West Virginia Contractor Licensing & the Licensing Act Exam
West Virginia licenses contractors through the Contractor Licensing Board in the Division of Labor. This chapter covers WV Code §30-42, the ProV-administered Contractor Licensing Act exam, the classifications, and how NASCLA fits the trade portion.
The Contractor Licensing Board and WV Code §30-42
Contractors in West Virginia are licensed by the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board, which operates within the Division of Labor. Its authority is the Contractor Licensing Act, WV Code Chapter 30, Article 42 (§30-42) — recodified from the former Chapter 21, Article 11 by 2021 HB2006. The board sets qualification standards, oversees the examinations, issues licenses, and enforces the licensing law statewide. A West Virginia contractor license authorizes work throughout the state, subject to local building-permit rules.
The Contractor Licensing Act exam, administered by ProV
West Virginia's business-and-law examination is now called the Contractor Licensing Act exam. It is 90 questions, 180 minutes, open book, and requires 70% to pass. Since September 1, 2024, the exam is administered by ProV (replacing the prior provider). The exam draws on the Contractor Licensing Act, the Division of Labor administrative rules on written contracts, and West Virginia construction-defect law. The trade/technical portion is a separate classification exam — for example the General Building trade exam of 80 questions over 180 minutes at 70%.
Classifications and the NASCLA trade option
West Virginia issues licenses in classifications such as General Building, General Engineering, Residential, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Multi-family, and various Specialty categories. For the General Building and General Engineering trade portion, the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building Contractor exam has historically been accepted (candidates should confirm current acceptance with the board). Even where NASCLA satisfies the trade portion, the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Act exam is still required. A license may list multiple qualifying individuals, but the state does not allow backup qualifiers.