To prepare for the PSI exam for a Sign and Billboard Contractor license in Virginia, you’ll need to focus on the specific requirements and study materials outlined by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and PSI. Below is a detailed guide to help you find the right resources and prepare effectively:
Exam Overview
- Exam Administrator: PSI Services LLC (psiexams.com) is the designated test administrator for Virginia contractor licenses.
- Exam Details (based on available information):
- The Billboard/Sign Contracting specialty exam is 30 questions, multiple-choice, open-book, with a 75-minute time limit.
- A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.
- Key subject areas include:
- Billboard/Sign Materials
- Billboard/Sign Erection
- Safety
- Pre-Approval Requirement: Since March 1, 2016, you must obtain pre-approval from the DPOR Board for Contractors before registering for the specialty exam. Contact DPOR at (804) 367-8511 or submit a License Application and Experience Verification Form to initiate this process.
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- Mandatory Pre-License Course: All new contractors must complete an 8-hour Pre-License Business and Law course approved by DPOR before applying for licensure. This course is separate from the technical exam prep and can be taken online or in-person.
Recommended Study Materials
The PSI exam for the Billboard/Sign Contracting specialty is open-book, meaning you can bring approved reference materials into the exam. While the exact reference books for this specialty are not explicitly listed in the provided search results, the following resources are commonly recommended for Virginia contractor specialty exams and can be verified through PSI’s Candidate Information Bulletin or the PSI Online Store:
- Primary Reference Materials:
- NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Virginia, 9th Edition:
- This is a key resource for the business and law portion of contractor exams and may cover general contracting principles relevant to the specialty exam. It’s widely used for Class A/B exams and could provide foundational knowledge for specialty licenses.
- Available at: PSI Online Store (psionlinestore.com) or other retailers like Contractor Training Center.
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), 2018 Edition:
- The USBC is often referenced for contractor exams, particularly for construction-related specialties like sign and billboard contracting. Chapter 1 may be especially relevant.
- Available at: PSI Online Store or through the Virginia DPOR website.
- Specialty-Specific Materials:
- For Billboard/Sign Contracting, you’ll need references that cover materials, erection techniques, and safety standards specific to signs and billboards. Since the exact books for this specialty aren’t listed in the search results, check the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for Billboard/Sign Contracting (available at candidate.psiexams.com under “VA Contractors” and “VA Contractor Specialty Exams”). This bulletin lists the approved references allowed in the exam room.
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- Potential references (based on similar specialties):
- International Building Code (IBC), 2015 or 2018 Edition: May include standards for sign structures.
- OSHA Safety Standards (29 CFR 1926): Covers construction safety, including rigging and erection safety for signs.
- These can be purchased from the PSI Online Store or other construction education providers.
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- Additional Suggested References:
- Carpentry and Building Construction (often used for residential and commercial contractor exams): This may include relevant sections on structural components and materials applicable to sign installation.
- Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, 3rd Edition (Steel Deck Institute): Could be relevant for understanding structural components of large signs or billboards.
Study Resources and Courses
To prepare effectively, consider a combination of self-study materials and structured exam prep courses. Here are some options:
- PSI Learning Academy (psilearningacademy.com):
- Offers online practice exams and prep courses tailored to Virginia contractor exams.
- Specific practice exams for specialty licenses, including commercial and residential contracting, may align with billboard/sign content.
- Pricing: Practice exams range from $19.95 (residential) to $24.95 (commercial).
- Access: Purchase at psilearningacademy.com for instant access to prep materials.
- Contractor Training Center (contractortrainingcenter.com):
- Provides exam prep courses for Virginia contractor licenses, including specialty exams.
- Offers online and live-streamed webinars, practice tests, and pre-tabbed/highlighted book bundles.
- Cost: Varies (e.g., Class A/B prep with materials ~$438, specialty courses may be less). Contact them at (804) 556-5518 or support@contractortrainingcenter.com for billboard/sign-specific courses.
- Includes access to an exam simulator mirroring PSI’s format and no-pass, no-pay guarantees.
- Contractor Exam Preparation (contractorexampreparation.com):
- Offers a one-day prep course for Virginia contractor exams in Fairfax and Henrico Counties, with a near-100% pass rate.
- Provides highlighted reference materials and loaner books for some classes, minimizing additional costs.
- Guarantees passing the exam on the first attempt. Contact them for availability of billboard/sign-specific prep.
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- Locations: Tysons Corner, VA, and Glen Allen, VA.
- RocketCert (rocketcert.com):
- Offers online exam prep for Virginia contractor licenses, including specialty exams like Commercial Building, which may overlap with billboard/sign content.
- Includes practice tests, study guides, and the 8-hour Pre-License course ($89).
- Contact PSI at (855) 340-3910 for exam scheduling after prep.
- AVAC Education (avaceducation.com):
- Provides pre-highlighted and tabbed NASCLA and USBC books, along with in-person 8-hour Pre-License classes.
- Teaches strategies for navigating open-book exams. Contact them to confirm billboard/sign-specific materials.
- American Contractors Exam Services (examprep.org):
- Offers online courses, webinars, and a bookstore with thousands of contractor exam books.
- Provides highlighted reference materials and practice tests for Virginia specialty exams.
- Contact: (800) 992-1910 or visit examprep.org for billboard/sign resources.
- Upstryve Inc. (Amazon or upstryve.com):
- Sells the “2023 Virginia PSI Business and Law Class A or B Contractor Exam Prep” book with practice exams ($29–$40 on Amazon).
- Offers online prep courses with 1-on-1 tutoring, highlighting/tab guides, and a year of access.
- Focuses on business/law but may have specialty exam resources.
- My Contractors License (mycontractorslicense.com):
- Provides one-time practice exams for Virginia specialty licenses, including Residential Building Contractor, which may share content with billboard/sign exams.
- Cost: ~$19.95 per practice exam.
Additional Tips for Preparation
- Obtain the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin: Download the specific bulletin for the Billboard/Sign Contracting exam from candidate.psiexams.com (select “VA Contractors” > “VA Contractor Specialty Exams”). This lists the exact reference materials, exam content outline, and testing policies.
- Purchase Pre-Tabbed/Highlighted Books: Many providers (e.g., Contractor Training Center, AVAC) offer pre-tabbed and highlighted books to save time during the open-book exam. This is critical for quick reference under time constraints.
- Practice Time Management: The exam’s 75-minute limit means you have about 2.5 minutes per question. Practice navigating your reference materials quickly using practice exams from PSI or prep providers.
- Schedule the Exam Early: After DPOR approval, register with PSI at (800) 733-9267 or online at candidate.psiexams.com. PSI has testing centers across Virginia, and scheduling early ensures your preferred date.
- Complete the 8-Hour Pre-License Course: Enroll in a DPOR-approved course through providers like RocketCert, Contractor Training Center, or AVAC. Ensure the same person taking the course takes the exam, as required by DPOR.
- Check for Updates: Virginia does not currently require continuing education for this license, but regulations can change. Verify with DPOR at dpor.virginia.gov or (804) 367-8511.
Where to Purchase Materials
- PSI Online Store (psionlinestore.com): The official source for all PSI-referenced exam books and practice tests.
- Contractor Training Center (contractortrainingcenter.com): Sells book bundles, tabs, and practice tests.
- Amazon: Search for “Virginia PSI Contractor Exam Prep” or specific titles like the NASCLA Guide or USBC.
- Local Bookstores or Construction Associations: Check for NASCLA or ICC publications at specialty retailers.
Next Steps
- Contact DPOR: Call (804) 367-8511 or visit dpor.virginia.gov to confirm pre-approval requirements and submit your application.
- Download the PSI Bulletin: Visit candidate.psiexams.com to get the Billboard/Sign Contracting exam’s specific reference list and content outline.
- Enroll in a Prep Course: Choose a provider like Contractor Training Center or RocketCert for structured prep, especially if you’re new to open-book exams.
- Purchase References: Order the NASCLA Guide, USBC, and any specialty-specific books from the PSI Online Store or other providers.
- Practice: Use PSI’s practice exams or provider simulators to familiarize yourself with the exam format and reference navigation.
