West Virginia Contractor Licenses
Please visit the most current West Virginia Index Page for the latest information on the different contractor licenses.
Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes.
State Licenses
Accessibility Technician (Business Exam Only)
Specialists in the design of products and environments for people with disabilities. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Asbestos Removal (Business Exam Only)
Proper removal of Asbestos infested areas including work incidental to the removal. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Asphalt (Business Exam Only)
Business is to proportion, mix, and place base materials, and place paving and surfacing consisting of graded mineral aggregates bonded with asphalt or bituminous materials so that a firm smooth surface suitable for driveways, parking areas, and play areas is obtained and work incidental to paving and surfacing. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Cable (Business Exam Only)
Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Cable Television (Business Exam Only)
Installation, repair, alteration, extension, and excavation for public and private cable television and similar communications systems, being limited to the transmission and distribution lines, including valves, meters, and similar equipment and components incidental thereto, in compliance with the building code and other applicable codes and regulations. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Carpet Installation (Business Exam Only)
Install Carpets. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Caulking (Business Exam Only)
Seal joints or seams against leakage in various structures and piping. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Ceilings (Business Exam Only)
Installation, and application of acoustic or fire-retardant acoustic material or plastic material to ceilings and existing supporting members by mechanical or adhesive methods. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Communication & Sound (Business Exam Only)
Install electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, conduit, circuits, equipment and fiber optics (transmission of light over stranded glass) or any portion of these not to exceed a number of volts, when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data, proprietary video (satellite systems which are not part of a community antenna television or radio distribution system), central vacuum, electrical locks, private telephone, intercom, and public address systems. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Concrete
Installation and repair of concrete, concrete reinforcing materials, concrete products and accessories common to the industry, including the forming, pouring, and finishing of concrete structures.
Crane (Operator(s) must be certified) (Business Exam Only)
Properly and safely operate a crane. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Decks (Business Exam Only)
Install decks of marine nature, and other operations necessary for the safe construction of these structures. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Demolition (Business Exam Only)
Demolition and removal of structures, such as dwellings, commercial buildings and foundations. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Doors (Business Exam Only)
Installation or design of exterior door and associated accessories. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Drilling (Business Exam Only)
Core concrete, asphalt or any masonry combination, where coring is done on any structural member of a building or structure. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Drywall (Business Exam Only)
Installation of drywall, gypsum, wallboard panels and assemblies, and work incidental to the installation. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Electrical
Install, erect, repair or alter electrical equipment for the generation, transmission or utilization of electrical energy and work incidental to the undertaking.
Elevator Mechanic (Business Exam Only)
Installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, and extension of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and conveyors. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Environmental/Hazardous Waste (Business Exam Only
Properly remove any hazardous waste or material harmful to the environment. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Excavation
installation and repair of earthen material by digging or compacting the material for a fill or trench and work incidental to the undertaking.
Fencing (Business Exam Only)
Installation and repair of all types of fences. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Finished Carpentry (Business Exam Only)
Install finished wood products. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Floor Covering (Business Exam Only)
Fabrication and application of floor surface materials. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Foundation Support Systems (Business Exam Only
Formation and excavation for foundations, the placing of reinforcing steel therein, and all concrete work necessary and incidental thereto in accordance with the plans and specifications therefore, and in compliance with the building code and other applicable codes and regulations. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
General Building
Principal business is in connection with any structures built, being built or to be built for the support, shelter and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or movable property of any kind, requiring in the construction the use of more than two contractor classifications, or a person who supervises the whole or any part of the construction.
General Engineering
Principal business is in connection with public or private works projects.
Glass & Glazing (Business Exam Only)
Install all makes and kinds of glass and glasswork and execute the glazing of frames, panels, sash and door and holding metal frames, ornamental decoration, mirrors, tub and shower enclosures. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Gutters (Business Exam Only)
Construction and repair for gutters and other necessary, incidental, and related appurtenances. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
HVAC
Install or repair heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment or systems to heat, cool or ventilate residential and commercial structures or work incidental to the installation or repair.
Highway Striping (Business Exam Only)
Incidental striping, pavement markings, signage, wheel stops and minor surface repair. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Instrumentation (Business Exam Only)
Monitor atmospheric and environmental changes in industrial areas and buildings. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Insulation (Business Exam Only)
Installation, and application of thermal or fire-retardant materials to and within existing walls, floors, and ceilings by mechanical or adhesive methods, in such manner that, under an agreed specification, satisfactory insulation can be accomplished. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Journeyman Plumber (Business Exam Only)
May only work in the employ of a Plumbing Contractor holding a certificate of competency to install, maintain, repair, alter or extend plumbing, septic tanks, drainage and supply wells, swimming pool and piping or solar heating systems and all appurtenances.This license only requires the business exam. The scope of work provided is just a guide. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Land Clearing (Business Exam Only)
Develop a site or area of land for construction or other intended purposes. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Landscaping (Business Exam Only)
Preparation and alteration of land for horticulture and arboriculture and work incidental to the undertaking. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Locksmith (Business Exam Only)
Install, repair, and adjust locks. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Low Voltage Systems (Under 50 Volts) (Business Exam Only)
Installation, repair or maintenance of communication, monitoring, security, sound, and other systems utilizing low voltage electric currents, the system's directly related wiring, and work incidental to the installation or repair. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Manufactured Home Installation
Installation of manufactured homes, as that term is defined by W. Va. Code §21-9-1, including soil analysis, site preparation, construction of the foundation system, placement of the manufactured home, connection of the utilities, anchoring, ground moisture control, and finish carpentry.
Masonry
Installation of brick, concrete block, stone, marble, slate or other units and products common to the masonry industry, with or without mortar and work incidental to the installation
Multifamily
Construction, repair or improvement of a multifamily residential structure or work incidental to the construction, maintenance or repair.
Painting (Business Exam Only)
Qualified to prepare surfaces and to apply paints, coatings and other finishes. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Piping
Installation of process, power plant, air, oil, gasoline, chemical or other kinds of piping; and boilers and pressure vessels using joining methods of thread, weld, solvent weld or mechanical methods or work incidental to the installation.
Plastering (Business Exam Only)
Qualified to coat surfaces with a mixture of sand or other aggregate gypsum plaster, portland cement plaster or quick-lime plaster and water, or any natural or synthetic materials as to create a permanent surface coating. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Plumbing
Installation, maintenance, extension and alteration of piping, plumbing fixtures, plumbing appliances and plumbing appurtenances, venting systems and public or private water supply systems within or adjacent to any building or structure
Pressure Washing / Sandblasting (Business Exam Only)
The cleaning of surfaces by pneumatic sandblasting or pressure washing in preparation for waterproofing or paint, engraving, cutting, or cleaning glass or stone, and removing scale from metals. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Remodeling & Repair
Primary business is all general remodeling, additions, and repairs to existing structures requiring the use of two or more unrelated trades and work incidental to the trades where the cost of the undertaking does not exceed $40,000.00.
Residential
Construction, repair or improvement of real property used as, or intended to be used for, residential occupancy or work incidental to the construction or repair.
Residential Pools (Business Exam Only)
Construction, service, and repair of residential swimming pools and spas, with or without solar heating devices, and work incidental to the construction or repair. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Roofing (Business Exam Only)
Install a watertight covering to roof surfaces by use of, but not limited to, cedar, cement, metal, composition shingles, wood shakes, cement and clay tile, built-up roofing, single ply, fluid-type roofing systems, and other acceptable roofing materials including spray urethane foam, asphalt, and the application of protective or reflective roof, or both, deck coatings, sheet metal when in conjunction with a roofing project, application of damp-proofing and/or waterproofing, installation of roof insulation panels and other roof insulation systems and work incidental to the installation. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Septic & Sewer Systems (Business Exam Only)
Build and repair sewage collection and disposal systems in accordance with local plumbing and building codes. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Sheet Metal (Business Exam Only)
Installation, dismantling, conditioning, adjustment, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing, or design, when not prohibited by law, of ferrous or nonferrous metal work. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Siding (Business Exam Only)
Fabrication, construction, and/or installation of wood, aluminum, steel, or vinyl siding and work incidental to the installation. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Sign Installation (No Electrical) (Business Exam Only
Install any outside display of letters, characters, ornamentations or illustrations that do not include the incorporation of any electrical work in their manufacture, erection or fabrication. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Soil Stabilization (Business Exam Only)
Compact fill in surrounding buildings, bridges and trenches. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Sprinklers & Fire Protection
Installation, repair or maintenance of fire suppression systems, including water sprinkler and chemical systems, and work incidental to the installation or repair.
Steel Erection
Erection of structural steel connected, attached or joined by riveting, welding, rigging, or fastening devices, for buildings and other structures, and work incidental to the erection.
Storage Tank Removal (Business Exam Only)
Removal of storage tanks and any work incidental to the removal. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Stucco (Business Exam Only)
Coat surfaces with a mixture of sand or other aggregate gypsum plaster, portland cement or quicklime and water, or any combination of such material as to create a permanent surface coating. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Tile Installation (Business Exam Only)
Install, repair, maintain, and replace, all types of hard tile for both interior and exterior waterproofing and cosmetic purposes. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Utilities (Water & Sewer)
Installation of water and sewer lines on private projects and work incidental to the installation.
Water Well Drilling (Business Exam Only)
Drilling holes in the earth's surface for the purpose of reaching a groundwater source. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Welding (Business Exam Only)
Fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing them to cool causing fusion. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Window Installation (Business Exam Only)
Install, repair, replace or alter windows, and hardware in connection therewith. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
WV HVAC Technician (Business Exam Only)
Repair AC/refrigeration, heating, ventilation systems, duct systems, warm air systems, low pressure boiler, unfired pressure vessel systems, solar heating, cooling systems, and related appurtenances unlimited in horsepower and tonnage. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
WV Residential HVAC Technician (Business Exam Only)
Repair AC/refrigeration, heating, ventilation systems, duct systems, warm air systems, low pressure boiler, unfired pressure vessel systems, solar heating, cooling systems, and related appurtenances to a limited tonnage. Please submit your scope of work to the Division of Labor and they will inform you which classification to apply for.
Contractor Campus is a Construction and Electrical School which specializes in Contractor Licensing. Since most contractor licenses require contractors to pass one or more exams, Contractor Campus offers Exam Prep classes designed to help West Virginia contractors pass their tests the first time. Our books are in-stock and readily available and we offer courses online with unlimited access.
General Building Contractor License
These are the steps required by the Division of Labor to obtaining a license.
- Contact and provide the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board/Division of Labor with your scope of work in order to verify the classification(s) and the exam(s) required for obtaining your contractor license. Your request can be sent to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Schedule to take exam(s) with ProV by contacting them at (866) 720-7768 or (304) 414-0190, Extension 3. The person completing the exam(s) must be an officer, member, owner, or a full-time employee. Payroll records are required as proof for a full-time employee.
- West Virginia requires every entity to obtain a Business Registration Tax Number. Contact the West Virginia State Tax Department at (304) 558-3333 or (800) 982-8297. You can find the application and instructions here.
- Contact the West Virginia Secretary of State to determine if your entity is required to obtain a Certificate of Authority. Their phone # is (304) 558-8000 They are located at 1516 Washington Street East, Suite 200 Charleston, WV 25305. You can register online at here
- Your entity is required to provide proof of Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Compensation for all employees working in West Virginia.
- Workers’ Compensation – West Virginia Insurance Commissioner’s Office at: (304) 558-6279 Extension 1202.
- Unemployment Compensation - Workforce West Virginia at: (304) 558-2451 If it is determined your entity is exempt and West Virginia coverage is not required, you must submit proof of coverage from your state.
- A wage bond status affidavit is required to be submitted with your application. If your entity is performing commercial construction work with employees, contact the Division of Labor – Wage & Hour Section at (304) 558-7890 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and verify your wage bond status. - A contractor license application/affidavit is available here or you can call the Licensing Section at (304) 558-7890. An owner, corporate officer or managing member is required to sign page three (3) of the application/affidavit and wage bond affidavit. The contractor license fee may be paid by check, money order, or credit card in the Charleston Office.
*You must have steps 1 through 6 completed prior to submitting your contractor license application/affidavit to our office for processing.*
Contact Information
Official Licensing Contact Information Page
Contractor Licensing
Phone: (304)558-7890
Fax Number - (304)558-5174
Email:
West Virginia Division of Labor
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
State Capitol Complex - Building 3, Room 200
Charleston, WV 25305
Contractor FAQ
Below are Frequently asked questions made to the Division of Labor they can also be found here.
Who can qualify a company?
Owner, officer, member (as listed with the WV Secretary of State's Office) or a full-time employee (must provide payroll records for the 2 months preceding test date and a letter stating they allow the company to use their test scores) may qualify a company.
Changing a qualifier?
Notify the WV Division of Labor Contractor Licensing Section of the new qualifier in writing, along with documentation of their test scores and any other required supporting documentation (see previous question).
Do test scores expire?
Test scores do not expire, however they may be used a maximum of three (3) times. Test scores are used to qualify a company, re-apply for a license or open a new company.
How do I add a classification to my existing license?
Once the required exam has been passed, notify our office in writing (mail or fax) of the passing score and include a request to add the classification to the license. There are no fees (other than the testing fee) associated with this procedure.
How do I know when to renew my license?
Contractor Licenses renew each year at the date listed on the license. Renewal notices are mailed approximately thirty (30) days prior to expiration to serve as a reminder, however they are not required in order to renew your license.
How do I renew my license?
You can mail a check or money order for $90.00 to our office (with the renewal form and/or license number listed on the check) or you may renew online with a credit card at www.labor.wv.gov. ***Note*** Licenses renewed more than fifteen (15) days after the renewal date incur a $25.00 late fee. Licenses expired for more than ninety (90) days, require that you reapply (no testing is required provided that your original test scores have not been used more than three (3) times). Grandfathered licenses that are allowed to go over ninety (90) days, require examination before a new license can be issued. Applicant must be in good standing with all required agencies (Secretary of State, Tax-Business Registration, Worker's Compensation and Unemployment) before a license will be renewed.
What proof is required for Worker's Compensation and Unemployment?
If you have employees (other than yourself, partners, members or officers) you must have workers compensation and unemployment coverage. If you are an out of state company with no employees that reside in WV, you only need to show/provide copies of your state's workers compensation certificate and the most recent quarterly report showing that you pay into unemployment. If you have employees that reside in WV you must register with the appropriate WV agencies to obtain coverage. Proof of coverage must be submitted with the renewal in order to be processed. If you are renewing online please fax the documents to (304) 558-5174.
Do I need to include the Wage Bond Status Affidavit?
Yes, all applicants, regardless of status, must complete this form and include it with the application for a Contractor's License. The application will NOT be processed without this form. Applicant must be in good standing with all required agencies (Secretary of State-if applicable, WV State Tax Department, Workers Compensation-if applicable and Unemployment-if applicable) before a license will be issued.
How long will it take to get my license?
The time required varies depending on how long it takes to complete registration with the other agencies. Once the application is received in the Contractor Licensing Section the license is usually issued within ten (10) to fifteen (15) working days via mail, or same day if brought to the office (provided everything is in compliance). Please Note that CASH is NOT ACCEPTED.
I've tested, what do I do next?
The Contractor Licensing Section is the last step in the process. Registration must be completed with all other agencies (Secretary of State-if applicable, WV State Tax Department, Worker's Compensation-if applicable and Unemployment-if applicable) before an application can be filled out with our office and processed.
How do I know which test to take?
Contact the Contractor Licensing Section to confirm which tests need to be taken. All contractors must take the Business & Law exam.
How do I find out about scheduling tests, study guides and test fees?
Contact ProV at (866) 720-7768.
Does West Virginia offer reciprocity in order to obtain a license?
The following are NEW reciprocity agreements approved by the Contractor Licensing Board: Effective April 27, 2018: Ohio - (Plumbing Classification including Business & Law Exam) Effective May 1, 2018: Alabama - (HVAC Classification) Effective May 10, 2018: Ohio - (HVAC Classification including Business & Law Exam) The following are reciprocity agreements that have been in effect since the year 2000: North Carolina - (Electrical Classification including Business & Law Exam) Ohio - (Electrical Classification including Business & Law Exam) West Virginia Fire Marshal - (Electrical Classification) A current Master Electrician license. Other Accepted Exam Scores: The Contractor Licensing Board started accepting General Building exam scores administered by PSI Services, Inc. on behalf of the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) effective September 1, 2013.
How do I change my address/phone number?
Notify the Contractor Licensing Section in writing (mail or fax) with the requested changes.
How do I change the name of my company (as listed on the Contractor's License)?
All name changes (keeping the same FEIN) must be completed with all other agencies (Secretary of State, Tax Dept., Worker's Compensation and Unemployment) before the change can be made to the license. Once completed with the other agencies notify the Contractor Licensing Section in writing of the request to change the name, and include supporting documents from other agencies.
How do I change the status of my company (Sole Proprietor to LLC etc)?
Call the Contractor Licensing Section to request a status change letter/packet which details the process and required documents. Make sure to leave current license number, address and what change you are making.
Can a copy of my license be faxed?
We cannot fax a Contractor's License, however we can fax a status letter that states the license is active and what classifications are listed.
How do I get a "handyman" license?
The Contractor Licensing Section does not issue a handyman license. Work performed under $2,500.00 (materials and labor, total contract-not just the work you are performing) does not require a license, other than a West Virginia State Tax Business License. Work over this amount requires you to obtain a Contractor's License for the type of work being performed.
Can I get a temporary license?
No, the State of West Virginia does not issue temporary licenses.
I am not registered with a DBA, why is my company name listed in the DBA field on my license?
At this time, our system automatically fills in the company name if you do not request to be licensed with a separate DBA. If you are registered in other state agencies with a DBA other than your company name, it must also appear on your Contractor's License.
Who is the "License Holder"?
The license holder is the person who took the qualifying exam(s).
If I am a subcontractor receiving less than $2,500.00 for a job do I need a Contractor's License?
Yes, licensing requirements are based on the total contract for the project, not just the individual portions.
