute simulations.
The diagram below retains the original technical illustration layout. It shows how several examination topics connect in a typical home renovation.
Educational remodeling diagram, not a permit drawing or installation plan.
Compare the proposed remodeling work with Virginia HIC scope and excluded trades.
Choose Class A, B or C based on project size and the expected twelve-month business volume.
Arrange the Qualified Individual and, where applicable, the Class A/B Designated Employee.
Take the eight-hour Board-approved pre-license education course as required.
Study the eleven-category HIC exam outline and current 2021 IRC reference policy.
Complete the HIC trade exam and any separate Class A/B business exam requirements.
Provide the required business, financial, experience and other documentation to DPOR.
Check that the business license class and HIC specialty are issued and current before offering work.
The official PSI outline totals 50 questions. The percentage bars show the share of the exam assigned to each category.
Total: 50 questions across eleven areas.
Seven categories: Five questions each, 10% apiece.
Four categories: Four questions each, 8% apiece.
Strategy: Study all categories, not only the trade you perform most often.
Only the official PSI list controls which references and editions are relevant to the exam. The store offers study packages, but package contents and approved testing materials are not automatically identical.
| Book or Reference | Edition or Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR Part 1926 | Latest available amendments | Safety, ladders, scaffolds, fall protection and construction hazards. |
| International Residential Code | 2021 Edition | Official current code-question basis identified by PSI. |
| Carpentry and Building Construction | 2016 Student Edition | Framing, rough carpentry, layout and residential building methods. |
| Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction | PSI-listed concrete reference; editions vary | Concrete placement, quality, curing, repair and finishing. |
| Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook | 8th Edition | Painting preparation, paint and finish methods. |
| Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone | PSI-listed trade reference; check edition | Masonry workmanship and repair techniques. |
| ASTM D4756 PVC Siding and Soffit Standard | PSI listed standard; confirm revision | Rigid PVC siding and soffit installation. |
| Insulation Handbook | 2000 edition listed | Insulation and energy-related retrofit practices. |
| Gypsum Construction Handbook | 2014 or matching PSI listing | Drywall and related interior construction. |
| Finish Carpenters’ Manual | 1993 edition listed | Interior finish carpentry and trim. |
| ICC A117.1 | 2017 accessibility standard | Accessibility and usable buildings. |
| Virginia HIC Standard Book Package | Contractor Exam Preps | Grouped trade references for exam preparation. |
| Virginia HIC Prepared Book Set | Contractor Exam Preps | Highlighted and tabbed references; confirm exam-room permission. |
| Virginia HIC Online Course | Contractor Exam Preps | Practice and guidance; not a physical testing-room book. |
| PSI Official Exam Outline | PSI Home Improvement Contracting PDF | Current exam counts and permitted reference policy. |
Code basis: Use the 2021 IRC for PSI code questions.
Study guides: Useful at home, but not allowed as exam-room references.
Books: Compare each edition and permitted marking rule against your current PSI appointment bulletin.
Open book does not mean open time. The goal is to recognize the topic, identify the correct reference, locate the rule and apply it accurately. Familiarity beats frantic page-turning.
Virginia HIC contractors provide repair and improvement services for existing dwellings, townhouses and covered attached structures. Typical work includes framing repairs, drywall, painting, roofing and siding work, installation and replacement of windows and doors, insulation and finish carpentry. Masonry and limited concrete work may also fall within the specialty when consistent with its legal scope.
The HIC classification includes masonry, painting and wallcovering, and roofing contracting specialties without separately listing them, but the project must still remain within the residential home-improvement scope. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and gas fitting are excluded. Contractors must also follow permit, inspection, locality and class-value restrictions.
Specialty: HIC home improvement and repair.
Business class: A, B or C, based on project value and annual work.
Separate work: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and gas work may require other licenses.
Check scope: Consult DPOR and your local building official for unusual projects.
The Virginia contractor class tells you how much work the business may undertake. The specialty tells you what type of work it may perform.
| Classification or Exam | Purpose | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Home Improvement (HIC) | Repairs and improvements to existing dwellings | Includes roofing, painting and masonry work within its defined scope. |
| Residential Building (RBC) | Broader residential building classification | May cover construction and home improvement under its rules. |
| Commercial Improvement (CIC) | Improvements to nonresidential structures | Separate trade specialty and exam. |
| Roofing (ROC) | Roofing contracting specialty | May be included within HIC scope. |
| Painting and Wallcovering (PTC) | Painting and finishes | Included within HIC scope. |
| Masonry (BRK) | Masonry contracting | Included within HIC scope. |
| Class C License | Lower-value projects and annual volume | No separate Class A/B business exam, but pre-license education required. |
| Class B License | Mid-range projects / annual volume | Business and trade qualification requirements. |
| Class A License | Higher-value projects / annual volume | Business qualification and additional requirements. |
| Electrical / Plumbing / HVAC / Gas | Regulated specialty trade functions | Not independently authorized by HIC. |
These three cards separate trade knowledge, business licensing, and study products. Choose the exam and product that belongs to the step you are completing.
Best for a candidate qualifying for the HIC trade specialty.
Best for a Class A or B applicant completing business licensing.
Best for focused trade study and reference-book navigation.
The Virginia HIC exam can be challenging because it covers eleven different construction trades in a short 50-question test. Many candidates already understand their own trade well. The difficult part is moving confidently between carpentry, roofing, masonry, siding, insulation, safety and finish work within the same two-hour appointment.
Seven subject areas have five questions apiece. Four other areas have four. That fairly even weighting makes it risky to skip any category. If you are strong in trim carpentry but weak in roofing repairs and OSHA safety, you could lose points that would otherwise be available with a few days of targeted review.
Open-book rules add another skill requirement. You need to know which reference contains a topic, how the index is organized, and whether a code exception applies. A familiar book and a two-minute lookup habit are much more helpful than a stack of unfamiliar books with colorful tabs.
Work toward scores comfortably above 35 correct in your practice tests, not exactly at the line. A reliable study routine should include short topic sets, mixed quizzes, correction of errors and at least two complete timed simulations.
Finally, remember that the license class and business process are separate from your PSI trade test. Experience verification, approved education and any Class A/B business exam requirements can take time. Planning both the technical and administrative sides makes a smoother route to opening your business.
Getting a book set ready is only half the job. Make a test-day plan that matches PSI rules, and keep the business licensing checklist ready for after the trade exam.
These store products relate directly to Virginia Home Improvement Contracting. Each serves a different study style. Only the current PSI bulletin determines permitted exam-room references.
Best for candidates purchasing their main trade exam books.
Best for candidates wanting pre-organized printed references.
Best for candidates who want guided review beyond reading books.
Rental alternative: Virginia HIC Class A/B Business and Trade Book Rental Package combines materials for multiple exam steps.
Additional training: Virginia HIC Live Virtual and Self-Study Training is another course option.
Keep scope clear: A class-business book does not replace HIC trade preparation, and training material does not guarantee licensure.
DPOR • PSI • HOME IMPROVEMENT (HIC) • 50 QUESTIONS • TWO HOURS • 2021 IRC
Virginia Home Improvement Licensing
Virginia DPOR, through the Board for Contractors, regulates contractor licenses and the HIC specialty.
HIC means Home Improvement Contracting. It covers specified repairs and improvements to existing dwellings and townhouses.
No. HIC is a specialty associated with a contractor business license class, generally Class A, B or C.
HIC does not grant general new-building construction authority. Virginia Residential Building Contracting is a separate, broader classification.
The HIC specialty includes roofing contracting within its permitted residential improvement scope.
Yes. The specialty includes masonry and painting/wallcovering work within its defined scope.
No. Independent electrical, plumbing, HVAC and gas-fitting work is excluded and may require other licensing.
No. The business must satisfy separate DPOR license requirements and receive approval.
Yes. New contractor-license applicants generally complete eight hours of approved pre-license education.
They establish project-value and annual-volume limits; the HIC specialty establishes the kind of work the contractor may perform.
PSI Home Improvement Exam
PSI administers the Home Improvement Contracting technical examination.
The published PSI outline lists 50 questions.
PSI lists 120 minutes, or two hours.
The passing mark is 70%, which means 35 of 50 questions correct.
Yes, subject to PSI rules for approved books, bindings, tabs and markings.
No. The posted PSI policy says study guides are not permitted as testing-room reference books.
No. PSI requires permanent tabs and prohibits removable tabs.
No. Writing in references during the examination is prohibited.
The PSI update states the 2021 International Residential Code is the code basis beginning May 1, 2025.
Retesting is subject to current PSI and DPOR rules and fees. Check the instructions in your candidate bulletin.
HIC Examination Topics
There are eleven published content categories, totaling 50 questions.
Rough Carpentry and Framing has five questions in the PSI outline.
Finish Carpentry has five questions.
Siding is five questions, or ten percent.
Yes. Roofing is a five-question category.
Yes. Drywall has four questions and Painting and Wall Covering has four.
Yes. Concrete has four questions.
Masonry has four questions.
Yes. Windows and Doors has four questions.
Yes. Insulation carries five questions.
Safety accounts for five of the 50 questions. Review OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
References, Preparation and Business Exams
Begin with the current PSI reference list. Contractor Exam Preps offers a 2021 IRC-based Virginia HIC reference-book package.
Yes. It lists a standard Virginia HIC book set and a highlighted-and-tabbed version.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps lists a Virginia Home Improvement Contracting online course with practice and reference-navigation instruction.
The store offers a Virginia HIC Class A/B Business and Trade Book Rental Package. Check the current conditions.
No. Study products help preparation, but results depend on eligibility, work, practice and the examination.
Yes. The trade exam tests HIC skills; Class A/B business exams cover separate licensing subjects.
It is the person responsible for meeting the qualifications associated with the contractor classification or specialty.
Class A/B businesses designate an eligible individual to meet the applicable business examination requirements.
Yes, when properly licensed with HIC and within applicable project-value and annual-volume limits.
Complete any remaining DPOR licensing conditions and wait until the contractor business license and HIC specialty are approved.
Use the PSI Home Improvement Contracting outline and Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors pages.
Yes. Question counts are fairly even across categories, so skipping a subject can cost several points.
This 1ExamPrep video focuses specifically on the Virginia Home Improvement Contractor examination. Watch it for study direction, book navigation and open-book testing habits that fit the current PSI HIC blueprint.
Watch How to Pass the VA Home Improvement Contractor Exam on YouTube
Use the video as supplemental guidance. Your exam room references and passing requirements are controlled by PSI and Virginia DPOR.
Use these official links for examination and licensing requirements, then compare matching reference books and training products at ContractorExamPreps.com.
The Virginia Home Improvement Contracting examination is a broad test of remodeling knowledge, not a quiz about only one kind of repair. Every successful residential remodel joins several trades together. A roof repair needs weather protection. A window replacement must handle flashing and water. Interior finish work depends on framing, insulation, and safe installation methods that may be hidden when the job is done. The HIC examination reflects this connected view of home improvement, which is why the published PSI outline covers eleven distinct subjects.
Start with the essential exam facts. PSI lists fifty questions and a one-hundred-twenty-minute time limit, with seventy percent required to pass. That means thirty-five correct answers. Those numbers give you a practical study target. If a candidate consistently answers forty or more practice questions correctly in realistic timed sessions, they are building a larger safety margin than someone who barely reaches the passing line once. Your exact result cannot be promised, but a repeatable practice routine is much more useful than a lucky guess.
The topic distribution also offers a clear guide. Concrete, masonry, painting and wall covering, drywall, and windows and doors each have four questions. Rough carpentry and framing, siding, finish carpentry, roofing, insulation, and safety each have five. Those figures add up to the complete fifty-question test. The exam does not give a giant advantage to any single trade. A painter should learn basic roofing. A roofing worker should review drywall, doors, and safe jobsite procedures. Being a strong remodeler means seeing more than one part of the home.
Open-book testing creates a different challenge from memorizing facts. The correct answer may be in front of you, but you have to know where to look and how to use it. Candidates should practice with PSI-permitted references, particularly the International Residential Code edition identified in the current exam notice. The posted PSI HIC transition says code questions use the 2021 IRC from May 2025. Review the latest bulletin because reference and tab rules can change. Bound books, compliant permanent tabs, and clean reference pages are part of your preparation.
Book packages and online courses can help you learn these subjects efficiently. Contractor Exam Preps offers a Virginia HIC book set, a prepared highlighted-and-tabbed version, a dedicated online course, and rental options that may also include Class A/B business materials. Each serves a slightly different purpose. Printed books support section navigation. Courses can organize practice questions. Rental packages can reduce the need to purchase several resources for multiple examinations, but you should check current conditions, deposits, and permitted book editions.
Your plan must also cover the state business requirements. Virginia pairs a specialty such as HIC with a license class. Class A, B and C determine the scale of work based on single-project size and annual volume, while HIC determines the type of improvement work. Virginia also requires eight hours of approved pre-license education for new contractor-license applicants. For Class A or B businesses, designated employee and business exam responsibilities may be separate from the person qualifying for the trade specialty. These distinctions deserve as much attention as the PSI practice tests.
Finally, remember that an HIC credential has boundaries. The specialty focuses on existing dwellings and townhouse improvements. It may include roofing, painting, wallcovering, and masonry work, but it does not independently authorize electrical, plumbing, HVAC or gas-fitting tasks. It is not a general license to construct entirely new homes. Before signing a proposal, check that the proposed work fits both your license specialty and your license class, and review local permit requirements. Professionalism begins before anyone opens a toolbox.
A practical six-week study plan can turn these requirements into manageable daily work. Review the licensing rules first, study groups of related construction topics each week, practice short reference searches, and complete two-hour full-length exams at the end. Correct wrong answers without memorizing only the letters. Ask why a detail matters, which reference supports it, and what would happen if it were installed incorrectly. With consistent preparation and careful paperwork, you will be ready to approach the Virginia HIC exam as a knowledgeable contractor, not as someone merely hoping for an easy test.
Virginia Home Improvement Contracting, usually called HIC, is a contractor specialty for repairs and improvements to existing homes and townhouses. It is aimed at remodeling work, not unlimited new construction. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, or DPOR, handles contractor licensing through the Board for Contractors. PSI administers the HIC trade examination. A business needs both the right contractor license class and the right specialty before it can offer regulated work.
The PSI HIC exam includes fifty questions and allows two hours. Candidates need seventy percent correct to pass, which is thirty-five right answers. It is an open-book exam, but candidates must follow PSI's rules for approved references. The current posted exam outline identifies the 2021 International Residential Code for code questions, reflecting the code change that took effect in May 2025. It does not allow arbitrary study guides, loose paper, notes written into books during the test, or removable sticky tabs. Practice with legal book markings and check the latest instructions before your appointment.
The published exam covers eleven categories. Concrete, masonry, painting and wall covering, drywall, and windows and doors each have four questions. Rough carpentry and framing, siding, finish carpentry, roofing, insulation, and safety each have five. That means the exam is fairly balanced. Spending every study hour on carpentry would leave many available points untouched. A contractor who understands basic code rules and installation methods across the whole home is better prepared.
Start learning by looking at the work as a connected system. Roofs protect the house from weather. Siding and flashing guide water outside. Insulation limits heat flow. Windows and doors need careful installation around openings. Framing supports walls and floors. Drywall, paint and finish carpentry give the interior its final appearance. Concrete and masonry can support exterior repairs and certain home improvements. Safe tools, ladders and fall protection matter throughout the job. Use diagrams, practical examples and short quizzes to link these subjects together.
Contractor Exam Preps sells several Virginia HIC study products. The standard book package groups construction references used in trade preparation, including the 2021 IRC and books about concrete, masonry, painting, gypsum, carpentry, insulation and safety. A highlighted-and-tabbed version is designed to help readers find sections faster. The dedicated online course offers practice exercises and study support. Class A/B business and trade rental packages can be useful for candidates who need more than one exam, although terms and current contents must be checked directly on the store.
The licensing process is broader than the trade exam. Virginia has Class A, B and C contractor business licenses. They cover different amounts of project work and twelve-month total volume. New contractor applicants generally complete eight hours of approved pre-license education. Class A and B applicants also have designated employee and business testing obligations, while the Qualified Individual is tied to specialty eligibility. Check DPOR guidance to see who must meet each condition. Do not assume that passing the HIC test automatically permits you to begin contracting.
The HIC scope includes certain painting, roofing, and masonry services performed as home improvements. It does not automatically cover independent plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, or gas work. Full new-home construction falls outside its ordinary scope. For unusual projects, contact the state board or local building official before advertising the service or accepting a contract. Also verify permit and inspection rules.
A simple preparation routine works well. During the first week, read the bulletin and set up your books. Review structural and exterior work during the following weeks, then focus on interior finishing, safety, and weaker subjects. Toward the end, take complete fifty-question practice tests with a two-hour timer. Correct missed problems and practice finding the supporting rules. Keep the licensing application, education proof, and exam documents organized. That combination of accurate knowledge, steady study and careful paperwork is the best way to approach the next step in Virginia home improvement contracting.
