The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor Exam, Licensing & Business Setup Solution

Take a more complete approach to becoming a Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor with The 1 Package, an all-inclusive preparation, licensing, and business setup solution designed for candidates pursuing the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting specialty and a Class A or Class B contractor license.

This package brings together the major pieces of the contractor licensing process in one solution: Commercial Improvement Contracting trade exam preparation, Class A/B business exam preparation, highlighted and tabbed reference books, 1 year of course access, Application Service, business formation support, EIN filing, and contractor compliance guidance.

Commercial Improvement Contracting, identified by Virginia as the CIC specialty, covers repair or improvement to structures that are not defined as dwellings or townhouses under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The specialty does not authorize construction of new buildings or accessory buildings and does not include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work. Candidates pursuing CIC must prepare for technical construction subjects while Class A and Class B contractor businesses also have separate business examination requirements.

The 1 Package is structured to support both sides of that process. The included trade references address construction codes, carpentry, framing, concrete, masonry, drywall, and OSHA safety. The business references support preparation for Virginia contractor business, law, and project management subjects. All included books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

Total Cost: $3,045.

Refundable Book Deposit: An additional $750 refundable deposit applies when the books are returned in similar condition within 1 year.

Total Initial Payment: $3,795. This is the stated all-inclusive package total with no hidden fees.

Please allow up to 15 business days for The 1 Package book orders. All books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

Exam Details

The Virginia Board for Contractors requires examination qualification for Commercial Improvement Contracting. The Qualified Individual associated with the CIC specialty must satisfy the applicable experience requirements and successfully complete the board-approved technical examination.

Virginia contractor examinations are administered through PSI. Successful completion of required examinations is part of the licensing process before a contractor application can be completed for the applicable license class and specialty.

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes to complete the examination and must achieve a minimum score of 70 percent.

The examination addresses multiple areas of construction knowledge, including:

• Windows and doors.
• Rough carpentry and metal framing.
• General code requirements.
• Roofing and exterior siding.
• Drywall and gypsum construction.
• Concrete materials and construction.
• Masonry construction.
• Construction safety and OSHA requirements.

Class A and Class B contractor businesses have an additional examination requirement for the Designated Employee. A Class B contractor examination consists of a Virginia Section and a General Section. A Class A contractor examination includes those same sections plus an Advanced Section.

The business examination measures knowledge related to Virginia contractor laws and regulations as well as general contractor business and administrative subjects. The included NASCLA contractor guide and Virginia code material support preparation for these areas.

Open Book Test

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting examination and the applicable Class A/B contractor business examination portions are open-book examinations. Candidates are responsible for bringing permitted reference materials to the testing center.

Open-book testing places a premium on reference familiarity. Candidates should know which book is most likely to contain an answer and how to locate the appropriate chapter, section, index entry, table, or code provision without spending unnecessary time searching.

Reference books used for PSI testing may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination, subject to the testing provider's current reference-material rules. Written notes are not permitted. Candidates should also follow current requirements governing tabs, loose papers, and reference preparation.

The books supplied through The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates should use those materials consistently during study so the organization of each book becomes familiar before exam day.

Licensing Steps

1. Determine the appropriate license class. Virginia contractor licenses are issued as Class A, Class B, or Class C. Candidates purchasing this package for the business examination should identify whether they are pursuing Class A or Class B.
2. Select Commercial Improvement Contracting. The contractor application must identify the requested classification or specialty. Commercial Improvement Contracting is designated as CIC.
3. Identify the Qualified Individual. Every classification or specialty must have a Qualified Individual with the applicable experience and qualifications.
4. Complete the CIC examination requirement. Commercial Improvement Contracting is one of the Virginia specialties requiring a technical examination for the Qualified Individual.
5. Identify the Designated Employee. Class A and Class B contractor businesses must name a Designated Employee who meets Virginia's requirements.
6. Complete the Class A or Class B business examination. Class B includes the Virginia and General sections. Class A includes the Virginia, General, and Advanced sections.
7. Complete Virginia pre-license education. A new contractor business must satisfy Virginia's eight-hour approved pre-license education requirement.
8. Establish the business entity. The 1 Package includes Business Formation support for customers establishing an LLC or corporation.
9. Obtain an EIN. EIN Filing with the IRS is included to help establish the federal tax identification number used for common business functions.
10. Complete the contractor license application. The included Application Service provides application-related support while the customer works through Virginia's contractor licensing process.

State Requirements

Virginia contractor licensing is administered by the Virginia Board for Contractors. The contractor business holds the license, while individuals associated with the business satisfy specific roles required by the licensing structure.

Every contractor business must identify a Qualified Individual for each classification or specialty listed on the application. The Qualified Individual must have the required experience in the work associated with that classification or specialty and must be a full-time employee or a member of Responsible Management.

For Class A and Class B applicants, the business must also identify a Designated Employee. Virginia requires the Designated Employee to be at least 18 years old and to be a full-time employee or a member of Responsible Management. The Designated Employee is responsible for satisfying the applicable contractor business examination requirement.

Virginia also requires approved eight-hour pre-license education for businesses applying for a new contractor license. For a Class A or Class B applicant, the education may be completed by the Designated Employee or a member of Responsible Management. This education requirement is separate from the contractor examinations.

The CIC specialty is specifically defined around commercial improvement work. It covers repair or improvement to structures that are not dwellings or townhouses under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. It does not provide authority for construction of new buildings or accessory buildings and does not include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with latest available amendments
  Federal construction safety regulations used to review workplace safety requirements and OSHA topics relevant to Commercial Improvement Contracting exam preparation.
• Included Book: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2018
  A Virginia construction code reference used to study statewide building requirements relevant to contractor and construction examination preparation.
• Included Book: International Building Code, 2021
  A commercial construction code covering building systems, structural provisions, occupancy, means of egress, materials, fire-resistance concepts, and other building requirements.
• Included Book: International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  A code reference addressing construction requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and related building systems and components.
• Included Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  A construction reference addressing carpentry, framing, building components, materials, tools, and practical construction methods.
• Included Book: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  A technical reference covering concrete materials, mixture design, properties, production, placement, curing, and quality considerations.
• Included Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  A masonry reference covering brick, concrete block, stone, mortar, masonry tools, materials, and common construction methods.
• Included Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  A technical reference covering gypsum products, drywall systems, wall and ceiling assemblies, installation methods, and related construction practices.
• Included Book: NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Virginia, 11th Edition
  A contractor business and law reference supporting preparation for Virginia Class A/B business examination subjects including business practices, project management, contracting, and regulatory topics.
• Included Book: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), Part 1 Summary, 2018
  A Virginia-specific code reference included for business and trade exam preparation.
• Included Book: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2018 - Part I, Construction Code
  A Virginia construction code reference included as part of the Commercial Improvement examination book materials.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Commercial Improvement Contracting study strategy should combine technical knowledge with reference-navigation practice. CIC questions can move between construction codes, OSHA safety requirements, carpentry, concrete, masonry, drywall, roofing, exterior construction, and other building subjects. Candidates should therefore become familiar with the purpose and organization of every included trade reference.

When reviewing safety, practice navigating 29 CFR Part 1926. Concrete questions should direct you toward the concrete reference, while masonry questions should make the masonry text a natural starting point. Drywall and gypsum questions may require the Gypsum Construction Handbook, while code-related subjects require familiarity with the applicable building-code materials.

The business examination requires a different type of preparation. Class A and Class B candidates should become familiar with contractor business practices, Virginia requirements, project administration, estimating, contracts, financial topics, and other material addressed by the business examination.

Use the included 1 year of course access alongside the prepared references. Practice questions are most useful when they become reference-navigation exercises as well as knowledge checks. Instead of relying only on memory, identify the appropriate book and locate the supporting information.

Timed study is also important. The CIC examination allows 120 minutes for 50 questions, so efficient navigation matters. The highlighted and tabbed books are designed to support this process, but familiarity comes from repeatedly using the books before testing.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Virginia Commercial Improvement Contractor candidates through an organized combination of trade-focused study, business examination preparation, reference navigation, licensing assistance, and business setup support.

The 1 Package goes beyond an exam-preparation course by bringing multiple parts of the contractor journey into one solution. Candidates receive the listed trade and business books highlighted and tabbed, 1 year of course access, Application Service, Business Formation assistance, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance.

The study component focuses on helping candidates understand how to work with the technical and business references used throughout preparation. Candidates can review trade knowledge, practice locating information, work through exam-style material, and build a consistent study structure instead of approaching the books as unfamiliar resources on test day.

Application Service helps candidates organize the licensing side of the process, while Business Formation provides assistance establishing an LLC or corporation. EIN Filing supports the process of obtaining the federal identification number commonly used for banking, tax administration, hiring employees when applicable, and other business functions.

Contractor Compliance Guidance adds support for understanding the regulatory responsibilities associated with operating a Virginia contracting business. Together, these services are designed to help candidates move from exam preparation toward an organized licensing and business setup process.

No exam preparation or licensing service guarantees a passing score, license approval, or business outcome. The purpose of The 1 Package is to provide structured preparation and practical support throughout the process.

FAQ Section

What is included in The 1 Package?

The 1 Package includes the listed Commercial Improvement Contracting trade references, Class A/B business books, highlighted and tabbed book preparation, 1 year of course access, Application Service, Business Formation, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance.

How much does The 1 Package cost?

The package cost is $3,045. A $750 refundable book deposit is added, making the total initial payment $3,795.

Is the $750 book deposit refundable?

Yes. The $750 deposit is refundable when the books are returned in similar condition within 1 year.

How long do I receive course access?

The 1 Package includes 1 year of course access.

Does the package include Application Service?

Yes. Application Service is included as part of The 1 Package.

Does the package include business formation?

Yes. Business Formation assistance for an LLC or corporation is included to help establish a formal business entity.

Is EIN filing included?

Yes. EIN Filing with the IRS is included. An EIN is commonly used for business banking, tax administration, hiring employees when applicable, and other business functions.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. All included books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

How long should I allow for my book order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for The 1 Package book orders.

Is the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting exam open book?

Yes. The Commercial Improvement Contracting technical exam is open book, subject to PSI rules for permitted reference materials.

How many questions are on the Virginia CIC exam?

The Commercial Improvement Contracting examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes and must achieve a minimum score of 70 percent.

Does The 1 Package include Class A/B business exam preparation?

Yes. The package includes business and law reference materials and preparation support for candidates pursuing the applicable Virginia Class A or Class B contractor business examination.

What is the difference between the Qualified Individual and Designated Employee?

The Qualified Individual is associated with a specific contractor classification or specialty and must satisfy the applicable experience and qualification requirements. Class A and Class B businesses also identify a Designated Employee who completes the applicable contractor business examination requirements.

Does Virginia require pre-license education?

Yes. Virginia requires eight hours of approved pre-license education for new contractor license applicants. For a Class A or Class B applicant, the course may be completed by the Designated Employee or a member of Responsible Management.

Does purchasing The 1 Package guarantee a Virginia contractor license?

No. Licensing decisions are made by the Virginia Board for Contractors. The package provides exam preparation, application-related assistance, and business setup services, but it does not guarantee an exam result or licensing approval.