Those applying for an initial contractor's license (A, B, or C) in the Commonwealth of Virginia must first complete an 8-hour business class approved by the Virginia Board for Contractors.
It is not necessary to be a Virginia or Fairfax County resident to take advantage of this class. The cost is $199 ($126 tuition and $73 textbook). Register online with a credit card. If you have additional questions before you register, e-mail tradeandindustry@fcps.edu
Effective January 1, 2008, individuals renewing their journey or masters trade license in the Commonwealth of Virginia must complete continuing education. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals must complete three-hours of code study, while gasfitters must complete one hour of code study.
Academia de Construcción Residencial (ACR)
The Trade and Industry program is working in partnership with Academia de Construcción Residential (ACR) provide eight, 36-hour courses taught using both Spanish and English so that Hispanic students gain a solid understanding of their craft while achieving English language proficiency for on-the-job communication. Sessions are held Monday through Friday evenings and Saturdays at the ACR training site, 5598 General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312.
The number of students enrolled in any given class varies with each program cycle; however, to ensure that each student receives the highest quality instruction, the student-to-instructor ratio will never exceed 12-to-1 for either lecture or laboratory. Several sections of each course are offered. Call 703-941-4841 for class schedule and to register for the eight ACR-sponsored courses below.
Four classes totaling 144 hours from the list below can be bundled in order to earn one of the following certificates: Construction—Spanish, Residential Electricity—Spanish, or Carpentry—Spanish.
It is not necessary to be enrolled as a certificate student in order to take any or all of these classes.
AutoCAD—Spanish
Course TI05540 | Section 0030 | $549
Course is for individuals seeking a basic understanding of two-dimensional AutoCAD commands and concepts from starting a drawing to plotting a complete dimensioned drawing. Learn basic drawing and editing commands and basic system settings. Upon completion of this course you will be able to create, edit, view, and plot complete AutoCAD drawings. Instructor uses both English and Spanish in class. 12 sessions @ 3 hrs each.
Beginning Masonry—Spanish
Course TI05514 | Section 0030 | $549
Course equips students with basic masonry skills to include tools types and uses, mortar mixing an spreading, foundation walls, brick veneer, brick piers, and brick paving. Instructor uses both English and Spanish in class. 12 sessions @ 3 hrs each.
Blueprint Reading Basic—Spanish
Course TI05513 | Section 0030 | $549
Upon completion of class, students will be able to interpret a mechanical working drawing, and read a set of construction blueprints. Emphasis is placed on understanding details for foundations, floor plans, elevations, and schedules. Other topics covered include orthographic projections, line types, dimensioning methods, tolerance, auxiliary views, sectional views, assembly drawings, and notes. Instructor will use both English and Spanish in class. 12 sessions @ 3 hrs each.
Carpentry Basic-Spanish
Course TI05510 | $549
Students receive theoretical and practical knowledge enabling them to seek employment as apprentice carpenters in the residential construction industry. Course introduces students to all aspects of the trade including the use of hand tools, portable power tools and other equipment used by carpenters. Instructor will use both English and Spanish in class. 12 sessions @ 3 hrs each.
Electricity One-Spanish
Course TI05511 | $549
Course will equip students with basic technical knowledge and skills of the electrical trade. Students will receive hands-on experience in construction wiring, appliance installation, and troubleshooting circuits and equipment. Course will also review electrical theory and electrical code. Instructor will use both English and Spanish in class. 12 sessions @ 3 hrs each.
Electricity Two—Spanish
Course TI05520 | Section 0030 | $549
Cover electrical theory; introduction to the National Electrical Code (NEC); residential wiring, grounding, installation of electrical services, and conduit bending and installation. Instruction includes hands-on experience as well as theory. Instructor uses both English and Spanish in class. 12 sessions @ 3 hrs each.
Electricity Three—Spanish
Course TI05530 | Section 0030 | $549
Course is for students with strong math skills. Learn to calculate the number of conductors that can be installed into conduit, what size overloads are required for a motor; etc. Gain experience using the NEC to determine design limits for electrical systems. Instructor uses both English and Spanish in class. 12 sessions @ 3 hrs each.
Plumbing Basic-Spanish
Course TI05512 | Section 0030 | $549
Course introduces students to tools, equipment, and materials associated with the plumbing trade. Course includes safety standard measures, the use and care of tools, recognition and assembly of fittings and pipes. Students will learn to troubleshoot and maintain residential gas systems. Students with little or no experience will acquire necessary skills to become employable in the trade as apprentice plumbers. Instructor will use both English and Spanish in class. 12 sessions @ 3 hrs each.
View the complete listing of trade and industry courses and register online.
In Virginia, trade licensing is governed by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). We recommend that you visit the DPOR web site to learn more about statutes, administrative codes, and regulations pertaining to your trade. License application forms can be found on the DPOR site.
PSI Exams Online administers Commonwealth of Virginia licenses and certification examinations for electricians, plumbers, HVAC-R professionals, gasfitters, backflow prevention device workers, and elevator mechanics. You will be able to download an invaluable 15-page document, entitled the Individual License and Certification Candidate Information Bulletin, free of charge from the PSI site.
Fact sheet containing information on licensing exams and classroom training requirements for Virginia. PDF (printer-friendly 20 KB)
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