Contractor FAQ

​​​​​​The questions and answers on this page are not inclusive. Please click here to access the statutes and rules.  

Who can qualify an entity?

A Full-Time Employee.

"Full-time employee means an employee of a contractor who spends a minimum of 30 hours per week working under the control and supervision of a contractor for a wage and other benefits as required by law. or

An individual that is part of Responsible Management.

“Responsible management” means officers of a corporation, partners of a general partnership, managers of a limited liability company, managing partners of a limited partnership or limited liability partnership, sole proprietor/owner of a sole proprietorship, or other individuals in other business entities recognized under the laws of this state as having a fiduciary responsibility to the entity.

Can an entity have more than one qualifier?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of qualifiers as long as each individual is either a full-time employee or part of Responsible Management.
 
Changing a qualifier?

Notify the Contractor Licensing Board of the new qualifier in writing, along with their exam score(s) report and other required supporting documentation.

How do I know which test to take?

Contact the Contractor Licensing Board to confirm which test(s) are required. All contractors must take the WV Business & Law exam.
 
Do test scores expire?

Test scores do not expire, however they can only be used a maximum of three (3) times.
(Only one (1) time as a full-time employee and possibly two (2) additional times as a corporate officer, manager, member, partner or owner, as long as §28-2-5.2 is met).
 
How do I add a classification to my existing license?

Once the required exam has been passed, notify our office in writing (email, fax or mail) of the passing score, include the exam score report and request the classification be added to the license. There are no fees (other than the testing fee) associated in this process​.
 
How do I know when to renew my license?

A contractor license expires twelve (12) months from date of issuance. The expiration date is on the license. Renewal notices are mailed approximately forty-five (45) days prior to expiration.
 
How do I renew my license?

Mail a check or money order to our office with the renewal form. List your license number on the check or money order​; or

You can renew online at labor.wv.gov with a credit card; or

As a walk-in at our Charleston office.

Licenses renewed more than fifteen (15) days after the renewal date may incur a $25 late fee. 

Licenses expired for more than ninety (90) days may require re-application. 

Grandfathered licenses expired more than ninety (90) days may require examination(s) to be passed before a new license can be issued. 

Applicants must verify they meet the requirements and are in good standing with the following agencies before a license will be renewed:

  • WV Tax Department - Business Registration
  • WV Insurance Commissioner's Office - Workers' Compensation

  • WV Secretary of State; and

  • WV WorkForce - Unemployment

What proof is required for Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation (SUI)?

If you have employees (other than yourself, partners, managers, 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 will need to provide a copy of your state's workers' compensation certificate of Insurance (COI) and the most recent quarterly report showing that you paid into your current unemployment (SUI) account. 

If you have employees that reside in WV you must register with the appropriate WV agencies to obtain coverage. Verification of coverage must be received in order for renewal to be processed. If you are renewing online please email the documents to CLBoard@wv.gov or fax 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 Contractor License application. The application cannot 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 does it take to get a contractor license?

The time depends on how long it takes to test and complete registering with the other agencies. Once a fully completed application is received by the Contractor Licensing Board, the application is processed, license issued and mailed within twenty-four (24) hours. Fully completed applications are processed immediately for entities that bring the application to our office. Payments accepted are: Check, Credit Card or Money Order.

I've tested, what do I do next?

The Contractor Licensing Board is the last step in the process. Registration must be completed with the WV State Tax Department and the following agencies, when applicable: Secretary of State, Unemployment, and Workers' Compensation before an application can be submitted to the Board for processing.
 
How do I find out about scheduling tests and acquiring study guides?

Contact PSI Services, Inc. via email to examschedule@psionline.com or call (855) 539-0708. The ISBN is listed under each study guide which can be used to search online.
 
Does West Virginia offer reciprocity or accept other exam scores in order to obtain a license?

Yes - (See below)

The following are reciprocity agreements approved by the Contractor Licensing Board in 2018, 2019 & 2020:
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)
Effective December 19, 2019: Ohio - (Manufactured Home Installation Classification) 
Effective December 17, 2020: Tennessee - (Electrical Classification) Workers must be properly licensed by the WV Fire Marshal's Office 
Effective December 17, 2020: Tennessee - (General Building Classification)
Effective December 17, 2020: Tennessee - (HVAC Classification)
Effective December 17, 2020: Tennessee - (Masonry Classification)
Effective December 17, 2020: Tennessee - (Multi-Family Classification)
Effective December 17, 2020: Tennessee - (Plumbing Classification)
Effective December 17, 2020: Tennessee - (Residential Classification)
Effective December 17, 2020: Tennessee - (Sprinkler & Fire Protection Classification)  ​​​​Workers must be properly licensed by the WV Fire Marshal's Office​​​​​​​
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.  Workers must be properly licensed by the WV Fire Marshal's Office 
Other Accepted Exam Scores:
The Contractor Licensing Board began accepting the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors exam scores administered by PSI Services, Inc. on behalf of the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA).
The Contractor Licensing Board began accepting NASCLA Accredited Trade Examination for Electrical Contractors (Master/Unlimited Electrician) exam scores under the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA). Examinations are currently administered by PSI, Services, Inc. and the Louisiana State Licensing Board of Contractors.
The Contractor Licensing Board began accepting HUD Installer Licenses in lieu of passing the Manufactured Home Installation exam. An individual approved by HUD to install HUD Code homes is now only required to pass the WV Business & Law exam and provide a copy of their HUD Installer license. Once licensed with the Contractor Licensing Board, the individual is still required to apply to the Board of Manufactured Housing Construction & Safety for their Contractor/Installer license.     
Reciprocity Applications:
Alabama (HVAC Classification)​​​

North Carolina (Electrical Classification)

Ohio (Electrical, HVAC, Manufactured Housing Installer or Plumbing Classification)

Tennessee (Electrical, General Building, HVAC, Multi-Family, Plumbing, Residential or Sprinkler & Fire Protection Classification)

How do I change my address/phone number?

Notify the Contractor Licensing Board in writing. (We prefer an email to CLBoard@wv.gov.

How do I change the name on my contractor license?

All name changes (keeping the same FEIN) must be completed with the WV State Tax Department and the following agencies, if applicable, WV Insurance Commissioner's Office - Workers' Compensation, WV Secretary of State, and WV WorkForce - Unemployment before a name change request can be processed by the board. Once completed with the other agencies, notify the Contractor Licensing Board in writing of the request to change the name, and include supporting documentation from the other agencies.
 
How do I change the status of my company (Sole Proprietor to LLC, etc.)?

Contact the ​Contractor Licensing Board to request a status change form. Make sure to include your current license number, address and what changes you are requesting.
 
Can a copy of my license be sent electronically?

Under certain circumstances, we may be able to send a copy of your license electronically after a written request has been submitted by a person that is part of Responsible Management. 

How do I get a "handyman" license?

The Contractor Licensing Board does not issue handyman licenses. The WV State Tax Department issues business licenses to all persons conducting business in West Virginia.

Can I get a temporary license?

No, the Contractor Licensing Board does not issue temporary licenses.


I did not register a dba, why is a name listed in the dba field on my license?

At this time, our system auto-populates 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 will appear on your contractor license.
 
If I am a subcontractor paid less than $5,000 on a residential job or $25,000 on a commercial job do I need a contractor license?

Yes, licensing requirements are based on the entire construction project, including the cost of all labor and materials, not individual contracts.​
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East | State Capitol Complex - Building 3, Room 200 | Charleston, WV 25305
Ph: (304) 558-7890