West Virginia Contractor License

West Virginia contractors are regulated by the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board through the Division of Labor. The Office of Environmental Health Services (OEHS) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are in charge of regulating some specialty licenses.

The Board had partnered with ProV© for testing purposes, but starting November 1st, 2022, PSI© will be taking over the testing process.

The state of West Virginia currently holds reciprocity agreements with the following states:

• Alabama
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Tennessee

Select any license below to view its requirements, exams, books, and classes.

General Building & Specialty Contractor Licenses

General Building Contractor License

For the State of West Virginia, the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board within the Division of Labor issues the General Building Contractor License. PSI© has partnered with West Virginia since November 1st, 2022, to administer the exams required to obtain this license. Both the trade and business examinations are needed to acquire the General Building Contractor license. The application process is also done through the Contractor Licensing Board.

Specialty Contractor Licenses

The specialty licenses are issued by the Division of labor. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is in charge of regulating the Storage Tank Removal (Specialty 061) License, while the Office of Environmental Health Services (OEHS) regulates the Asbestos Removal (Specialty 062), the Septic & Sewer Systems (Specialty 063), and the Water Well Drilling (Specialty 064) Licenses.

• Find the mandatory exams for each one of the specialty licenses down below:
  • Specialty licenses that require both a trade and Business and Law exam:

    • Concrete (Specialty 007)
    • Excavation (Specialty 002)
    • Manufactured Home Installation (Specialty 013)
    • Masonry (Specialty 004)
    • Remodeling & Repair (Specialty 005)
    • Sprinkler & Fire Protection (Specialty 014)
    • Structural Steel Erection (Specialty 011)
    • Utilities (Sewer & Water) (Specialty 021)
  • Specialty licenses that only require a Business and Law exam:

    • Asbestos Removal (Specialty 062)
    • Asphalt (Specialty 006)
    • Cable (Specialty 020)
    • Cable Television (Specialty 068)
    • Carpet Installation (Specialty 051)
    • Caulking (Specialty 018)
    • Ceilings (Specialty 084)
    • Communication & Sound (Specialty 019)
    • Crane (Specialty 037)
    • Decks (Specialty 083)
    • Demolition (Specialty 016)
    • Doors (Specialty 017)
    • Drilling (Specialty 036)
    • Drywall (Specialty 001)
    • Environmental/Hazardous Waste (Specialty 079)
    • Fencing (Specialty 023)
    • Finished Carpentry (Specialty 058)
    • Floor Covering (Specialty 027)
    • Foundation Support Systems (Specialty 089)
    • Glass & Glazing (Specialty 082)
    • Gutters (Specialty 030)
    • Highway Striping (Specialty 031)
    • Insulation (Specialty 026)
    • Landscaping (Specialty 003)
    • Land Clearing (Specialty 024)
    • Locksmith (Specialty 060)
    • Low Voltage Systems (Under 50 Volts) (Specialty 012)
    • Painting (Specialty 015)
    • Plastering (Specialty 035)
    • Pressure Washing/Sandblasting (Specialty 053)
    • Residential Pools (Specialty 008)
    • Roofing (Specialty 010)
    • Septic & Sewer Systems (Specialty 063)
    • Sheet Metal (Specialty 025)
    • Siding (Specialty 009)
    • Sign Installation (No Electrical) (Specialty 054)
    • Soil Stabilization (Specialty 088)
    • Storage Tank Removal (Specialty 061)
    • Stucco (Specialty 087)
    • Tile Installation (Specialty 086)
    • Water Well Drilling (Specialty 064)
    • Welding (Specialty 071)
    • Window Installation (Specialty 069)

How to get a General Building or a Specialty Contractor License in West Virginia?

1. Contact the West Virginia (WV) Contractor Licensing Board and provide the scope of work to verify the classification(s) and exam(s) required to obtain the General Building or Specialty Contractor Licenses, the request may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Schedule the test(s) with PSI©, you may do this by applying online, or by contacting them at (855) 539-0708
   • For entities, get a Business Registration Tax Number; for more details, call the West Virginia State Tax Department at (304) 558-3333
3. Register with the West Virginia Secretary of State, candidates can contact a Business Specialist at (866) 767-8683 or (304) 55​8-8000​ to determine if the corresponding entity is required to be registered; applicants may register the business online at WV One Stop Business Center, in-person at the office located on the 13 Kanawha Blvd., W., Suite 201, Charleston, WV 25302, or by visiting one of their Business Hubs
4. Present evidence of Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation for all employees in case of being an entity
   • Contact the Workers' Compensation staff at (304) 414-0539, and the Unemployment Compensation personnel at (304) 558-2451
   • Provide proof of General Liability Insurance coverage if it is determined that the candidate’s entity is exempt and WV coverage is not required
5. Send a completed application form and a wage bond status affidavit; a wage bond is a guarantee issued to the Division of Labor to protect employee wages and fringe benefits, if the entity performs commercial construction work with employees, contact the Division of Labor - Wage & Hour Section at (304) 558-7890 or by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to verify the wage bond status
   • Note that West Virginia requires a wage bond for a contractor who has not been actively engaged in construction work in the State for at least one year preceding the completion date of the application/affidavit form
6. Pay the contractor license fee by check, money order, or credit card in the Charleston City Service Center Office, City Collector Department
7. Schedule and take the tests with PSI©, these can be scheduled online or by phone at (855) 539-0708
   • Depending on the scope of work, candidates will need to take both the trade and Business and Law exams or only the Business and Law exam
8. Expect an answer from the Department regarding the license once the process has been completed

Useful Links and Contact Information

Contractor Licensing Board - Division of Labor

Contractor Licensing Board
1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
State Capitol Complex
Building 3, Room 200
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-7890
Fax: (304) 558-5174
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PSI© Exams Online

PSI© Exams website
3210 East Tropicana Ave.,
Las Vegas, NV-89121
(855) 539-0708
Fax: (702) 932-2666

Offices of the Insurance Commissioner

Insurance Commissioner's Office website
900 Pennsylvania Ave.,
Lottery Building
Charleston, WV 25302
(304) 558-5230
Fax: (304) 558-1322
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

West Virginia WorkForce

WorkForce website
1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
State Capitol Complex
Building 3, Room 300
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-2677
Fax: (304) 558-1979
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wage & Hour Section - Division of Labor

Wage & Hour Section
1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
State Capitol Complex
Building 3, Room 200
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-7890
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tax Division

West Virginia Tax Division website
1001 Lee St., E.,
The Revenue Center
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-3333
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Secretary of State

Secretary of State website
1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-6000
Fax: (304) 558-0900

Charleston City Service Center Office

Charleston City Service Center Office
915 Quarrier St.,
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 348-8000

HVAC & Plumbing Licenses

The HVAC certificates and the one HVAC contractor license are issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor. Since January 1, 2016, no person can offer or perform heating, ventilating, and cooling system work in West Virginia without a certification issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor. However, a list of exemptions in West Virginia Code §21-16-3 (d) 1-4 allows specific HVAC work to be conducted without an HVAC technician certification. There are three technician licenses HVAC Residential Technician, HVAC Technician, HVAC Technician in Training, and one contractor license known as the Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Contractor (HVAC).

How to get an HVAC Contractor and/or HVAC Technician Certification?

1. Obtain the HVAC Contractor and/or HVAC Technician Certifications by applying for the exam online through PSI© or by phone at 855-539-0708 (Starting Nov. 1st, 2022, PSI© is responsible for administering contractor examinations for West Virginia)
   • If applying for the Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Contractor, take the trade and the Business and Law examination
   • If applying for an HVAC Technician license, candidates are required to have 2000 hours of work experience or training
2. Schedule and pay for the examination online through PSI© test takers online portal or by phone at 855-539-0708
3. Pass the examination and submit scores on the corresponding application form
4. Fill out and submit the HVAC Technician Certification Application form and/or HVAC Contractor Application form and send it to the:
   Division of Labor:
   State Capitol Complex - Building 3,
   1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
   Room 200 Charleston, WV 25305
   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
   (304) 558-7890
   Fax: (304) 558-5174

For the HVAC Technician in Training certification, there is no examination required. If applying for this license, the applicant is responsible for submitting the application form and working under the supervision of a licensed HVAC Residential or regular Technician

Contact information for HVAC candidates

West Virginia Division of Labor

1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
State Capitol Complex
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(304) 558-7890

PSI©

3210 East Tropicana
Las Vegas NV-89121
(855) 539-0708
Fax (702) 932-2666

Useful Links for HVAC Licenses

• West Virginia Labor Division Official Website
• HVAC Technician Certification Application Form
• HVAC Contractor Application Form
• PSI© Official Website
• Candidate Information Bulletin from PSI©

West Virginia Plumbing Certifications and Plumbing Contractor License

The Plumber Contractor, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumber in Training licenses are issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor. These licenses are considered certifications for the state of West Virginia. No plumber may perform or offer to conduct plumbing work in West Virginia without a license issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor. The exemptions listed in West Virginia Code §21-14-3 (c) 1-8 allow specific plumbing work to be performed without a plumber license. Candidates must pass the corresponding PSI© examination depending on the classification applied for. All Master and Journeyman applicants must certify their experience and take a written exam. Plumber in Training does not require an exam.

How to Obtain a Plumbing Certification and/or Plumbing Contractor License in West Virginia?

1. Select the corresponding examination (Plumbers in Training DO NOT need to present tests):
   • Journeyman Plumber
   • Master Plumber
   • Plumbing Contractor; also requires Business & Law
2. Take and pass the PSI© exam(s), apply online or call (855) 539-0708 to schedule
3. Fill out the application form of the desired license:
   • Journeyman Plumber
   • Master Plumber
   • Plumber in Training
   • Plumbing Contractor
4. Return the corresponding application form to:
   1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
   State Capitol Complex
   Building 3, Room 200
   Charleston, WV 25305
5. Receive a license given by the Division of Labor once the process has been validated
   • For further information, contact the Board by phone - (304) 558-7890 or via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Contact Information for Plumbing Licenses

West Virginia Division of Labor

1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
State Capitol Complex
(304) 558-7890
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Labor Programs Manager

Brian White
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PSI©

3210 East Tropicana
Las Vegas NV-89121
(855) 539-0708
Fax (702) 932-2666

Useful Links for Plumbing Candidates

• Official Website for the Division of Labor
• Plumbing Certificates Information
• Plumber Contractor Additional Information
• Plumber Master and Journeyman Application Form
• PSI© Official Website

Electrical Licenses

The Electrical Contractor License is issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor, under the Contractor Licensing Board. The Master, Journeyman, Reciprocal, Temporary, and Inspector Electrical Licenses are regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Business entities should acquire a Business Registration Tax Number and must provide proof of both Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation of all the employees.

How to Obtain an Electrical Contractor License in West Virginia?

1. Take and pass the Electrical Contractor, and the Business and Law exams
   • Apply online or call (855) 539-0708
2. Fill out the application form and return it, along with the fee and other documents (if required) to:
   1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
   State Capitol Complex
   Building 3, Room 200
   Charleston, WV 25305
3. Receive a license given by the Contractor Licensing Board once the process has been validated
   • For further information, contact the Board by phone - (304) 558-7890 or via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to Obtain an Electrical License in West Virginia?

1. Apply, pay, pass the exam, and fulfill the requirements of the corresponding license (listed according to their category):
   • Electrical Licensure

     • Journeyman Electrician (meet one requirement)
       • 2000 hours or one year of electrical work experience
       • Complete the US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program
       • Approved 1080 hour vocational course from the Department of Education
     • Master Electrician
       • 4000 hours or two years of electrical work experience
   • Reciprocal Licensure

     • Reciprocal Journeyman
       • 2000 hours or one year of electrical work experience
     • Reciprocal Master
       • 4000 hours or two years of electrical work experience
   • Temporary Electrical Licensure

     • Mandatory requirements
       • Complete the US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program
       • Approved 1080 hour vocational course from the Department of Education
     • Temporary Journeyman
       • 2000 hours or one year of electrical work experience
     • Temporary Master
       • 4000 hours or two years of electrical work experience
   • Journeyman work experience (regardless of category) must consist of above-ground structural wiring, as the National Electric Code® (NEC) stipulates
2. Complete the adequate application form or apply online:
   • Journeyman Electrician
   • Master Electrician
   • Reciprocal Journeyman
   • Reciprocal Master
   • Temporary Journeyman
   • Temporary Master

How to Obtain an Electrical Inspector Certification License in West Virginia?

1. Choose one of the Electrical Inspector Certificate denominations: Class A, Class B, or Class C
2. Meet the pre-established requirements according to the Inspector Class that you have selected
3. Fill out the application form and return it, along with the fee and other documents (if required) to:
   1207 Quarrier St.,
   Second floor,
   Charleston, WV 25301
4. Acquire the license after approval of the Office of the State Fire Marshal
   • Get in touch with the Office by phone - (304) 558-2191 or via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details

Useful Links and Contact Information

Contractor Licensing Board - Division of Labor

Contractor Licensing Board
1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
State Capitol Complex
Building 3, Room 200
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-7890
Fax: (304) 558-5174
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PSI© Exams Online

PSI© Exams website
3210 East Tropicana Ave.,
Las Vegas, NV-89121
(855) 539-0708
Fax: (702) 932-2666

Office of the State Fire Marshal

Office of the State Fire Marshal website
1207 Quarrier St.,
Second floor,
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2191
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Department of Education

Department of Education official website
1900 Kanawha Blvd., E.,
Charleston, WV 25305
(833) 627-2833

Tax Division

West Virginia Tax Division website
1001 Lee St., E.,
The Revenue Center
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-3333
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Other relevant website pages

• Application Form
• National Electric Code
• Candidate Information Bulletin

Fire Protection Licenses

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is the government entity responsible for directing, managing, and regulating the licenses of Fire Protection Workers (FPW). A license from the Office is required for anyone who wants to do fire protection work, as stated in the West Virginia Code §29-3D. Due to new legislative requirements that went into effect on June 16, 2021, fire protection work can now be performed by Fire Damper Technicians, Fire Damper Technicians in Training, and Sprinkler Fitters in Training without having to obtain a license.

How to Obtain a Fire Protection License in West Virginia?

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Select the desired trade(s) from the list of fire protection licenses:
   • Engineered Fire Suppression System Installer
   • Engineered Fire Suppression System Technician
   • Fire Protection Layout Technician
   • Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter
   • Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician
   • Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression System Installer
   • Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression System Technician
3. Fill out the application form for Fire Protection Workers
   • Each FPW license has individual qualification requirements, which are detailed on the application
4. Pay the stipulated license and application review fees (only checks or money orders are accepted for payment)
5. Include and send all relevant employment history, credentials, and supporting paperwork with your application to:
   1207 Quarrier St.,
   Second floor,
   Charleston, WV 25301
6. Acquire the license(s) after approval of the Office of the State Fire Marshal
   • Get in touch with the Office by phone - (304) 558-2191 or via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details

Useful Links and Contact Information

Office of the State Fire Marshal

Office of the State Fire Marshal website
1207 Quarrier St.,
Second floor,
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2191
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Relevant website pages and documents

• OSFM Fire Services
• Fire Protection Workers
• West Virginia Legislature
• Fire Protection Worker application form
• West Virginia Code, Chapter 29, Article 3D
• West Virginia Code of State Rules Title 103, Series 3

Manufactured Homes Licenses

The Board of Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety is in charge of the licensing process for Manufactured Homes. There are three licenses that the applicant can apply for, the Manufactured Home Dealer, Manufactured Home Distributor, and Manufactured Home Manufacturer License. No examinations are required to obtain these licenses. This division does not include Modular Homes.

How to Obtain a Manufactured Home Dealer and/or Distributor License in West Virginia?

1. Read and fulfill the stipulated requirements
2. Complete each field of the application form
3. Send the document(s) to the address down below:
   1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
   State Capitol Complex
   Building 3, Room 200
   Charleston, WV 25305
4. After validation, you will get a license from the Board of Manufactured Housing Construction & Safety
   
   • For more information, please contact the Board by phone - (304) 558-7890 or via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to Obtain a Manufactured Home Manufacturer License in West Virginia?

1. Read and comply with the specifications for manufacturers
2. Fill out the application and send the required paperwork to:
   1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
   State Capitol Complex
   Building 3, Room 200
   Charleston, WV 25305
3. Following validation, obtain a license from the Board of Manufactured Housing Construction & Safety
   • You may contact the Board by phone - (304) 558-7890 or via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info

Contact Information for Manufactured Housing Candidates

West Virginia Division of Labor

1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
State Capitol Complex
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(304) 558-7890

Board of Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(304)558-7890
Fax - (304)558-2447

Labor Programs Manager

Brian White
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
304-389-0755

Useful Links for Manufactured Housing License

• Manufactured Housing Information
• Dealer/Distributor Application Form
• Manufacturer License Application

Inspector and Multifamily Licenses

Inspector Licenses and Certifications

The Private Inspector License corresponds to the Elevator Safety, and it is issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor, while the Home Inspector Certification is granted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal; there are no exams required for these trades.

How to Obtain a Private Inspector License in West Virginia?

1. Read the Elevator Safety Act
2. Fill out the application form, and return it to:
   1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
   State Capitol Complex
   Building 3, Room 200
   Charleston, WV 25305
3. Receive a license given by the Division of Labor once the process has been validated
   • For further information, contact the Board by phone - (304) 558-7890 or via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to Obtain a Home Inspector Certification in West Virginia?

1. Take a course given by an approved provider
2. Complete the application form and bring it to:
   1207 Quarrier St.,
   Second floor,
   Charleston, WV 25301
3. Acquire the certification after approval of the Office of the State Fire Marshal
   • Get in touch with the Office by phone - (304) 558-2191 for more details

Useful Links and Contact Information for Inspector Candidates

PSI© Exams Online

PSI© Exams website
3210 East Tropicana Ave.,
Las Vegas, NV-89121
(855) 539-0708
Fax: (702) 932-2666

Office of the State Fire Marshal

Office of the State Fire Marshal website
1207 Quarrier St.,
Second floor,
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2191
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Elevator Safety - Division of Labor

Elevator Safety
1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
State Capitol Complex
Building 3, Room 200
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-7890
Fax: (304) 558-5174
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Relevant website pages and documents

• Division of Labor
• Office of the State Fire Marshal Commissioners
• Private Inspector License application form
• Home Inspector Certification application form

Multifamily License

The Division of Labor has a Multifamily Contractor License under the Contractor Licensing Board, requiring a trade, and a Business and Law exam.

How to Obtain a Multifamily Contractor License in West Virginia?

1. Take and pass the trade and business and law exams
   • Apply online or call (855) 539-0708 to schedule them
2. Fill out the application form, and return it to the following address:
   1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
   State Capitol Complex
   Building 3, Room 200
   Charleston, WV 25305
3. Upon validation of the process, you will obtain a license issued by the Contractor Licensing Board
   • For further information, contact the Board by phone - (304) 558-7890 or via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Useful Links and Contact Information for Multifamily Candidates

Division of Labor

Licensing Personnel
1900 Kanawha Blvd., ​E.,
State Capitol Complex
Building 3, Room 200
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-7890
Fax: (304) 558-5174
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Division of Labor

PSI© Exams Online

PSI© Exams website
3210 East Tropicana Ave.,
Las Vegas, NV-89121
(855) 539-0708
Fax: (702) 932-2666

Relevant website pages and documents

• Division of Labor
• Multifamily Contractor application form