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VA Alternative Energy System Contracting
Practice Exam 2026 Pre Test
Exam Overview
- Exam Name: Virginia Alternative Energy System (AES) Contracting Exam
- License Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR)
- Total Questions: 200
- Format: Multiple choice + multi-answer (indicated)
- Exam Type: OPEN BOOK
- Questions: Approx. 60 (specialty portion) + Business/Law
- Time Limit: 150 minutes
- Passing Score: 72%
- Focus Areas: Photovoltaics (PV) Systems, NEC Articles 690 & 705, System Design & Calculations, Site Assessment, Mounting & Structural Integration, Wind Energy Systems, Safety & Grounding, Virginia Business & Law
Section 1: Definitions & Licensing - AES Classification (Qs 1–25)
Q1. Which of the following best defines an “alternative energy system” under Virginia regulations? A) Systems using only coal-based power B) Systems that use fossil fuels and nuclear energy C) Systems using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or geothermal D) Systems that use municipal water power Answer: C (Systems using renewable energy sources) Rationale: Virginia defines “alternative energy systems” as those deriving power from renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal rather than fossil fuels. This definition underpins the AES specialty classification.
Q2. What license classification covers the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in Virginia? A) Class C Residential Building B) Electrical Journeyman License C) Alternative Energy Systems Contracting (AES) D) Master Mechanical License
Q4. Which of the following is NOT included in the scope of work for an AES contractor? A) Installation of solar photovoltaic panels B) Installation of residential wind turbines C) Installation of emergency generators powered by fossil fuels D) Installation of geothermal heat pumps Answer: C (Installation of fossil-fuel emergency generators) Rationale: The AES specialty is defined as “the installation, repair or improvement… of alternative energy generation systems… This service does NOT include the installation of emergency generators powered by fossil fuels”.
Q5. (Select two) According to 18VAC50- 22 - 61, which two prerequisites may qualify an individual for the AES classification? A) Years of experience based on class of license B) Obtain the roofing contracting (ROC) specialty and complete NABCEP certification C) Obtain an Electrical Journeyman license only
D) Complete a 40-hour online safety course Answer: A and B Rationale: The prerequisites for the AES specialty include: meeting years of experience thresholds OR qualifying for the ROC specialty and completing NABCEP certification.
Q6. To qualify for a Virginia AES license, which exams must be passed? A) Only a trade exam B) Only a business law exam C) Both the trade exam and the Virginia business law exam D) Environmental certification exam Answer: C (Trade exam + Business law exam) Rationale: Contractors must pass both the technical (trade) exam and the Virginia business law exam to obtain the AES classification.
Answer: D (All of the above) Rationale: The specialty does not provide for Electrical, Plumbing, Gas fitting, or HVAC functions. Work in these trades requires separate licensing.
Q9. According to Virginia regulations, the AES specialty means a service that provides for installation “from the ________.” A) Main breaker B) Electric meter to the utility pole C) Customers meter D) Inverter to the service panel Answer: C (Customers meter) Rationale: The AES specialty definition includes installation “from the customer’s meter” of alternative energy generation systems and associated equipment.
Q10. How many questions are on the AES specialty exam portion? A) 40 questions B) 50 questions C) 60 questions D) 80 questions Answer: C (60 questions) Rationale: The specialty exam for Alternative Energy System Contracting contains approximately 60 questions.
Q11. What is the time limit for the AES specialty exam? A) 90 minutes B) 120 minutes C) 150 minutes D) 180 minutes Answer: C (150 minutes) Rationale: The exam is 150 minutes in duration, providing sufficient time for calculations and reference lookups.
Answer: C ($85) Rationale: The Qualified Individual (QI) Specialty Exam fee is $85, paid directly to PSI.
Q14. Who administers the Virginia AES exam? A) Virginia Board for Contractors directly B) PSI Licensure: Certification C) NABCEP D) Virginia Department of Energy Answer: B (PSI Licensure: Certification) Rationale: Virginia exams are given by PSI Licensure: Certification.
Q15. (Select two) Which two exam subject areas are included in the AES test? A) Photovoltaics, Estimating, Calculations, and Designs B) Electrical Theory and Knowledge
C) Carpentry Framing Techniques D) Masonry and Concrete Finishing Answer: A and B Rationale: Exam subject areas include Photovoltaics, Estimating, Calculations, and Designs, Electrical Theory, Wind Generated Power, and Safety.
Q16. What is required BEFORE scheduling the AES specialty exam? A) Completion of an 8-hour business course only B) Pre-approval from DPOR C) Submission of a passing NABCEP certificate only D) Verification of 5 years electrical experience Answer: B (Pre-approval from DPOR) Rationale: All Contractor Specialty examinations require pre- approval from DPOR prior to taking the examination.
Answer: C (No reciprocity) Rationale: Virginia currently does not have reciprocity with any state for this classification.
Q19. Does Virginia require continuing education (CE) for the AES classification? A) Yes, 8 hours annually B) Yes, 16 hours biennially C) No, currently no CE requirement D) Yes, only for Class A contractors Answer: C (No current CE requirement) Rationale: Virginia currently does NOT require Continuing Education for this classification.
Q20. According to 18VAC50- 22 - 61, the AES classification allows installation of systems from the customer’s meter. What does this typically include? A) Wiring from the service panel to the loads B) Generation systems and associated equipment annexed to real property C) Utility pole installation D) Underground feeder to the neighbor’s house Answer: B Rationale: The AES specialty relates to “alternative energy generation systems, supplemental energy systems and associated equipment annexed to real property”.
Q21. (Select two) Which two certifications are recognized by the Virginia Board for Contractors as prerequisites for the AES specialty? A) NABCEP PV Installation Professional B) NABCEP PV Associate C) OSHA 30-Hour Construction
Q23. Which Board approves the AES classification? A) Virginia Board of Electrical Examiners B) Virginia Board for Contractors C) Virginia Board of Energy Professionals D) Virginia State Corporation Commission Answer: B (Virginia Board for Contractors) Rationale: The Board for Contractors regulates contractor licensing and approves specialty classifications, including AES.
Q24. To apply for an AES license, which DPOR division should be contacted? A) Division of Real Estate B) Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing C) Board for Contractors Licensing Section D) Virginia Energy Office Answer: C (Board for Contractors Licensing Section)
Rationale: For more information, contact the Board for Contractors Licensing Section directly at (804) 367-.
Q25. What is the primary reference for contractor licensing regulations in Virginia? A) Title 18, Agency 50 (Board for Contractors Regulations) B) Title 13, Agency 5 (Solar Energy Criteria) C) Title 54.1, Chapter 11 D) 13VAC5- 200 Answer: A (Title 18, Agency 50) Rationale: The Virginia Administrative Code Title 18, Agency 50 contains the Board for Contractors regulations governing licensure.
Section 2: Solar PV Fundamentals & NEC Requirements (Qs 26–
Rationale: NEC Article 690 specifically governs the installation of photovoltaic systems and associated components.
Q28. According to the NEC, PV system disconnects must be: A) Located inside the main service panel only B) Accessible and labeled C) Hidden behind protective panels D) Installed underground Answer: B (Accessible and labeled) Rationale: NEC 690.13 requires PV system disconnecting means to be readily accessible and properly labeled to ensure safety during maintenance or emergencies.
Q29. What type of current do solar panels produce? A) AC B) DC
C) Pulsed AC D) Variable frequency Answer: B (DC - Direct Current) Rationale: Photovoltaic cells generate direct current (DC) electricity, which must be inverted to AC for grid connection or standard home use.
Q30. What is the main purpose of an inverter in a solar PV system? A) To increase voltage for transmission B) To convert DC from the panels to AC for home/grid use C) To store excess electricity in batteries D) To disconnect the system during faults Answer: B Rationale: Grid-tied inverters synchronize DC output from PV arrays with the utility grid’s AC; off-grid inverters power AC loads directly.
