DPOR • PSI • GLZ Specialty • 45 Questions • 100 Minutes • 70% Passing • Open Book • 2021 IBC
Preparing for the Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor exam? This guide explains the official GLZ technical test, Virginia contractor licensing, glass systems, code requirements, safe installation practices and related resources from Contractor Exam Preps. We'll turn a stack of reference books into a clear plan you can actually follow.
Virginia Glass and Glazing Contracting, or GLZ, is the contractor specialty for installing, assembling, repairing, improving and removing glass and glazing products in buildings. The state definition includes mirrored glass, glass substitutes, frames, panels, sashes and doors. It also includes the usual weatherproofing, caulking, sealants and adhesives connected to glazing. A storefront window is more than glass in a hole. It is a complete system that must fit, drain, resist weather and meet code.
The Virginia Board for Contractors, part of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), licenses contractor businesses. PSI administers the GLZ technical examination for an approved Qualified Individual, often called a QI. The business chooses its class and specialty, while its QI proves qualifying technical knowledge and experience. Study for the correct exam. The GLZ specialty exam is not the same as the Class A or B business examination.
The published PSI Glass and Glazing Contracting examination contains 45 questions. Its official blueprint divides those questions into six subject areas. General Glazing contains 12; Glass Systems contains 10; Code Requirements contains 10; Safety contains 5; Plastics and Acrylics contains 4; and Sealant Installations contains 4. These total exactly 45. The largest three categories contain 32 questions together, which is a great reason to practice them repeatedly.
Candidates receive 100 minutes. That works out to a little more than two minutes per question on average. Some questions can be answered from trade knowledge in seconds. Others require a careful code lookup or a check of the glazing manual. Practice moving on from a stubborn problem and returning to it if time remains. No one earns extra points for admiring one question for ten minutes.
The minimum passing score is 70%. On a 45-question exam, that means at least 32 correct answers if each published question counts equally. Aim for 80% or better on your practice drills so you have room for unfamiliar wording. Treat every missed question as a map to a topic you need to review. A wrong practice answer is useful if it teaches you where the correct rule lives.
Yes. PSI lists the GLZ exam as open book, but the rules are strict. Candidates bring their own permitted references. Loose papers, study guides and unbound reference sheets are not allowed. Books may be highlighted or underlined, and permanent tabs may be used. Handwritten notes and removable flags are not acceptable under the published reference policy. Always check the latest candidate bulletin before adding tabs or packing your bag.
The PSI GLZ outline includes a notice that, from May 1, 2025, questions based on ICC codes use the 2021 edition. That means the 2021 International Building Code is the right code cycle to verify for the current GLZ examination. Older reference text on the same PSI document mentions 2015 and 2018 books. Follow the newer effective-date notice and confirm any later change with PSI. A familiar older code section can lead to the wrong answer.
General Glazing focuses on everyday glass and installation practices. Glass Systems concerns the parts working together, from frames to panels and storefronts. Code Requirements covers building rules, safety glazing and other code provisions. Safety tests OSHA-related site hazards. Plastics and Acrylics covers substitutes for traditional glass. Sealant Installations looks at joints, adhesion and weatherproofing. The topic chart later in this guide shows the official question counts.
Start with glass types, edge conditions, measurements, handling, setting, installation sequence, inspection and repairs. Learn glazing vocabulary so a question does not sound like it is written in another language. Review why setting blocks, clearances, gaskets and glazing compounds are important to a successful installation. A good rule is to study each component's job, not just its name.
A glazing system joins glass, frames, supports, gaskets, fasteners and sealants. Review storefronts, windows, entrances, glazing frames, sashes, panels and curtain wall concepts. Understand how components transfer load, manage movement and keep water out. On a practice question, ask which part of the system is being described. A perfect pane of glass still fails as an installation if its support and drainage are wrong.
Building codes require appropriate safety glazing in certain hazardous locations. Study how the building code treats glazing near doors, in certain panels, in guards and in other conditions described by the code. Learn where the exceptions are and how the question's measurements affect the result. Use the 2021 International Building Code for code-based practice. Never guess a safety rule just because the glass looks thick.
Yes. The PSI outline includes five Safety questions. Review OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 as it applies to glass handling, sharp edges, eye and hand protection, scaffolds, ladders, fall hazards, lifting and material storage. Safety is also a jobsite habit, not just a test subject. Glass panels can be heavy and hard to grip, which makes planning, communication and proper lifting equipment essential.
Yes. Four questions cover plastics and acrylics. Know how common glazing substitutes differ from glass, including general material properties, installation needs and potential limits. Study fastening, movement, handling and the conditions where a substitute may be appropriate. Do not assume a clear acrylic sheet is permitted anywhere glass is allowed. Product instructions and code restrictions still matter.
Four questions cover Sealant Installations. Review compatible products, joint preparation, clean substrates, bond surfaces, movement, cure conditions, tool use and weatherproofing. Poor preparation can ruin an otherwise good sealant. Learn to separate structural or performance questions from simple cosmetic caulking questions. The test is not impressed by a bead that looks great but leaks.
The published PSI reference list identifies OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, an International Building Code reference, the GANA Glazing Manual, and Guide to the Glass and Glazing Requirements of the Model Building Codes (2016). The newer 2021 code notice controls the ICC code cycle. Check the latest PSI outline for book handling, allowed editions and exact reference titles before test day.
Contractor Exam Preps offers a Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor Exam Complete Book Package featuring OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2021 International Building Code, the Glass Association of North America Glazing Manual (2019), and the 2016 Guide to Glass and Glazing Requirements of the Model Building Codes. The set is aimed at GLZ technical preparation, not a replacement for Virginia Class A or B business exams.
A contractor business identifies a Qualified Individual whose experience matches the Glass and Glazing specialty. Virginia generally requires at least one year of relevant QI experience for Class C, three years for Class B and five years for Class A. The Qualified Individual must meet the relevant relationship and paperwork requirements and obtain examination approval where required. Do not schedule first and hope the state will catch up later.
The contractor class sets the project's financial limits, while GLZ identifies the type of work. Virginia generally uses single-project thresholds of $150,000 and above for Class A, $30,000 to under $150,000 for Class B, and over $1,000 to under $30,000 for Class C. Annual work-volume thresholds also matter. Always choose the class based on the firm's actual projects and check current DPOR guidance.
Class A and Class B contractor applicants have business examination requirements for a Designated Employee. These are separate from the GLZ specialty trade examination taken by the Qualified Individual. Virginia also requires eight hours of approved pre-license education for new contractor licenses. The eight-hour course is a business requirement, not a short course in cutting glass.
Virginia's official GLZ definition says Residential Building and Commercial Building classifications, plus Home Improvement and Commercial Improvement specialties, also provide for glass and glazing functions within their permitted scopes. That does not mean every contractor can perform every kind of glazing project. Check the actual specialty authorization, class limits and any local permit requirements.
Get used to each reference before test day. Keep a one-page study map at home linking General Glazing to the Glazing Manual, Code Requirements to the 2021 IBC, Safety to OSHA, and sealant details to the relevant glazing text. That map is for study, not something to carry into the test. In timed practice, identify the question's key terms, select a reference and check the actual rule.
Complete short mixed quizzes with 45 questions and a 100-minute timer. Review errors by subject, especially General Glazing, Glass Systems and Code Requirements. Check which pages contain the definitions, tables and code provisions you often need. Confirm your PSI appointment, photo ID, permitted book editions, permanent tabs and test-center policies. Save the heroic all-night studying for a different hobby.
You may already know how to install storefront glass, replace a broken pane or seal a window frame. The licensing exam asks you to explain and apply those skills under standardized questions and code rules. This guide gives each subject a place in your study schedule and connects official exam details with reference books and practical jobsite examples. The goal is confidence based on preparation, not guesswork.
Important Virginia GLZ 2026 Update: PSI's Glass and Glazing Contracting exam contains 45 questions in 100 minutes, with a minimum passing score of 70%. The official six categories total 45 questions. PSI states that the exam uses the 2021 edition for ICC code-based questions from May 1, 2025, even though some older book references appear in the same PDF. The test is open book with strict reference, marking and permanent-tab rules. GLZ is a technical contractor specialty, separate from Class A/B business exams and the eight-hour pre-license education requirement.
Virginia defines Glass and Glazing Contracting, abbreviated GLZ, as installing, assembling, repairing, improving or removing glass, mirrored glass, glass substitutes and related glazing work. The definition includes the fabrication and glazing of frames, panels, sashes and doors, plus standard weatherproofing, caulking, sealants and adhesives.
A Virginia contractor license is issued to a business. Its class controls contract limits, while GLZ states the specialty. The business must identify a qualified person for GLZ work and satisfy the state's licensing rules. This differs from simply being a skilled employee who knows how to install glass.
Licensing authority: Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors.
Specialty: Glass and Glazing Contracting (GLZ).
Trade testing: PSI Qualified Individual examination.
Trade exam: 45 questions; 100 minutes; 70% pass.
Code basis: 2021 ICC edition for applicable code-based questions.
Virginia licensing has two moving parts: business licensing and proof that the Qualified Individual is prepared for glass and glazing work. Keep these responsibilities separate as you organize your application.
| Requirement | Published Information | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Virginia Board for Contractors / DPOR | Official Contractor Board |
| Trade specialty | GLZ: Glass and Glazing Contracting | Specialty is printed on a contractor business license. |
| Exam administrator | PSI | Qualified Individual exam, after applicable approval. |
| GLZ technical exam | 45 questions | Six published subject categories. |
| Exam duration | 100 minutes | Plan about two minutes per question. |
| Minimum score | 70% | At least 32 of 45 correct answers if all items are equally scored. |
| Exam format | Computer-based, open book | Candidate brings approved reference books. |
| ICC code edition | 2021 International Building Code | Based on PSI's effective May 1, 2025 ICC notice. |
| Glazing trade reference | Glass Association of North America Glazing Manual | Store package lists a 2019 edition. |
| Glazing code guide | Guide to Glass & Glazing Requirements of Model Building Codes, 2016 | Use current PSI approved titles. |
| Construction safety | OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 | Review work at heights, material handling and PPE. |
| Reference rule | No study guides or loose papers | PSI reference policy applies. |
| Tab rule | Permanent tabs only | Removable flags are not allowed. |
| Book markings | Highlights and underlining allowed | Written notes are not allowed. |
| Class C QI experience | 1 year | Relevant GLZ experience. |
| Class B QI experience | 3 years | Relevant GLZ experience. |
| Class A QI experience | 5 years | Relevant GLZ experience. |
| QI position | Full-time employee or responsible management | Review the official Board relationship requirements. |
| Pre-license education | 8 approved hours | Required for new contractor licenses. |
| Class A/B business exams | Separate from GLZ technical test | Taken by the Designated Employee. |
| Single project: Class A | $150,000 or more | Annual volume can also trigger higher classification. |
| Single project: Class B | $30,000 to under $150,000 | Review the $250,000 annual threshold. |
| Single project: Class C | Over $1,000 to under $30,000 | Class scope and annual work level also matter. |
| Current application | Contractor firm | Application is made for the business, not just its QI. |
| QI supporting forms | Experience verification | Maintain correct employer and project details. |
| GLZ book package | Virginia GLZ Complete Book Package | Four trade references for GLZ exam prep. |
| Business exam books | Virginia Class A/B Highlighted and Tabbed Books | For the distinct business exam. |
| Related management guide | NASCLA Virginia Business, Law and Project Management | Separate business preparation. |
| PSI trade exam outline | GLZ examination outline | Check original topic counts and allowed references. |
| PSI specialty bulletin | Current PSI Specialty Candidate Bulletin | Check fees, current scheduling and identification. |
| Trade area: General Glazing | 12 questions | General glass types, handling, measurement, preparation, glazing methods, setting blocks, clearances, installation checks and repair procedures. |
| Trade area: Glass Systems | 10 questions | Storefronts, windows, framing, entrances, curtain-wall concepts, glass supports, sashes, gaskets, drainage and system performance. |
| Trade area: Plastics / Acrylics | 4 questions | Transparent glazing substitutes, acrylic properties, proper mounting, expansion, handling and appropriate applications. |
| Trade area: Sealant Installations | 4 questions | Compatible sealants and adhesives, cleaning and priming, joints, weatherproofing, application and movement. |
| Trade area: Safety | 5 questions | OSHA construction rules, lifting and carrying glass, personal protective equipment, ladders, scaffolds and fall protection. |
| Trade area: Code Requirements | 10 questions | 2021 IBC glazing provisions, safety glazing, hazardous locations, opening conditions, guards, doors and compliance. |
This snapshot is for the GLZ trade examination, not for the separate Class A/B business exam. Verify scheduling and any bulletin updates before testing.
| Detail | Category | Information |
|---|---|---|
| State | Virginia | Statewide contractor licensing through DPOR |
| Technical specialty | GLZ | Glass and Glazing Contracting |
| Testing vendor | PSI | Qualified Individual specialty exam |
| Questions | 45 | Technical trade examination |
| Exam time | 100 minutes | One hour and forty minutes |
| Passing mark | 70% | 32/45 if equal scoring |
| Test format | Open book | Reference restrictions apply |
| Official categories | 6 | 45 items total |
| Largest area | General Glazing | 12 questions |
| Other major area | Glass Systems | 10 questions |
| Code Requirements | 10 questions | 2021 IBC code cycle |
| Safety | 5 questions | OSHA construction rules |
| Sealant Installations | 4 questions | Adhesives, joints and sealants |
| Plastics / Acrylics | 4 questions | Glazing substitutes |
| Reference 1 | 2021 International Building Code | Verify the 2025 effective-date notice |
| Reference 2 | GANA Glazing Manual | Glass installation and systems |
| Reference 3 | Model Building Codes Glazing Guide 2016 | Specialized glazing-code reference |
| Reference 4 | OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction safety |
| Permitted indexing | Permanent tabs | No removable index flags |
| Handwritten content | Not permitted | No handwritten notes in references |
| QI experience | 1 / 3 / 5 years | Class C / B / A |
| Prelicense course | 8 hours | Business licensing requirement |
| Class A/B business tests | Separate | For designated employee as applicable |
| Check current details | Live PSI Candidate Bulletin | Follow current instructions for your appointment |
Questions: 45. Time: 100 minutes. Passing: 70%.
References: Open book, with official PSI restrictions.
Code edition: Use the 2021 ICC basis listed in the exam update notice.
PSI divides the Glass and Glazing examination into six categories. The official topic count helps you study efficiently, but even a small category can decide whether you pass.
General glass types, handling, measurement, preparation, glazing methods, setting blocks, clearances, installation checks and repair procedures.
Practice choosing the correct glazing methods for the glass type and job conditions, and learn to identify setting blocks, stops, supports and common installation defects.
Storefronts, windows, framing, entrances, curtain-wall concepts, glass supports, sashes, gaskets, drainage and system performance.
Compare basic glass systems and recognize how glass, framing, seals, drainage and support details interact.
Transparent glazing substitutes, acrylic properties, proper mounting, expansion, handling and appropriate applications.
Understand how acrylic and related materials move with temperature changes and how their installation needs may differ.
Compatible sealants and adhesives, cleaning and priming, joints, weatherproofing, application and movement.
Study substrate preparation, compatibility, sealant selection, movement allowances and curing guidance.
OSHA construction rules, lifting and carrying glass, personal protective equipment, ladders, scaffolds and fall protection.
Know safe handling and lifting rules, protective equipment, fall hazards, and access equipment.
2021 IBC glazing provisions, safety glazing, hazardous locations, opening conditions, guards, doors and compliance.
Learn where the IBC addresses glass and glazing, safety glazing locations, guard applications and exceptions.
Highest share: General Glazing, 12 of 45.
Code study: Glass Systems and Code Requirements each carry 10 questions.
Total: All six subjects account for 45 questions.
First, read the official PSI GLZ outline. Make a checklist with six headings: General Glazing, Glass Systems, Plastics and Acrylics, Sealant Installations, Safety and Code Requirements.
Second, get the reference editions required for your appointment. Use the 2021 International Building Code and the current PSI list of trade and safety books.
Third, spend extra time on General Glazing. Learn the basics of glass selection, correct support, measuring and installation sequence before moving to complex assemblies.
Fourth, practice Glass Systems with sketches. Identify frames, gaskets, panels, sashes, glazing stops, fasteners, setting blocks and water-management details.
Fifth, read the safety-glazing provisions in the building code. Work practice questions that change the location, door position or other conditions.
Sixth, review OSHA rules for moving glass, using lifts and working above ground level. Safety questions reward sound procedures rather than shortcuts.
Seventh, give sealants and acrylics their own review time. Four questions can be enough to change a passing result.
Eighth, work a timed practice set of 45 questions in 100 minutes. Keep your own answer log with the reason behind each correction.
Ninth, practice reference navigation with the books prepared exactly as PSI permits. Permanent tabs are useful only when they help you find the right page.
Finally, confirm examination eligibility, appointment details, photo ID and each book's condition. It is better to check the rules now than to argue with the check-in desk.
Core plan: Follow the six-category blueprint.
Training habit: Use the correct reference, timed drills and an error log.
Test-day reminder: No handwritten notes or removable tabs.
The technical illustration follows the original template style. It shows the major subjects a GLZ candidate needs to connect when reviewing a glass installation.
Conceptual examination illustration only. Always follow approved plans, product instructions and current building codes.
Choose the correct contractor business class and confirm that Glass and Glazing Contracting matches your planned work.
Make sure the QI has the required GLZ experience for the class, and meets the employment or management relationship rules.
Provide applicable verification documents and obtain authorization for the GLZ specialty examination.
Complete the eight-hour Virginia contractor pre-license course through a board-approved provider.
Study six subject categories and the current 2021 IBC code basis using permitted reference books.
Complete the 100-minute examination and meet the 70% minimum.
Arrange for the designated employee to complete required business examinations, and satisfy financial and business requirements.
Finish the firm's DPOR application and confirm issuance, permitted scope, class limits and continuing obligations.
These bars use the official 45-question PSI blueprint. Each percentage is that category's share of the trade exam, not a separate business exam.
Top priority: General Glazing has 12 questions.
Combined weight: General Glazing, Glass Systems and Code Requirements total 32 of 45 questions.
Smaller topics: Safety, Sealants and Plastics/Acrylics still total 13 questions.
Match each exam subject to its proper reference. The complete four-book GLZ package is distinct from books for the Virginia Class A/B business test.
| Book or Reference | Edition or Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code | 2021 | Current ICC code basis for GLZ code questions; focus on glazing and safety-glazing provisions. |
| 29 CFR Part 1926 | OSHA, current amendments | Construction safety, PPE, access, glass handling and elevation risks. |
| Glass Association of North America Glazing Manual | Store package lists 2019 | Glazing methods, materials, glass systems and installation practices. |
| Guide to Glass & Glazing Requirements of the Model Building Codes | 5th Edition, 2016 | Model-code glazing requirements and safety glazing study. |
| Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations | Current | Licensed business, QI, business class and specialty scope. |
| Virginia Class A/B Business Examination References | Separate preparation | Business law, finance, estimating and contractor management. |
| Contractor Exam Preps GLZ Complete Book Package | Four-book trade set | Trade references compiled for Virginia GLZ preparation. |
| Virginia NASCLA Contractor's Guide to Business, Law and Project Management | Virginia 11th Edition | Useful for the separate Class A/B business examination. |
| PSI Glass and Glazing Exam Outline | Current official PDF | Controls official exam topics, code update and reference restrictions. |
| PSI Candidate Information Bulletin | Current | Controls appointment procedures, ID and policies. |
2021 IBC: PSI's May 2025 code-cycle notice is newer than the older edition language in its PDF.
Trade references: The store lists four books for the Virginia GLZ book package.
Exam room: Only the current PSI bulletin determines reference approval and book condition.
An open-book test rewards people who already know which reference answers each question. Read the current PSI rules on tabs, highlighting, handwriting, binding and materials before preparing your books.
The GLZ specialty covers installation, assembly, repair, improvement and removal of glass, mirrored glass, glass work and substitutes used for glazing. It includes glazing frames, sashes, panels, doors, weatherproofing, caulking, sealants and adhesives associated with that work. Storefront glazing, window glass replacement, glass systems and related work can fall inside that scope when all other applicable conditions are met.
Virginia also permits glass and glazing functions under its Residential Building and Commercial Building classifications, and under Home Improvement or Commercial Improvement specialties within their own authorized scopes. A specialty label does not erase project-value restrictions, contractor obligations, code rules or permit requirements.
Specialty code: GLZ.
Scope: Glass and associated glazing systems and seals.
Business class: Controls project financial limits.
Always confirm: Actual license scope, permits and applicable code provisions.
License class and trade specialty answer different questions. The class sets the size of work the business may undertake. The classification or specialty identifies the work that can be performed.
| Classification or Exam | Purpose | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Contractor | Larger contractor projects and annual work volume | GLZ specialty QI normally needs five years of experience. |
| Class B Contractor | Mid-range contractor business projects | GLZ specialty QI normally needs three years of experience. |
| Class C Contractor | Smaller contractor business projects | GLZ specialty QI normally needs one year of experience. |
| GLZ Glass and Glazing | Focused installation, repair and glazing work | Qualified Individual GLZ technical examination. |
| RBC Residential Building | Broad residential building contracting | Can include glazing within its classification scope. |
| CBC Commercial Building | Broad commercial construction work | Can include glazing within its classification scope. |
| HIC Home Improvement | Improvement work on defined residences | Can include glazing within authorized improvement scope. |
| CIC Commercial Improvement | Improvement work on nonresidential structures | Can include glazing within authorized improvement scope. |
| Class A/B Business Exams | Law, finance, management and business competency | Separate from the GLZ Qualified Individual technical exam. |
| Eight-Hour Prelicense Course | Required new business education | Not a substitute for the GLZ examination. |
These three paths connect, but each has its own qualification. Finishing the GLZ technical exam alone does not issue a contractor firm license.
45 Questions • 100 Minutes • 70%
Best for: Qualified Individuals preparing for the Virginia GLZ specialty examination.
Separate Designated Employee Examination
Best for: Class A/B applicants whose designated employee must satisfy business examination requirements.
Eight Hours of Approved Education
Best for: New contractor applicants organizing business licensing requirements.
The Virginia GLZ exam is a focused but demanding trade test. Forty-five questions may sound short, yet the 100-minute clock and open-book rules make preparation important. You must recognize glazing terminology, understand whole glass systems, apply the 2021 building code and know construction safety practices. One question may ask about an installation method, while the next requires a very specific code provision.
The biggest area is General Glazing with 12 questions. Glass Systems and Code Requirements each contain 10. That makes these three subjects your main study priorities. You should still make time for Safety, Plastics and Acrylics, and Sealant Installations. The smaller subjects add up to 13 questions, which can easily make the difference between passing and failing.
Good preparation is not just reading reference books from cover to cover. It is knowing how to recognize a topic, find its correct reference and check the details before answering. Use mixed timed drills to practice moving from the glazing manual to the building code or OSHA. If you keep getting one question type wrong, slow down and review the rule.
The 70% standard equals at least 32 of 45 correct answers under an evenly scored blueprint. Aim comfortably higher during practice. The exam does not require perfection, but it does reward people who work through all six content areas with a consistent plan.
Finally, remember that the trade exam is only one part of contractor licensing. Your business class, Qualified Individual experience, eight-hour prelicense education and applicable Class A/B business exams still matter. Keep your paperwork and books organized so neither side becomes a last-minute surprise.
The PSI test is open book, but the books must meet the rules. Check the current bulletin and your appointment instructions before packing.
These are real products on ContractorExamPreps.com. Start with the GLZ-specific trade books, then add Virginia business exam references only if your licensing class requires them. Each package supports a different part of the application process.
Four Technical Trade References
Best for: Candidates studying specifically for the Virginia GLZ technical examination.
Highlighted and Tabbed Business References
Best for: Class A/B applicants preparing the separate business examination.
Virginia 11th Edition | Highlighted & Tabbed
Best for: Applicants who need a focused management and business-law book.
Important: The GLZ book set does not replace the separate Virginia Class A/B business examination references.
Trade code: The package includes 2021 International Building Code, matching PSI's ICC code-cycle notice.
Availability: Check product contents and stock on each store page before ordering.
DPOR • PSI • GLZ • 45 QUESTIONS • 100 MINUTES • 70% • 2021 IBC
Virginia GLZ Licensing
GLZ is Virginia's Glass and Glazing Contracting specialty abbreviation.
The Virginia Board for Contractors under DPOR issues contractor firm licenses.
GLZ is a specialty on a contractor firm's license. The firm identifies an eligible Qualified Individual for the specialty.
Yes. The business must identify a Qualified Individual who meets the applicable GLZ qualification rules.
The standard Qualified Individual minimum is one year of relevant specialty experience.
The standard GLZ Qualified Individual minimum is three years of relevant specialty experience.
The standard GLZ Qualified Individual minimum is five years of relevant specialty experience.
Yes. An approved eight-hour prelicense education requirement applies to new contractor licenses.
No. The contractor business must satisfy all applicable education, examination, experience, financial and application rules.
PSI Glass and Glazing Examination
The published PSI examination has 45 questions.
The allowed time is 100 minutes.
The published minimum passing score is 70%.
Seventy percent of 45 requires at least 32 correct answers if the items are equally scored.
Yes, subject to PSI rules for permitted and prepared references.
PSI administers the specialty examination after the applicable state approval.
The GLZ trade subject is the specialty exam; the class changes the firm's financial and experience requirements. Class A/B applicants also have separate business examinations.
General Glazing, Glass Systems, Plastics and Acrylics, Sealant Installations, Safety, and Code Requirements.
General Glazing is the largest single category with 12 questions.
2021 IBC and Open-Book Rules
PSI's effective-date notice identifies the 2021 ICC code edition starting May 1, 2025.
The PDF contains older reference text, but its newer effective-date notice states that the examination uses 2021 ICC codes.
No. The published GLZ reference instructions prohibit loose papers and study guides as exam materials.
Yes. Permanent tabs are permitted under the published PSI reference policy.
No. Removable index flags and temporary tabs are not allowed.
PSI permits highlighting and underlining before the exam, within its current reference rules.
No. Handwritten notes are prohibited in examination references.
No. Candidates bring their own permitted references.
Review the GLZ examination outline and the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin before testing.
Glass Systems, Materials and Safety
Yes. General Glazing has 12 questions, the largest category.
They are relevant to Glass Systems, which has 10 questions.
The PSI outline lists 10 Code Requirements questions.
Yes. Plastics and Acrylics has four questions.
Yes. Sealant Installations has four questions and includes related installation practices.
Yes. Safety has five questions. Study OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
Yes. Safety glazing and building-code glazing requirements are important code subjects.
Yes. Those concepts help explain the installation methods and system interactions behind General Glazing and Glass Systems.
Skipping even a small category is risky because the passing score is 70%.
Contractor Exam Preps Books and Videos
Yes. The Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor Exam Complete Book Package includes four trade references.
2021 IBC, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the GANA Glazing Manual (2019), and the 2016 model-code glazing guide.
No. The GLZ package is trade focused. Virginia business and law preparation is separate.
The standard complete book package does not list online course access as included.
No. You must still meet state qualifications, pass required exams, and receive business licensing approval.
Yes. A topic-specific video is embedded below the FAQ section.
Match the books to your specific trade examination and any separate business examination, then verify current contents and availability.
This 1ExamPrep video focuses on Virginia's Glass and Glazing contractor exam, including study resources and preparation strategies. Watch it before your final practice week to organize what to review next.
If your Shopify theme blocks embedded video playback, use the direct 1ExamPrep YouTube link to watch the same video.
Video subject: Virginia GLZ technical licensing and exam preparation.
Keep in mind: The official PSI outline and DPOR rules control actual examination and licensing requirements.
These standard links lead to the vendor's real book listings and the official sources for examination and licensing requirements. Reference editions and inventory can change, so verify them before ordering.
Exam study: Glass and Glazing book set covers the trade exam.
Business requirements: Use the official Virginia contractor instructions.
Last check: PSI's current GLZ bulletin controls permitted references and exam-day rules.
Preparing for the Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor exam means learning how to connect real installation skills with the rules found in official reference books. You might already know how to set a storefront pane, remove damaged glass or seal a window against the weather. The exam tests whether you can explain the reasoning behind those jobs and find the right written requirement when the details change. Treat that as an opportunity to sharpen your knowledge, not as a reason to memorize random pages.
The published GLZ technical test has 45 questions, a 100-minute limit and a 70% passing standard. The six official subject areas make it easier to build a practical study plan. General Glazing has 12 questions. Glass Systems and Code Requirements each have 10. Together they account for 32 questions. That is a strong signal to spend plenty of study time on methods, components, frames, setting materials, safety glazing and building-code lookups. These subjects also connect closely to the jobs a glass crew performs every week.
Do not ignore the remaining categories. Safety, Plastics and Acrylics, and Sealant Installations may have smaller question counts, but they cover important skills. Safe glass handling protects workers and people nearby. Correct plastic and acrylic use requires understanding how substitutes differ from ordinary glass. Sealant work depends on compatibility, preparation and movement as much as it depends on the person holding the caulking gun. Learning these subjects can add valuable exam points and improve the quality of finished projects.
Because the PSI GLZ test is open book, your reference-navigation skills matter. Work with the 2021 International Building Code for code-based questions under the currently published ICC edition notice. Review OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the Glazing Manual and the model-code glazing guide. Learn each book's index and major sections. Practice selecting the best reference before you start searching. Open book does not mean you can bring handwritten notes, study guides or loose papers into the testing room. Follow PSI's permanent-tab and marking rules.
The licensing process also deserves careful attention. GLZ is a contractor specialty on a business license, not a personal ticket to operate at any project size. Virginia has Class A, B and C licenses, and the class controls financial limits. The Qualified Individual generally needs five years of relevant experience for Class A, three for Class B or one for Class C. New contractor licenses require approved prelicense education, while Class A and B firms also have separate business examination requirements. Passing GLZ alone does not finish those tasks.
Contractor Exam Preps offers a Virginia GLZ Complete Book Package containing the four core trade-study references. The store also lists Virginia business and law books for applicants who need them. Compare the actual titles with your current PSI examination bulletin before buying and keep the trade and business preparation paths separate. A well-chosen book collection is useful, but the plan you follow with it is what makes the biggest difference.
During the final week, complete a full 45-question practice session under a 100-minute timer. Review every wrong answer, then return to the correct book section. Check your appointment, photo identification, approved references and book condition. Keep your study schedule realistic and allow time to rest. A steady six-week plan is more helpful than one giant study night that ends with a stack of empty coffee cups. When your knowledge, references and paperwork are ready, exam day becomes a clear next step rather than a mystery.
The Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor Exam Prep guide is for people preparing to qualify in the state's GLZ contractor specialty. Glass and glazing contracting involves installing, repairing, improving, assembling and removing glass, mirrored glass and some substitutes used for glazing. It also covers frames, sashes, panels, doors, weatherproofing, caulking and related sealants or adhesives. Virginia's Board for Contractors oversees business licensing, and PSI gives the Glass and Glazing specialty examination to eligible Qualified Individuals.
The GLZ exam has 45 questions and a 100-minute time limit. The minimum passing score is 70%. There are six subjects. General Glazing has 12 questions. Glass Systems has 10. Code Requirements also has 10. Safety contains 5, while Plastics and Acrylics and Sealant Installations each contain 4. This means the largest share of preparation should go toward understanding ordinary glass installations, complete framing and glass assemblies, and building-code requirements. Small categories still matter because each answer can affect a passing result.
The exam is open book. That means you may use references that meet PSI's rules, but it does not mean every book or note is allowed. PSI lists the International Building Code, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the GANA Glazing Manual and a glass and glazing model-code guide among the relevant references. PSI's effective-date notice says ICC code-based exam questions use the 2021 code edition starting in May 2025. Candidates should check the newest PSI bulletin before scheduling and before purchasing expensive reference materials.
A good study plan begins by learning what each book is for. Use the building code to study safety glazing and other required conditions. Use the glazing manual for materials, systems and installation methods. Use OSHA to review personal protective equipment, lifting, ladders, scaffolds and other worksite risks. Learn how to read indexes and locate exceptions. Make a list of missed questions so that study time goes to your real weak spots instead of only reviewing topics you already understand.
Contractor Exam Preps has a Virginia Glass and Glazing Contractor Exam Complete Book Package with four technical references. Separate Virginia Class A/B business and management books are also available from the store. These product groups serve different goals. A candidate studying for the GLZ trade exam needs glazing and safety references. A designated employee for a Class A or B contractor firm may also need business exam materials. Check product details and availability before buying.
Virginia contractor licensing includes more than passing the trade test. A business must choose Class A, B or C based on its project and annual work level. It must identify a Qualified Individual with relevant GLZ experience and meet any preapproval and examination rules. The usual experience minimums are five years for Class A, three years for Class B and one year for Class C. New license applicants also need an approved eight-hour prelicense course. Class A and B applicants have separate business testing requirements.
Use the six-week plan to work one subject at a time, then combine all six categories in practice sessions. Study glazing methods first, add glass systems and code lookups, and then review safety, sealants and plastics. Finish with 45-question timed quizzes. Before exam day, confirm that the books and tabs meet PSI policy and that your identification and appointment details are correct. The final goal is not only to pass the exam, but also to understand the work and complete the licensing process the right way.
