Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Technology
Software Developer Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for software developer in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Software Developer in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification may substitute for license requirements.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The state certification is a mandated program for all local governmental code enforcement personnel and independent third-party inspection agents who, per Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and Virginia Certification Standards (VCS), are required to obtain certification to ensure consistent and technically accurate code interpretation and application.
- 6
The program, administered by DHCD on behalf of the Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD), consists of two separate components, training and examination, with training delivered by the Jack A.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification is a mandated program for all local governmental code enforcement personnel and independent third-party inspection agents who, per Virginia Uniform Statewide Building C
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Housing and Community Development • Board of Housing and Community Development
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$134,470 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Software Developer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (The state certification is a mandated program for all local governmental code enforcement personnel and independent third-party inspectio...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Housing and Community Development~Board of Housing and Community Development and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $134,470, Software Developers in Virginia earn 1% above the national median of $133,080. Virginia ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$134,470Hourly estimate
$64.651% above national median
Difference: +$1,390
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSoftware Developer Salary Ranking
#9 of 50 statesfor Software Developer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $170,910 |
| #2 | Washington | $166,910 |
| #3 | New York | $161,260 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $150,520 |
| #5 | Maryland | $137,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Software Developer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $134,470 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $137,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $103,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $106,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $117,340 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $131,000 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Housing and Community Development • Board of Housing and Community Development
600 East Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23219-1485
Phone: 8043717000
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | $148,080 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $132,460 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Database Architects | $135,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| IT Project Manager | $132,810 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Software Developer in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Software Developers in Virginia?
Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Software Developers.
What education do you need to become a Software Developer in Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Software Developer licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Software Developer salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Software Developers in Virginia is $134,470. Salaries range from $82,560 (10th percentile) to $208,480 (90th percentile).
How does the Software Developer salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Software Developers in Virginia earn 1% above the national median of $133,080, with a state median of $134,470.
How many Software Developers work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 83,290 Software Developers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Software Developer license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Software Developers in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Housing and Community Development / Board of Housing and Community Development. Review agency details at https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/board-housing-and-community-development-bhcd.
How often do you renew a Software Developer license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.