> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cslid.nascla.memorang.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# West Virginia

> Contractor licensing thresholds, regulator routing, requirements, reciprocity, and license types for West Virginia's multi-board construction regulation model.

West Virginia uses a multi-board model with 5 separate regulatory agencies. Contractor licensing runs through the Contractor Licensing Board, electrical licensing through the State Fire Marshal, HVAC and plumbing certification through the Division of Labor, and highway prequalification through the DOT. All contractors must also register with the State Tax Department.

<Warning>
  Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.
</Warning>

## At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in West Virginia is to know two dollar thresholds and the fact that all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires separate credentials regardless of contract value.

| Signal                           | Value                                                              |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Commercial construction trigger  | **\$25,000** or more (material and labor)                          |
| Residential construction trigger | **\$5,000** or more (material and labor)                           |
| Electrical work                  | All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician    |
| Plumbing work                    | All non-exempt plumbing work requires a certified plumber          |
| HVAC work                        | All non-exempt HVAC work requires a certified technician           |
| Highway prequalification         | Required for DOT projects over **\$200,000**                       |
| Reciprocity model                | Board-specific — Fire Marshal accepts all 50 states for electrical |

## Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="At what contract value does West Virginia require a contractor license?">
        Commercial construction triggers at **\$25,000** or more (including materials and labor). Residential construction triggers at **\$5,000** or more. These are separate thresholds for different work types. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does West Virginia require a license for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work?">
        Yes — and there is no dollar threshold for these trades. All electrical work requires a licensed electrician (through the State Fire Marshal). All non-exempt plumbing and HVAC work requires certification through the Division of Labor. These are required even below the contractor licensing thresholds. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Where do I go to get licensed in West Virginia?">
        West Virginia has 5 agencies: Tax Department (registration for all contractors), Contractor Licensing Board (general contractors), State Fire Marshal (electricians), Division of Labor (HVAC and plumbing), and DOT (highway prequalification). You may need to engage multiple agencies. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How much does it cost to get licensed?">
        General contractor exam fee is **\$59.95**, application and renewal are each **\$90**. Electrician exam is **\$25**, license and renewal are each **\$50**. HVAC technician exam is **\$59.95**, initial and renewal are **\$75**. Plumber exam is **\$59.95**, initial and renewal are **\$75**. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the bonding and insurance requirements?">
        Commercial contractors must post a wage bond equal to four weeks gross payroll at full capacity plus 15% for benefits (unless exempt under section 21-5-14). Nonresident contractors must deposit 6% of the contract price in cash or a corporate surety bond. Public works require a bond equal to the cost of materials and labor. Highway projects require 102% performance bonding. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Can I use my out-of-state license in West Virginia?">
        The State Fire Marshal accepts electrician licenses from all 50 states with a Letter of Good Standing — one of the broadest reciprocity arrangements in the country. The Contractor Licensing Board has reciprocity with Tennessee (building, residential, masonry, multi-family, sprinkler) and North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee (electrical). HVAC has reciprocity with Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee. Plumbing with Ohio and Tennessee. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What must nonresident contractors do?">
        Nonresident contractors must register with the State Tax Commissioner and deposit 6% of the contract price or post a corporate surety bond. This is in addition to any trade-specific licensing requirements. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does West Virginia require a license for roofing work?">
        If the roofing work is part of a commercial project at **\$25,000** or more, a contractor license is required from the Contractor Licensing Board. If residential and over **\$5,000**, a residential contractor license is required. Painting and landscaping are specifically exempt from licensing. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does West Virginia require a license for residential work?">
        Yes. Residential construction at **\$5,000** or more (including materials and labor) requires a contractor license from the Contractor Licensing Board. The same exam and application process applies as for commercial work. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What about highway prequalification?">
        Highway prequalification routes to the DOT Division of Highways. Audited financial statements are required for projects over **\$200,000**. Applications must be submitted 15 days before the bid letting date. All highway projects require 102% performance bonding. Prequalification is valid for 16 months from fiscal year end date. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does West Virginia accept the NASCLA exam?">
        Yes. The Contractor Licensing Board accepts NASCLA Accredited Examination scores for Commercial General Building Contractors and Electrical Contractors (Master/Unlimited Electrician). Exams must have been passed on or after April 1, 2019. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How does West Virginia's licensing model compare to other states?">
        West Virginia's 5-agency model is moderately fragmented. The unique feature is the Fire Marshal's all-50-state electrical reciprocity, which is one of the broadest in the country. The dual-threshold system (**\$25,000** commercial / **\$5,000** residential) with mandatory trade credentials regardless of value creates a layered regulatory structure. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How do West Virginia's thresholds compare to other states?">
        The **\$25,000** commercial threshold matches Tennessee and is lower than Alabama (**\$100,000**) or Mississippi (**\$50,000**). The **\$5,000** residential threshold is lower than most states. The mandatory trade credentials (no dollar threshold for electrical, plumbing, HVAC) add a layer found in many states but not all. For cross-state comparison, see [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What types of construction work are regulated at the state vs. local level?">
        West Virginia regulates at the state level through 5 agencies: Tax Department (universal registration), Contractor Licensing Board (general contractors), Fire Marshal (electricians), Division of Labor (HVAC/plumbing), and DOT (highway). Painting and landscaping are specifically exempt. Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does the Fire Marshal's all-50-state electrical reciprocity work?">
        The Fire Marshal accepts electrician licenses from all 50 states, requiring only a Letter of Good Standing from the issuing agency. The letter must include licensee name, license number, license type, initial issue date, expiration date, how the license was obtained, and disciplinary history. This is structurally unusual — most states have limited state-by-state agreements. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What license classifications does West Virginia use?">
        The Contractor Licensing Board uses letter classifications (A through H) plus numbered specialties. The Fire Marshal issues Master, Journeyman, and Specialty electrician licenses. The Division of Labor certifies HVAC Technicians (full, residential, and in-training) and Plumbers (master, journeyman, and in-training). See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does reciprocity work across West Virginia's agencies?">
        Each agency manages its own reciprocity. The Fire Marshal's all-50-state arrangement is the headline. The Contractor Licensing Board has targeted agreements with Tennessee (7 classifications), North Carolina and Ohio (electrical only). The Division of Labor has HVAC reciprocity with Alabama, Ohio, and Tennessee, and plumbing with Ohio and Tennessee. NASCLA exam scores are also accepted. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What exam requirements exist across the agencies?">
        General contractors take an open-book business and law exam (70% minimum). Electricians take an NEC-based open-book exam (70% minimum, 4-hour limit). HVAC technicians and plumbers take exams at 70% minimum. The Contractor Licensing Board also accepts NASCLA and national exam scores from ICC, ProV, and PSI Services. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the renewal cycles across agencies?">
        General contractor licenses renew annually (one year from date of issuance). Electrician licenses renew annually. HVAC and plumbing certifications renew annually. Highway prequalification is valid for 16 months from fiscal year end date. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does West Virginia compare to other Appalachian/Southern states?">
        West Virginia's 5-agency model is more fragmented than Tennessee (primarily single board) but less so than Alabama (8 boards). The Fire Marshal's all-50-state electrical reciprocity is a standout feature. The mandatory trade credentials regardless of dollar value align with states like Virginia. See the [South region guide](/docs/jurisdictions/regions/south).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What is the nonresident contractor registration structure?">
        All nonresident contractors must register with the Tax Commissioner and deposit 6% of the contract price or post a corporate surety bond. This is a tax-based requirement separate from trade licensing. It applies regardless of whether the contractor needs a trade license. The wage bond requirement (four weeks gross payroll plus 15%) also applies to all contractors.
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Start with your goal

Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Is licensure triggered?" icon="search" href="#construction-work-regulated">
    Check dollar thresholds and trade requirements to see if a license is needed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Find the right regulator" icon="building" href="#who-regulates-construction">
    Use the directory to route your question to the correct West Virginia agency.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Application and renewal details" icon="clipboard-list" href="#requirements">
    Exams, fees, bonds, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each trade.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reciprocity direction" icon="arrow-left-right" href="#reciprocal-agreements">
    Fire Marshal accepts all 50 states for electrical. Other boards have specific agreements.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Special considerations

Different roles need different things from a West Virginia page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <Tip>
      Start with your contract value and work type. Commercial at **\$25,000** and residential at **\$5,000** trigger contractor licensing. Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) requires separate credentials at any dollar amount.
    </Tip>

    * Commercial threshold: **\$25,000** or more including materials and labor.
    * Residential threshold: **\$5,000** or more including materials and labor.
    * All contractors must pass an open-book business and law exam (70% minimum).
    * Nonresident contractors must register with the Tax Commissioner and deposit 6% of contract price or post a surety bond.
    * Commercial contractors must post a wage bond equal to four weeks gross payroll plus 15% for benefits (unless exempt under section 21-5-14).
    * Painting and landscaping do not require a license.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <Info>
      West Virginia is best understood as a multi-board state with 5 agencies. The Fire Marshal handles individual electrician licensing and accepts all 50 states through reciprocity. The Contractor Licensing Board handles contractor classifications and accepts NASCLA exam scores.
    </Info>

    * Five agencies share regulation: Tax Department (registration), DOT (highway), Contractor Licensing Board, Fire Marshal (electrical), and Division of Labor (HVAC/plumbing).
    * The Fire Marshal's all-50-state electrical reciprocity is unusual and worth noting in comparisons.
    * NASCLA accredited exam scores are accepted for commercial general building and electrical contractor classifications.
    * Separate dollar thresholds (contractor licensing) from trade mandates (electrical, plumbing, HVAC apply regardless of value).
    * The Fire Marshal's all-50-state electrical reciprocity is structurally different from most states.
    * Highway prequalification requires audited financials for projects over **\$200,000** and 102% performance bonding.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Readiness checklist

Four things you need to confirm before you can treat West Virginia as "ready" for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Classify the project lane" icon="tag">
    Determine whether the work is commercial, residential, highway, or a regulated trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). Trade credentials are required even below the dollar thresholds.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply the right threshold test" icon="receipt">
    Commercial: `$25,000` or more. Residential: `$5,000` or more. Highway: prequalification for projects over `$200,000`. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC: no dollar threshold — always required.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Route to the correct agency" icon="building">
    Use the regulator directory below. Contractor Licensing Board, Fire Marshal, and Division of Labor each own different lanes. All contractors must also register with the Tax Department.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the requirement set" icon="clipboard-check">
    Confirm exams, experience, fees, bonds, insurance, wage bond obligations, renewal cycle, and reciprocity rules for each applicable agency before filing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  If you can identify lane, threshold, agency, and requirement set — including any trade overlaps — you have the minimum package needed for a West Virginia readiness check.
</Check>

## Navigation

Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

* [New state evaluation](/docs/workflows/new-state-evaluation) if you are screening West Virginia for the first time.
* [Multi-state bid readiness](/docs/workflows/multi-state-bid-readiness) if you need to compare West Virginia with nearby jurisdictions.
* [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds) or [prequalification patterns](/docs/compare/prequalification) for cross-state context.

## Construction work regulated

West Virginia triggers contractor licensing based on contract value for commercial and residential work. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work require separate credentials regardless of dollar amount.

| Work lane                | What triggers regulation                                      |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Commercial construction  | **\$25,000** or more including material and labor             |
| Residential construction | **\$5,000** or more including material and labor              |
| Electrical work          | All electrical work — no dollar threshold                     |
| Plumbing work            | All non-exempt plumbing work — no dollar threshold            |
| HVAC work                | All non-exempt HVAC work — no dollar threshold                |
| Highway work             | DOT prequalification required for projects over **\$200,000** |

<Note>
  Painting and landscaping do not require a state license. Trade credentials (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) may be required in addition to the contractor license when work overlaps.
</Note>

## Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Commercial project at or above $25,000" icon="building">
    Route to the Contractor Licensing Board. Pass the business and law exam (70% minimum). If the project includes electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, those trades require separate credentials from the Fire Marshal or Division of Labor.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Residential project at or above $5,000" icon="house">
    Route to the Contractor Licensing Board. The same exam and application process applies as for commercial work. Check whether trade overlaps require additional credentials.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electrical work at any value" icon="bolt">
    Route to the State Fire Marshal's Office. Pass the NEC-based exam (70% minimum). Master requires 4,000 hours; journeyman requires 2,000 hours. The Fire Marshal accepts reciprocity from all 50 states with a Letter of Good Standing.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="HVAC or plumbing work" icon="tool">
    Route to the Division of Labor. HVAC technicians need 2,000 hours of experience. Plumbers follow a journeyman-then-master progression with exams at 70% minimum.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Highway prequalification" icon="road">
    Route to DOT Division of Highways. Submit experience records and audited financial statements for projects over **\$200,000**. Applications must be submitted 15 days before the bid letting date. All highway projects require 102% performance bonding.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Who regulates construction

West Virginia splits construction regulation across 5 agencies. All contractors must register with the Tax Department in addition to obtaining board-specific licenses. Use this directory to find the agency that owns the lane you need.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="All contractors — State Tax Department (registration)" icon="building">
    Office of Business Registration, 1001 Lee Street East, Charleston, WV 25301

    **Phone:** (304) 558-3333 or (800) 982-8297

    **Website:** [tax.wv.gov](https://tax.wv.gov/)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="General contractors — Contractor Licensing Board" icon="building">
    1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, State Capitol Complex, Building 3, Room 200, Charleston, WV 25305

    **Phone:** (304) 558-7890 | **Fax:** (304) 558-5174

    **Website:** [wvclboard.wv.gov](https://wvclboard.wv.gov/)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electricians — State Fire Marshal, Regulatory & Licensing Division" icon="bolt">
    1700 MacCorkle Ave SE, 4th Floor North, Charleston, WV 25314

    **Phone:** (304) 558-2191 | **Fax:** (304) 558-2537

    **Website:** [firemarshal.wv.gov](https://firemarshal.wv.gov/)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="HVAC and plumbing — Division of Labor" icon="tool">
    1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, State Capitol Complex, Building 3, Room 200, Charleston, WV 25305

    **Phone:** (304) 558-7890 | **Fax:** (304) 558-2273

    **Website:** [labor.wv.gov](https://labor.wv.gov/)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Highway prequalification — DOT Division of Highways" icon="road">
    1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, State Capitol Complex, Building 5, Room 840, Charleston, WV 25305

    **Phone:** (304) 558-3304 | **Fax:** (304) 558-2815

    **Email:** [DOHContractorPrequalification@wv.gov](mailto:DOHContractorPrequalification@wv.gov)

    **Website:** [transportation.wv.gov/highways/contractadmin/prequalifications](https://transportation.wv.gov/highways/contractadmin/prequalifications/Pages/)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Requirements

Each West Virginia agency has its own exam standards, experience rules, fees, and renewal cycles. Expand the trade that applies to your situation. Fee tables are included in each section.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General Contractors" icon="building" defaultOpen={true}>
    | Requirement         | Detail                                                                                                                |
    | ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                | Open-book business and law exam; additional trade exams may be required depending on scope of work; 70% minimum score |
    | Documentation       | Proof of tax registration, unemployment compensation coverage, and workers' compensation coverage                     |
    | Wage bond           | Equal to four weeks gross payroll at full capacity plus 15% for benefits (unless exempt under section 21-5-14)        |
    | Nonresident deposit | 6% of contract price in cash or corporate surety bond, plus registration with State Tax Commissioner                  |
    | Public works bond   | Equal to the cost of materials and labor (non-highway)                                                                |
    | Renewal cycle       | Annual (one year from date of issuance)                                                                               |

    | Exam Fee    | Application Fee | Renewal Fee |
    | ----------- | --------------- | ----------- |
    | **\$59.95** | **\$90**        | **\$90**    |

    <Note>
      Contractor exams are administered by ProV, Inc. at (866) 720-7768 or [provexam.com](http://www.provexam.com/).
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Electricians (Fire Marshal)" icon="bolt">
    | Requirement           | Detail                                                                                          |
    | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                  | Open-book exam based on the 2020 National Electrical Code; 70% minimum score; 4-hour time limit |
    | Master experience     | At least 2 years or 4,000 hours of hands-on electrical work                                     |
    | Journeyman experience | At least 1 year or 2,000 hours of hands-on electrical work                                      |
    | Specialty experience  | 1 year or 2,000 hours in the specialty area                                                     |
    | Work type             | All work must consist of above-ground structural wiring per the NEC                             |

    | Classification                                                       | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
    | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ----------- | ----------- |
    | Master                                                               | **\$25** | **\$50**    | **\$50**    |
    | Journeyman                                                           | **\$25** | **\$50**    | **\$50**    |
    | Specialty (Electric Sign, HVAC, Low Voltage, Single-Family Dwelling) | **\$25** | **\$50**    | **\$50**    |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="HVAC Technicians (Division of Labor)" icon="temperature">
    | Requirement                 | Detail                                                                                                    |
    | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | HVAC Technician             | 2,000 hours of HVAC experience, training, and/or work; exam required                                      |
    | HVAC Residential Technician | Certified to work on residential systems; may perform limited non-residential work per commissioner rules |
    | HVAC Technician in Training | Less than 2,000 hours; no exam required                                                                   |

    | Certification Type          | Exam Fee    | Initial & Renewal Fee |
    | --------------------------- | ----------- | --------------------- |
    | HVAC Technician             | **\$59.95** | **\$75**              |
    | HVAC Residential Technician | **\$59.95** | **\$60**              |
    | HVAC Technician in Training | N/A         | **\$25**              |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plumbers (Division of Labor)" icon="tool">
    | Requirement         | Detail                                                                                           |
    | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
    | Master exam         | Written exam with 70% minimum; may not be taken until one year after passing the journeyman exam |
    | Journeyman exam     | Written exam with 70% minimum; competent to instruct and supervise plumber in training           |
    | Plumber in training | No exam required                                                                                 |

    | License Type        | Exam Fee    | Initial & Renewal Fee |
    | ------------------- | ----------- | --------------------- |
    | Master Plumber      | **\$59.95** | **\$75**              |
    | Journeyman          | **\$59.95** | **\$75**              |
    | Plumber in Training | N/A         | **\$25**              |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Highway Prequalification" icon="road">
    | Requirement          | Detail                                                                |
    | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Financial statements | Audited financial statements required for projects over **\$200,000** |
    | Bid limits           | Based on a formula applied to financial statements                    |
    | Application deadline | 15 days before bid letting date                                       |
    | Processing time      | Approximately two weeks                                               |
    | Performance bond     | 102% for all highway projects                                         |
    | Validity             | 16 months from fiscal year end date                                   |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Reciprocal agreements

West Virginia has an unusual reciprocity structure. The State Fire Marshal's Office recognizes electrician licenses from all 50 states, making it one of the broadest reciprocity arrangements in the country. Other boards have more targeted state-by-state agreements, primarily with Tennessee and Ohio.

<Info>
  The Fire Marshal's all-50-state electrical reciprocity is the headline. For all other boards, check the specific classification and state before assuming reciprocity applies.
</Info>

| Board / Classification                                                                       | Reciprocal recognition                     | Coverage                               |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------- |
| Fire Marshal (individual electrician licenses)                                               | All 50 states with Letter of Good Standing | <Badge color="green">50 states</Badge> |
| Contractor Licensing Board (general building, residential, masonry, multi-family, sprinkler) | Tennessee                                  | <Badge color="green">1 state</Badge>   |
| Contractor Licensing Board (electrical contractor)                                           | North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee            | <Badge color="green">3 states</Badge>  |
| Division of Labor (HVAC)                                                                     | Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee                   | <Badge color="green">3 states</Badge>  |
| Division of Labor (Plumbing)                                                                 | Ohio, Tennessee                            | <Badge color="green">2 states</Badge>  |
| Contractor Licensing Board (Manufactured Home Installation)                                  | Ohio, plus HUD Installer License holders   | <Badge color="yellow">Limited</Badge>  |

<Accordion title="Fire Marshal reciprocity requirements" icon="arrow-left-right">
  Applicants must submit a Letter of Good Standing from the issuing agency or licensing board, including: licensee name, license number, license type, initial issue date, expiration date, how the license was obtained (exam, reciprocity, grandfathering, etc.), and whether any disciplinary action has been taken. A copy of the out-of-state license must also be submitted.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="NASCLA and national exam acceptance" icon="arrow-left-right">
  The Contractor Licensing Board accepts:

  * NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors (PSI Services)
  * NASCLA Accredited Trade Examination for Electrical Contractors (Master/Unlimited Electrician)
  * HUD Installer Licenses in lieu of the Manufactured Home Installation exam (WV Business & Law exam still required)
  * Exam scores from accredited national testing organizations (ICC, ProV, PSI Services)

  Exams must have been passed on or after April 1, 2019.
</Accordion>

## Types of licenses

West Virginia offers contractor classifications through the Licensing Board and individual trade credentials through the Fire Marshal and Division of Labor. Use these lists when you need to confirm the exact classification code for an application.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Contractor Licensing Board" icon="building">
    * A: Electrical
    * B: General Building
    * C: General Engineering
    * D: Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling
    * E: Multi-Family
    * F: Piping
    * G: Plumbing
    * H: Residential
    * 002: Excavation
    * 004: Masonry
    * 005: Remodeling & Repair
    * 007: Concrete
    * 011: Structural Steel Erection
    * 013: Manufactured Home Installation (HUD Certified Homes Only)
    * 014: Sprinkler & Fire Protection
    * 021: Utilities (Sewer & Water)
    * 999: Specialty
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Fire Marshal (Electrical)" icon="bolt">
    * Master Electrician
    * Journeyman Electrician
    * Specialty Electrician (Electric Sign, HVAC, Low Voltage, Single-Family Dwelling)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Division of Labor" icon="tool">
    * HVAC Technician
    * HVAC Residential Technician
    * HVAC Technician in Training
    * Master Plumber
    * Journeyman Plumber
    * Plumber in Training
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## See also

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="South region guide" icon="map" href="/docs/jurisdictions/regions/south">
    Browse all South jurisdictions for comparison.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contractors guide" icon="hard-hat" href="/docs/personas/contractor">
    Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regulators guide" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/personas/regulatory-staff">
    Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**Neighboring jurisdictions with reciprocity ties:**

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Tennessee" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/tennessee">
    Reciprocity across 7 contractor classifications, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ohio" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/ohio">
    Reciprocity for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and manufactured home installation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Alabama" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/alabama">
    HVAC classification reciprocity with West Virginia.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>