Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting Book Package - Highlighted and Tabbed

Prepare for the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting examination with a complete set of construction reference books organized for efficient open-book study. This Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting Book Package includes the listed trade references highlighted and tabbed to help candidates become familiar with the books, locate important sections more efficiently, and practice navigating the materials before exam day.

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting specialty, identified as CIC, covers repair or improvement to structures that are not defined as dwellings or townhouses under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The specialty is focused on improvement work rather than construction of new buildings or accessory buildings and does not include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work. Virginia also includes Masonry Contracting, Painting and Wallcovering Contracting, and Roofing Contracting within the CIC specialty without requiring those specialties to be separately listed on the contractor license.

The CIC technical examination covers a broad range of construction knowledge, which means candidates may need to move between several different references during the test. Topics include carpentry, metal framing, building codes, windows and doors, roofing, exterior siding, drywall, concrete, masonry, and construction safety. Learning which reference contains each type of information is an important part of preparing for this open-book examination.

This package is particularly useful for candidates who want physical reference materials prepared before they begin intensive exam study. Every included book is highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation, giving candidates an organized starting point for learning how each reference is structured.

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders.

Exam Details

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting examination is a technical contractor specialty examination administered through PSI for the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Board for Contractors. Commercial Improvement Contracting is one of the Virginia specialties for which the Qualified Individual must receive the applicable approval and successfully complete a technical examination.

The current Commercial Improvement Contracting examination consists of 50 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes to complete the examination and must earn a minimum score of 70 percent, which corresponds to 35 correct answers.

The published CIC examination content outline distributes questions across eight subject areas:

• Windows and Doors: 4 questions.
• Rough Carpentry and Metal Framing: 9 questions.
• General Code Requirements: 5 questions.
• Roofing and Exterior Siding: 7 questions.
• Drywall: 5 questions.
• Concrete: 7 questions.
• Masonry: 8 questions.
• Safety: 5 questions.

Rough carpentry and metal framing represent the largest single content area, followed by masonry, concrete, and roofing and exterior siding. Candidates should still prepare for every published subject area because questions are distributed throughout the full examination outline.

The current PSI information for the CIC examination also reflects the use of 2021 ICC code editions for applicable International Code Council code questions. Candidates should study the editions associated with the current examination requirements and become comfortable navigating code chapters, tables, definitions, and indexes.

Open Book Test

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting examination is an open-book test. Candidates may bring permitted reference materials into the examination center, but the testing center does not provide the books. Open-book testing makes familiarity with the physical organization of each reference especially important.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. PSI rules require reference materials to remain otherwise unmarked, meaning written notes are not permitted in the books. Candidates may not write in the reference materials during the examination session.

Permanent tabs are permitted. Removable tabs are not allowed. Candidates preparing for the test should therefore become accustomed to using permanent tabs, indexes, tables of contents, chapter headings, and code organization to find information efficiently.

Having reference books available does not eliminate the need to study. With 50 questions and 120 minutes, candidates have limited time to identify the subject of each question, select the correct reference, locate the applicable information, and choose an answer. Candidates who have practiced with their books before the examination are better positioned to use the open-book format effectively.

The highlighted and tabbed preparation included with this package is intended to support that navigation process. Spend time working directly with the books during study sessions so the tabs and highlighted sections become familiar rather than seeing them for the first time on exam day.

Licensing Steps

Virginia contractor licenses are issued to business entities and sole proprietorships rather than directly to an individual worker. The license has two major components: the class of license and the classification or specialty. Commercial Improvement Contracting is a specialty designation identified by the abbreviation CIC.

1. Determine the appropriate contractor license class. Virginia issues Class A, Class B, and Class C contractor licenses. The class determines the level of contracting activity permitted under Virginia's licensing structure.
2. Select Commercial Improvement Contracting. Candidates pursuing commercial repair and improvement work within the CIC scope identify Commercial Improvement Contracting as the requested specialty.
3. Identify the Qualified Individual. Each classification or specialty requires a Qualified Individual who meets Virginia's applicable criteria.
4. Meet the experience requirement. The Qualified Individual must demonstrate the required amount of experience associated with the license class being requested.
5. Complete the examination approval process. Commercial Improvement Contracting is one of the Virginia specialties requiring examination pre-approval and an Experience Verification Form for the Qualified Individual.
6. Pass the CIC technical examination. Successful completion of the approved Commercial Improvement Contracting examination is required for the applicable Qualified Individual.
7. Complete pre-license education. Virginia requires eight hours of approved pre-license education for new Class A, Class B, and Class C contractor license applicants.
8. Complete any Class A or Class B business requirements. Class A and Class B businesses have additional Designated Employee and business examination requirements separate from the CIC trade examination.
9. Submit the contractor license application. The business submits the required licensing information and supporting documentation to the Virginia Board for Contractors.

State Requirements

The Virginia Board for Contractors regulates contractor businesses engaged in construction, repair, removal, or improvement work on property owned by others. Contractor licenses consist of a license class and the classification or specialty that establishes the type of work the contractor may perform.

Each contractor business must identify a Qualified Individual for every classification or specialty requested. The Qualified Individual must be either a full-time employee of the business or a member of Responsible Management and must satisfy the applicable experience and qualification requirements.

Virginia's current contractor application identifies minimum Qualified Individual experience requirements of at least one year for Class C, three years for Class B, and five years for Class A. Commercial Improvement Contracting requires pre-approval for the specialty examination, and an Experience Verification Form must be submitted for the Qualified Individual seeking CIC qualification.

Virginia also requires eight hours of pre-license education for all new Class A, Class B, and Class C contractor applicants. For Class A and Class B applicants, the education must be completed by a member of Responsible Management or the Designated Employee. For Class C applicants, a member of Responsible Management completes the requirement.

Class A and Class B businesses have business examination requirements in addition to specialty qualification. This product is a Commercial Improvement Contracting book package focused on the CIC technical trade examination references.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  A federal construction safety reference covering OSHA standards for the construction industry. It supports preparation for safety topics involving worker protection, construction hazards, equipment, fall protection, scaffolds, excavations, personal protective equipment, and other jobsite safety requirements.
• Included Book: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2018
  A Virginia-specific code reference containing statewide building requirements. This reference helps candidates become familiar with Virginia construction code provisions and the organization of the Uniform Statewide Building Code.
• Included Book: International Building Code, 2021
  A major commercial building code reference addressing construction requirements, building systems, occupancy, fire-resistance, means of egress, materials, structural provisions, and numerous other code subjects relevant to commercial construction.
• Included Book: International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  A comprehensive code reference addressing building requirements for one- and two-family dwellings, including structural components, materials, framing, exterior systems, and other construction provisions.
• Included Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  A practical construction reference covering carpentry, framing, building materials, construction methods, tools, structural components, and related trade knowledge. It is particularly useful for preparation involving rough carpentry and framing concepts.
• Included Book: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  A technical concrete reference addressing concrete materials, mixture design, properties, production, placement, curing, durability, and quality considerations. The CIC exam includes a dedicated concrete content area.
• Included Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  A masonry reference covering brick, block, stone, mortar, masonry tools, materials, layout, construction methods, and related trade practices. Masonry represents one of the larger subject areas on the CIC examination.
• Included Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  A technical reference covering gypsum products, drywall construction, wall and ceiling systems, assemblies, materials, installation practices, and related construction details useful for the drywall portion of CIC preparation.

Test Information and Study Materials

Effective CIC exam preparation should combine construction knowledge with frequent book-navigation practice. Because the examination includes several technical disciplines, begin by learning which reference is most useful for each major content area.

For safety questions, become comfortable using 29 CFR Part 1926. For concrete questions, practice finding information in Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. Masonry questions should lead naturally to Modern Masonry, while drywall subjects may require the Gypsum Construction Handbook. Rough carpentry and framing topics may involve Carpentry and Building Construction or applicable code requirements.

Code navigation deserves its own study time. Learn how definitions, chapters, sections, exceptions, tables, and indexes are organized. A code question may require more than finding a keyword; candidates may need to understand how a general rule, exception, or table applies to a specific situation.

Practice under timed conditions. With 120 minutes for 50 questions, the average available time is limited. During practice sessions, identify the likely reference before opening a book. Then use tabs, indexes, and highlighted sections to locate the information and confirm the answer.

It is also useful to prioritize larger content areas without ignoring smaller ones. Rough carpentry and metal framing, masonry, concrete, and roofing and exterior siding account for a substantial portion of the published exam outline. Windows and doors, drywall, general code requirements, and safety remain important and should be included in a complete study schedule.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor candidates create a more organized approach to Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting preparation. Open-book contractor exams require both subject knowledge and the ability to move efficiently through multiple technical references, so familiarity with the books is an important part of the study process.

This highlighted and tabbed book package provides the listed CIC references already prepared for exam-focused navigation. Instead of beginning with completely unfamiliar books, candidates can start learning how major subjects are organized and where important sections are located.

Trade-focused preparation can then connect construction knowledge to the appropriate reference. Candidates can review carpentry, framing, masonry, concrete, drywall, roofing, safety, and code subjects while repeatedly practicing with the books they are studying.

1 Exam Prep emphasizes organized study guidance, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure. Candidates can develop a repeatable method for answering open-book questions: recognize the subject, choose the appropriate reference, find the relevant section, and verify the information before selecting an answer.

Highlighted material and tabs work best when combined with consistent practice. The more time candidates spend using their references before testing, the more familiar the books become and the easier it is to approach exam questions systematically.

FAQ Section

What is included in the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting Book Package?

The package includes eight listed CIC trade references covering OSHA safety, Virginia and international building codes, carpentry, concrete, masonry, and gypsum construction. The books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. The books are highlighted and tabbed to support organized study and faster reference navigation.

How long does book preparation take?

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders.

Is the Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting exam open book?

Yes. The Virginia CIC examination is open book. Candidates must bring their own permitted references because the testing center does not provide them.

How many questions are on the CIC exam?

The Virginia Commercial Improvement Contracting examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes to complete the test.

What score is required to pass?

The minimum passing score is 70 percent, which corresponds to 35 correct answers on the 50-question examination.

Can books be highlighted for the Virginia CIC exam?

Yes. Permitted reference materials may be highlighted and underlined before the examination. References containing written notes are not allowed.

Can I use tabs in the exam books?

Yes. Permanent tabs are permitted. Removable tabs are not allowed, so candidates should use appropriately prepared permanent indexing tabs.

What subjects are tested on the Commercial Improvement Contracting exam?

The published content outline includes windows and doors, rough carpentry and metal framing, general code requirements, roofing and exterior siding, drywall, concrete, masonry, and safety.

Who must qualify for the CIC specialty?

The contractor business must identify a Qualified Individual for the Commercial Improvement Contracting specialty. The Qualified Individual must meet Virginia's applicable experience requirements and successfully complete the required technical examination.

Does this package include Class A/B business exam books?

No. This package contains the listed Commercial Improvement Contracting technical trade references. Class A and Class B business examination preparation uses separate business and law reference materials.

Does Virginia require pre-license education?

Yes. New Virginia Class A, Class B, and Class C contractor applicants must complete eight hours of approved pre-license education. This requirement is separate from the CIC technical examination.