Becoming a licensed contractor in Virginia isn’t an overly complex process, but there are several requirements you must meet before acquiring your licence. One of these is passing an exam for Class A and B licences after taking the pre-licensing course. And since your main focus is success in your career, you don’t want to spend all your time retaking exams or postponing your examination dates.
So, how can you prepare adequately for your exams to increase your chances of passing on the first attempt? Here are some quick tips:
Understand the Exam’s Structure
You can’t study for your exams effectively if you don’t know what to expect. Luckily, the information is out here, and the best part is that it’s quite straightforward. Your exam will have three portions:
- Virginia-Specific Portion – This portion is mandatory for Class A and B licences, and it tests the applicant’s knowledge of state law, contractor regulations, and building codes. It requires a passing score of 75%.
- General Knowledge – This section is also mandatory for Class A and B licenses, and it covers topics like risk assessment, project management, and financial management. The passing score for this one is 70%.
- Advanced – This section is exclusive to the Class A license, and it includes advanced business and financial concepts.
Bear in mind that the exam is an open book, but you’re required to bring your own reference materials since these aren’t provided during the test. Additionally, you can tab and highlight your references so you won’t struggle to find the information.
Get the Right Material and Start Studying Right Away
Most contractors fall into the trap of thinking that their exam will be a tad easy since it’s open-book; they often only find out the hard way that it’s not. That’s why you should invest in a premium Virginia Contractors License prep course from a top provider like RocketCert. You may not think it’s necessary, but using a prep course will equip you with most, if not all the knowledge you need to pass your exam the first time around.
In addition to giving you a better idea of what to expect in your exam, such courses are often bundled with additional material that enhances your general knowledge of your new career. Besides, the connection you establish with the tutors, who are likely contractors themselves, and your peers will be instrumental in promoting your success.
And when you get all the study material you need, you’ll want to get into action immediately. Procrastination will only push you to cram, and that’s the worst way to go about it when you want to be as comfortable and confident as you can in the exam room.
Prepare Your Open Book References
As mentioned earlier, this will be an open-book exam, meaning you’re allowed to carry some reference material with you. You want to take enough time to familiarise yourself with the resources before exam day. Make sure to highlight and tab your material sufficiently so they are easier to use during the actual exam.
It’s advisable to create a practical schedule that helps you balance the time you use to prepare your reference material with any other tasks or exam preparation processes.
Take Practice Tests
Once you start feeling a little bit more comfortable and confident, it’s time to determine how well you’ve understood the content. The best way to do this is with practice tests. They simulate the real examination environment and help you master skills like time management.
Besides, practice tests are what you need to find out what areas of the various topics need more attention based on the scores you hit. When choosing the prep course provider, make sure they also offer practice tests so you have everything you need to guarantee success in one place.
Prepare for Your Exams Like a Champ With RocketCert
Getting ready for your general contractor exam in Virginia can feel quite daunting, but not when you have the right resources and sufficient passion. All you have to do is engage a worthwhile course provider like RocketCert and make the most of all the resources they offer.
Thanks to their expertly written courses and extensive prep materials, as well as guidance from top-notch tutors, you will have everything you need to reach your goal of becoming a successful contractor.