West Virginia Contractor License Exam

The Testing Vendor: Prov Inc.

Since September 2024, Prov Inc. has been the exclusive examination vendor for the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board and the Division of Labor. All exam registration, scheduling, and administration goes through Prov — the Board itself doesn't handle testing logistics.

You register for exams online at provexam.com or by phone at 866-720-7768. Each exam segment costs $59.95, regardless of whether it's your first attempt or a retake.

What Exams You Need

Every contractor license applicant needs to pass two exams:

1. West Virginia Contractor Licensing Act (Business and Law) — this one is universal across all contractor classifications. It covers the state's contracting statutes, lien laws, mandatory written contract rules, licensing thresholds, and penalties for unlicensed work.

2. Trade-specific exam — this varies by your license classification. General Building (Class B) applicants take the General Building exam. Residential (Class B-2) applicants take the Residential exam. Specialty subcontractors take the exam for their specific trade.

Commercial general contractor applicants have one alternative path: passing the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors satisfies the trade exam requirement. You still need the West Virginia Business and Law exam either way.

Format and Testing Options

Both exams are open-book and delivered on a computer. You have two options for where to take them:

Physical testing centers — Prov operates testing locations throughout the region. You'll sit at a computer station under standard proctoring conditions.

Examroom remote proctoring — Prov's online platform lets you take the exam from home or your office. You'll need a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a quiet room that meets their environmental requirements.

The passing score is 70% for most contractor classifications. You'll receive your score report immediately after completing the exam.

Reference Books and the Open-Book Format

The open-book format means you can bring reference materials into the exam — but only the specific editions listed in Prov's current Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB). Using an outdated edition or an unauthorized reference can result in a failed attempt.

Before scheduling your exam, download the current CIB from Prov's website. It lists the exact titles, editions, and publishers allowed for each exam segment. The reference list changes periodically, so check even if you've seen a previous version.

For electrical licensing exams specifically, the State Fire Marshal updated the reference standard effective January 1, 2026 — all electrical exams now use the 2023 edition of the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.

What Happens After You Pass

Passing both exams doesn't automatically issue your license. You still need to compile your full application packet — notarized application form, $90 fee, score reports, proof of business registration, insurance certificates, and wage bond documentation — and mail it to the Contractor Licensing Board in Charleston.

The qualifying party who sat for the exams must be named on the application as an officer, member, partner, owner, or full-time employee of the business entity applying for the license.

Out-of-State Applicants and Exam Waivers

If you hold an active contractor license from another state, the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025 (Senate Bill 458) may let you skip the trade exam. To qualify, you need to have held your out-of-state license in good standing for at least one year. The Board can still require you to pass the West Virginia Business and Law exam covering state-specific regulations.

For detailed guidance on navigating the full licensing process — from exam scheduling through application submission — the West Virginia General Contractor License Guide has you covered.

See more West Virginia guides →