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100+ Free VA HIC QI Practice Questions

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Key Facts: VA HIC QI Exam

USD 85

PSI QI Specialty Fee

DPOR Board for Contractors / PSI Specialty CIB

Open Book

Book Policy

PSI Specialty CIB

HIC

Official Specialty Abbreviation

18VAC50-22-30

QI exam required

Technical Examination

DPOR A501-27EXINFO 09/01/2025

Virginia Home Improvement Contracting QI Examination is the official DPOR/PSI specialty exam for the HIC specialty (18VAC50-22-30). PSI fee is USD 85. Official item count is on the PSI specialty outline.

Sample VA HIC QI Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your VA HIC QI exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 18VAC50-22-30, home improvement contracting (HIC) is the service that provides for which of the following?
A.New construction of any detached single-family house on a vacant lot
B.Repairs or improvements to dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC, or structures annexed to those dwellings or townhouses
C.Repair or improvement of any commercial, industrial, or institutional building
D.Installation of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas-fitting systems in dwellings
Explanation: 18VAC50-22-30 defines HIC as repairs or improvements to dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC, or structures annexed to those dwellings or townhouses. The RBC classification also provides this function. HIC is a residential improvement specialty, not a license to build a new house or to perform the trade classifications.
2Which functions does the Virginia HIC specialty expressly not provide?
A.Drywall, finish carpentry, and interior painting
B.Roof covering repairs and masonry tuckpointing on a townhouse
C.Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas-fitting functions
D.Installation of windows, flooring, and weather stripping on an existing dwelling
Explanation: 18VAC50-22-30 states that the HIC specialty does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas-fitting functions. Those services require the ELE, PLB, HVA, or gas-fitting classification or specialty, plus the matching tradesman credential where required. HIC may still perform many finish and envelope repairs that the Board lists as also provided by HIC, such as drywall, painting, roofing, flooring, and glass and glazing.
3A client wants a contractor to build a new detached single-family house on a vacant lot. Which Virginia classification or specialty authorizes that new-house construction?
A.Home improvement contracting (HIC)
B.Commercial improvement contracting (CIC)
C.Residential building contractors (RBC)
D.Painting and wallcovering contracting (PTC)
Explanation: 18VAC50-22-20 defines RBC as construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal, or demolition of dwellings and townhouses, including accessory buildings or structures on that property. HIC is limited to repairs or improvements to existing dwellings and townhouses and does not include new construction functions beyond the existing building except decks, patios, driveways, and permit-exempt utility out buildings. A vacant-lot house is new dwelling construction, so it is RBC work, not HIC.
4An HIC contractor is asked to remodel the kitchen of an existing one-family dwelling, including cabinets, drywall, flooring, and paint, with no electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work in the contract. Is that work within HIC?
A.No, because any kitchen remodel requires the RBC classification
B.Yes, because it is a repair or improvement to an existing dwelling and the excluded trades are not included
C.No, because finish carpentry and flooring are never HIC functions
D.Yes, but only if the contractor also holds the ELE and PLB classifications
Explanation: Remodeling an existing dwelling is the core HIC service in 18VAC50-22-30. Finish carpentry, drywall, flooring, and painting are specialty functions that HIC also provides. The job stays inside HIC only if the contract does not include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas-fitting work, which HIC cannot perform.
5Which other Virginia Board for Contractors classification also provides the HIC function on dwellings and townhouses?
A.Commercial building contractors (CBC)
B.Commercial improvement contracting (CIC)
C.Residential building contractors (RBC)
D.Highway/heavy contractors (H/H)
Explanation: 18VAC50-22-30 states that the RBC classification also provides the HIC function. 18VAC50-22-20 likewise lists home improvement contracting among the specialty functions included in RBC for dwellings and townhouses. CBC and CIC are commercial vehicles and do not authorize dwelling and townhouse work.
6A contractor with only the HIC specialty is asked to renovate an existing retail store that is not a dwelling or townhouse. Which statement is correct?
A.HIC covers the store because any existing building may be improved under HIC
B.The work is commercial improvement contracting (CIC), which CBC also provides, not HIC
C.HIC covers the store if the contract is under the Class C dollar limit
D.HIC covers the store if no new square footage is added
Explanation: HIC is limited to dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC, or structures annexed to those dwellings or townhouses. CIC is the specialty for repair or improvement of structures that are not dwellings and townhouses, and CBC also provides that function. License class (A, B, or C) sets monetary limits; it does not expand HIC onto a commercial occupancy.
7A homeowner wants a new one-story detached storage shed with a 16-foot by 20-foot building area (320 square feet) and no Group F-1 or H occupancy. Under HIC and the USBC, which statement is correct?
A.HIC may build the shed because all residential sheds are utility out buildings within HIC
B.HIC may build the shed only if the owner pulls the building permit
C.The shed exceeds the USBC 256-square-foot one-story detached accessory exemption, so it is new construction that requires a permit and is outside HIC's limited new-work exception
D.No permit is required for any detached shed in Virginia, so the shed is automatically within HIC
Explanation: USBC Section 108.2 exempts one-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses only when the building area does not exceed 256 square feet and the structure is not Group F-1 or H. A 16-by-20 shed is 320 square feet, so a building permit is required. HIC's only new-construction exception for utility out buildings is those that do not require a permit per the USBC. A permit-required new shed is beyond HIC.
8Which new detached structure is within the HIC new-construction exception for utility out buildings?
A.A 10-foot by 12-foot one-story detached tool shed (120 square feet) that is not Group F-1 or H
B.A 24-foot by 24-foot detached garage that will require a building permit
C.A new two-story playhouse with 200 square feet per floor
D.A 300-square-foot one-story storage building
Explanation: HIC may perform new construction beyond the existing building only for decks, patios, driveways, and utility out buildings that do not require a permit per the USBC. A one-story detached tool shed of 120 square feet that is not Group F-1 or H falls under the USBC 108.2 accessory-structure exemption (building area not more than 256 square feet). The other options are either two-story, larger than 256 square feet, or otherwise permit-required new buildings.
9Which new outdoor structure attached to an existing dwelling may an HIC contractor build even though it is new construction beyond the existing building?
A.A new detached single-family house on the same lot
B.A new in-ground swimming pool, because pools are always home improvement
C.A new deck or patio serving the existing dwelling
D.A new two-story detached garage with living space above
Explanation: 18VAC50-22-30 allows HIC new construction beyond the existing building structure only for decks, patios, driveways, and utility out buildings that do not require a permit. A new deck or patio is expressly listed. A new house, a swimming-pool specialty (POL), and a permit-required two-story garage are outside that list.
10A homeowner wants a 12-foot by 16-foot family-room addition framed onto an existing dwelling, with no electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas in the HIC contract. How should the HIC qualified individual treat the project?
A.As prohibited new-house construction, because any added floor area requires RBC
B.As an improvement to the existing dwelling structure, which is within HIC if the excluded trades are not performed
C.As CIC work, because any addition is treated as a new commercial building
D.As allowed only if the addition is built as a detached structure more than 256 square feet
Explanation: HIC covers repairs or improvements to existing dwellings and townhouses. An attached addition is an improvement of the existing building structure, not new construction of a separate house. The regulation bars new construction functions beyond the existing building other than decks, patios, driveways, and permit-exempt out buildings; it does not bar improving the dwelling itself. ELE/PLB/HVA/gas still cannot be in the HIC scope.

About the VA HIC QI Exam

The Virginia Home Improvement Contracting Qualified Individual Examination is the official PSI technical examination for the HIC specialty. 18VAC50-22-30 defines HIC as repairs or improvements to dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC. HIC does not include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting, and does not include new construction beyond the existing building other than decks, patios, driveways, and unpermitted utility out buildings. The PSI specialty examination fee is USD 85. The examination is open book. Official scored item count, time, and passing score appear on the PSI specialty content outline. This bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation. It does not replace required trade experience, pre-license education, board approval, or the official examination.

Assessment

Computer-based open-book multiple-choice Qualified Individual examination for the HIC specialty. Official 18VAC50-22-30 scope: repairs or improvements to dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC, or structures annexed to them. HIC does not provide electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting and does not include new construction beyond the existing building other than decks, patios, driveways, and utility out buildings that do not require a USBC permit.

Time Limit

120 minutes

Passing Score

70% (35 of 50 correct)

Exam Fee

USD 85 (PSI Services (for the Virginia Board for Contractors / DPOR))

VA HIC QI Exam Content Outline

study

HIC Scope

Official HIC limits versus RBC and CIC, including new-construction exclusions

study

Carpentry and Decks

Repair carpentry, decks, patios, and permitted accessory work

study

Finishes

Drywall, paint, flooring, and interior improvement

study

Envelope Repairs

Roofing, windows, doors, and weatherization repairs

study

Concrete and Masonry

Driveways, patios, and masonry repairs within HIC

study

Jobsite Safety

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 practices for residential remodel work

How to Pass the VA HIC QI Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (35 of 50 correct)
  • Assessment: Computer-based open-book multiple-choice Qualified Individual examination for the HIC specialty. Official 18VAC50-22-30 scope: repairs or improvements to dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC, or structures annexed to them. HIC does not provide electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting and does not include new construction beyond the existing building other than decks, patios, driveways, and utility out buildings that do not require a USBC permit.
  • Time limit: 120 minutes
  • Exam fee: USD 85

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

VA HIC QI Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the official 18VAC50-22-30 HIC specialty definition and its exclusions
2Use the PSI specialty content outline and listed references, including the Virginia USBC
3Permanent tabs are allowed in listed code books; study guides are not permitted in the PSI center
4This bank is an English-language MCQ study aid, not an official PSI form

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Virginia HIC Qualified Individual exam?

The DPOR-approved PSI specialty content outline lists 50 scored questions, 120 minutes, and a minimum passing score of 70% (35 of 50 correct). PSI may also administer 5 to 10 unscored experimental items. Those numbers are published on the individual specialty content outline linked from the Contractor Specialty Examination CIB, not in the main bulletin.

How much does the Virginia HIC QI exam cost?

PSI charges USD 85 for a Qualified Individual specialty examination (DPOR Board for Contractors page and PSI Specialty CIB).

What work does a Virginia HIC specialty cover?

18VAC50-22-30 defines home improvement contracting as repairs or improvements to dwellings and townhouses as defined in the USBC. HIC does not include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting, and does not include new construction beyond the existing building other than decks, patios, driveways, and utility out buildings that do not require a USBC permit.

Is this practice bank the official PSI exam?

No. This is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation. It is not an official translation, format simulation, or substitute for the PSI examination or required field experience.