Exam Information
How to obtain State Roofing License and become Licensed Roofing Contractor in the State of Illinois.
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The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act
In the state of Illinois, under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act, all contractors offering roof construction services must obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) before engaging in any work.
To obtain that license, each contractor must undergo a rigorous examination designed to reflect current standards and practices used by the roofing industry. The exam comes in a few different forms depending on the types of buildings you intend to service.
General Examination Information
Purpose of the Examinations
These examinations are required for professional licensure of Roofing Contractors by the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act. Refer to the Act for a legal description of the profession and to determine which license you need. Copies of the Act are available from the IDFPR at idfpr.com.
Test Validity & Test Length
These examinations have been developed under the jurisdiction of IDFPR and reflect specifications, standards, and practices supported by roofing industry professionals. All questions are subjected to strict psychometric controls and reviewed by a panel of roofing professionals.
The Commercial and Industrial Roofing examination form is available only for candidates who already hold the Residential (limited) license and wish to qualify for the unlimited license.
Candidate Eligibility
As mandated by Illinois statute, qualifications include verifiable experience in specified areas of employment and education, as well as good moral character. Contact IDFPR for full eligibility details.
Application for Candidacy
Obtain the proper application packet from IDFPR or their website. Complete the packet as instructed. You will be notified of your candidacy status (Accepted or Denied). If accepted, you will be notified of the date, time, and site of the examination approximately 10 days prior to the test.
What to Bring to the Exam
- Two (2) sharpened Number 2 black lead pencils
- A non-programmable, non-printing, solar or battery-powered calculator (optional)
No power source will be available for calculators at the test site. Programmable calculators, computers, electronics, markers, or other writing tools are not permitted at any time during the examination.
✓ Passing
Candidates who score 70 or higher will receive a PASSING notice and an application for licensure.
✗ Re-Examination
Candidates scoring below 70 receive a FAILURE notice and a re-examination application. As long as employment, education, and application credentials remain valid, there is no limit to retake attempts.
Test Content & Subject Areas
The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act specifies two classifications of roofing contractor: Residential (Limited) and Residential, Commercial and Industrial (Unlimited). The breakdown below is for the Residential exam.
Topics Covered
Asphalt Shingle, Tile, Slate and Wood Roofing · Architectural Metal · Reroofing · Moisture Control · Metal Roofing Systems · Rigid Board Roof Insulation · Spray Polyurethane Foam · Waterproofing and Dampproofing · Design Guidelines · Repair
Recommended Study Materials
Most study materials can be purchased from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) bookstore at nrca.net. The remaining reference is available from bookstores or their websites. All questions on these tests are supported by these references.
NRCA References
- The NRCA Roofing Manual: Architectural Metal Flashing, Condensation Control and Reroofing (2010)
- The NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems (2011)
- The NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roofing Systems (2012)
- The NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-Slope Roof Systems (2009)
- The NRCA Waterproofing Manual (2005)
- Repair Manual for Low-Slope Membrane Roof Systems (1997)
- The NRCA Safety Manual, Second Edition (2009)
- Pocket Guide to Safety (1997)
Other Materials
Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson (1995), Craftsman Book Company
Walk In Prepared — Walk Out Licensed
Studying for the Illinois Roofing Exam on your own is possible — but most contractors find the volume of material overwhelming, and the test is rigorous by design. Our prep course is built specifically for the IDFPR exam structure outlined above.
We help you understand what the exam covers, focus your study time on the highest-weighted content areas, and walk into the testing center confident and prepared.
See Roofing Prep Course Details →What's Included
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