Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Alabama
Roofing, AL
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Alabama
Types of Roofing Licenses in Alabama
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Alabama
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Alabama
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Alabama?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Alabama?
How to Get a Roofing License in Alabama
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Alabama?
Alabama Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Alabama Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Alabama?
Do I Need to Renew My Alabama Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Alabama Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Alabama Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Alabama
We all need a quality roof over our heads, and the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work.
There are 154,500 roofers nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Alabama employs 740 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. The Department of Labor’s job search website, in Alabama, the projected growth rate is 3% for roofers.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Roofing License Requirements in Alabama
The state of Alabama has two entities that issue statewide building construction licenses. Both are based in the state capital of Montgomery. The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (LGBC) issues licenses for contractors working on Commercial, Industrial, or Public projects. The State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB) issues home builders licenses for contractors doing work on residential structures that are no more than three levels and no more than four units. A General Contractor’s license is required by the LGBC for commercial projects valued at $50,000 or more. A residential contractor license is required by the HBLB if the cost of the project is over $10,000 or for roofing jobs over $2,500. Some cities and counties have additional licensing requirements too. For instance, the city of Huntsville requires contractors to have a business license to do work within the city limits. Always check with local jurisdictions to see if any additional licensing is required.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Alabama
There are different licenses required based on the type of project being done. According to the Licensing Board for General Contractors, a General Contractor is ” one who undertakes to construct or superintend the construction, alteration, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, remediation, reclamation, or demolition of any building, highway, sewer, structure, site work, grading, paving or project or any improvement in the State of Alabama where the cost of the undertaking including labor and materials is $50,000 or more. Swimming Pool construction of $5,000 or more.”
A person or entity pursuing this type of work must be licensed as a Prime Contractor through the LGBC. “Subcontractors performing minimum contracts including labor and materials of $50,000 ($5,000 swimming pools) under contract to a licensed prime contractor must also be licensed by the board.”
In residential construction, the HBLB offers three types of licenses — an Unlimited License, a Limited License, or a Roofers License. Licenses are issued to individuals, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and nonprofit organizations.You must hold either an Unlimited License or a Roofers License to be permitted to do any roofing work valuing more than $2,500.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Alabama
The first step of getting a roofing license in Alabama is to determine the type of work you will be doing. As we’ve said, if you’re doing commercial work you will need a General Contractors License. If you’re doing residential roofing you’ll need to apply for either an Unlimited License or a Roofing License through the Home Builders Licensing Board.
Residential Licenses
Apply for licensing through the HBLB and pay license application processing fee and applicable license fee.
Satisfy the Board that the applicant possesses the experience and ability to engage in residential homebuilding. For the Unlimited License that requires taking and passing exams. For a Roofers License you must provide a copy of a license as a contractor issued by a municipality, township, or county in the state at least one year prior.
Demonstrate financial responsibility by submitting a current credit report on the individual or business who is applying to be sent to the Board directly from a credit-reporting agency for an Unlimited license. For a Roofers License, secure a $10,000 Surety Bond with the Board listed as the obligee.
If applying as a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, provide a Certificate of Compliance from the Alabama Department of Revenue and notarized minutes identifying the designated qualifying representative as an officer of a corporation, general partner. or member/manager of an LLC.
If applying as a foreign (out-of-state) corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, provide a Certificate of Existence from the Alabama Secretary of State.
All applicants must provide proof of US citizenship or proof of lawful presence in Alabama.
General Contractor License
Apply for licensing through the LGBC and pay application processing fee and applicable license fee. Some portions of the application must be notarized.
Provide proof of general liability insurance.
Register your entity with the Alabama Secretary of State.
Provide current financial information to the Board— meaning no more than one year old at the time of submission. The Board will accept an audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statement, completed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, prepared by a Certified Public Accountant or a Licensed Public Accountant approved by the Board.
Provide evidence that the company’s qualifying party has successfully passed the Business and Project Management for Contractors Examination and/or any Trade Examination(s) as determined by the Board.
All applicants must have a minimum net worth and working capital of $10,000.
Provide work experience and three references.
All applicants must provide proof of US citizenship or proof of lawful presence in Alabama.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Alabama
There are many benefits to getting a roofing contractor license in Alabama.
First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without being licensed through the appropriate agency.
Licensure with the state is proof of your authority to perform the work.
Only licensed roofing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
Licensure also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Alabama?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean salary for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $46,180 for those in Alabama. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Alabama is $23.12 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Alabama?
Getting started in the roofing field in Alabama is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job working for a licensed contractor. If you choose to get a roofing license through the state there are forms to be filled out and fees to be paid.
Residential License Fees
Initial Unlimited License $350. Renewal $250. Initial Roofers License $250. Renewal $150.
Fees may be paid by check or money order only, and made payable to the Home Builders Licensure Board. There is also a fee for the examinations required for an Unlimited License. Applicants must take both the Alabama HBLB Business and Law Exam and the appropriate Alabama HBLB Skill Exam. If both exams are taken on the same day, the cost is $130. If the exams are taken on separate days, each exam costs $80.
General Contractor License Fees
Prime Contractor License $300. Renewal $200. Specialty Contractor License $150. Renewal $100.
Again, there are examination fees associated with getting your Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor License. Applicants must take both the Alabama Business and Law Exam and the Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Exam. Each costs $96, so $192.00 total to take both examinations.
There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensing.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Alabama
To get a roofing license in Alabama you’ll need to decide what type of work you will be doing — residential or commercial. If you’re working in residential, you will need to apply for an Unlimited License or a Roofing License through the Home Builders Licensing Board. You will need to fill out an application and pay the application fee and licensing fee. As part of the application process for a new license, you will need to demonstrate that you possess the experience and ability to engage in residential homebuilding. For the Unlimited License, that requires taking and passing Alabama Home Builders exams. For a Residential Roofers License, you must provide a copy of a license as a contractor issued by a municipality, township, or county in the state at least one year prior. The Board also requires that you can prove financial responsibility by submitting a current credit report on the individual or business applying. It must be sent to the Board directly from a credit-reporting agency for an Unlimited license. For a Roofers License, you’ll need to secure a $10,000 Surety Bond with the Board listed as the obligee.
A corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership must provide a Certificate of Compliance from the Alabama Department of Revenue and notarized minutes identifying the designated qualifying representative as an officer of a corporation, general partner. or member/manager of an LLC. If applying as a foreign (out-of-state) corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, provide a Certificate of Existence from the Alabama Secretary of State. Everyone applying has to provide proof of citizenship or proof of lawful presence in Alabama.
For commercial work you will need an Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor License from the LBGC. You need to apply and pay an application processing fee and applicable license fee. Some portions of the application must be notarized. You must provide proof of general liability insurance and register your entity with the Alabama Secretary of State. Applicants are also required to provide current financial information to the Board—meaning no more than one year old at the time of submission. The Board will accept an audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statement, completed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, prepared by a Certified Public Accountant or a Licensed Public Accountant approved by the Board.
You must also provide evidence that the company’s qualifying party has successfully passed the Business and Project Management for Contractors Examination and/or any Trade Examination(s) as determined by the Board. All applicants must have a minimum net worth and working capital of $10,000. You will also need to attach a total of THREE reference forms from a Licensed General Contractor, Registered Architect, Registered Professional Engineer or a Qualified person as declared by the Board. It can be a combination of any of those as long as the work is either commercial or industrial. Finally, all applicants must provide proof of US citizenship or proof of lawful presence in Alabama.You can find all of the forms you need to apply and renew your license on the website.
Contractors must renew their license every year. The month of renewal is based upon the company name.
Company Name Beginning with Letter Renewal Month Fee
I,J,K,L March $200 Prime/$100 Sub M,N April $200 Prime/$100 Sub O,P,Q,R May $200 Prime/$100 Sub S June $200 Prime/$100 Sub T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z July $200 Prime/$100 Sub G,H August $200 Prime/$100 Sub D,E,F September $200 Prime/$100 Sub C October $200 Prime/$100 Sub B November $200 Prime/$100 Sub A December $200 Prime/$100 Sub
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Alabama?
There is no specified number of years of experience in Alabama to become a licensed roofing contractor. You need to learn the business, typically by working on a crew for another licensed roofing contractor, and when you can meet all the requirements for application you can start that process.
Alabama Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Roofers generally learn on the job. There are some training programs available through the roofers union and roofing contractors’ associations.
In terms of union training, the national organization United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers has local chapters throughout the country. The nearest chapters to Alabama are Local 123 in Fort Worth, Texas, and Local 136 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The National Roofing Contractors Association also offers online education for member contractors’ employees. The association touts these online educational programs as a cost-effective, self-paced way to present training. Companies who make roofing products sometimes offer training as well. These distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing products. One such company is GAF. GAF offers a 1 Week Roofing Academy that is in-person in various locations around the country including Birmingham, Alabama.
The website says the GAF Roofing Academy “will focus on teaching the basics of low slope commercial roofing installation.” Graduates of the class will have the knowledge and skills to enter into the commercial roofing industry and will receive a GAF Roofing Academy certification.
There are also many exam prep courses to help aspiring commercial roofing contractors pass the state-mandated examination.
Alabama Roofing Licensing Exam Details
The Alabama Home Builders Licensing Board has contracted with Prov Testing Services to manage testing for the Unlimited License. That is the only license that requires testing. A link to Testing/Exam Information Is included on the How to Get Licensed page on its website.
Applicants for the Unlimited License will need to take and pass both the Alabama HBLB Business and Law Exam and the Alabama HBLB Skill Exam. Details of each can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin. The Business and Law exam is made up of 40 questions, and you are allowed 2 hours to complete it. The Skill exam is made up of 80 questions with a 4-hour time limit. If both exams are taken on the same day, the cost is $130. If the exams are taken on separate days, each exam costs $80.
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors also requires testing for its licenses. The LGBC has contracted with PSI exams to conduct that testing. All applicants are required to take and pass the Alabama Business and Project Management Exam as well as applicable trade exams. Again, details of those exams can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin. The Business and Law exam is made up of 50 questions, and you are given 2 hours to complete it. The Sheet Metal and Roofing Contractor exam is made up of 60 questions, and test takers are given two and a half hours to finish. The cost is $96 per exam.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Alabama?
The state of Alabama has two entities that issue statewide building construction licenses. The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (LGBC) issues licenses for contractors working on Commercial, Industrial, or Public projects. The State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB) licenses builders doing work on residential structures that are no more than three levels and no more than four units.
Do I Need to Renew My Alabama Roofing License?
Yes, you must renew your license every year whether it be a residential license with the HBLB or a commercial license with the LGBC.
Renewal season for the HBLB is from Oct. 1 until Dec. 31. Renewal applications are due by Nov. 30; previous licenses expire on Dec. 31. If renewal applications are postmarked after Nov. 30, there will be a $50 late fee. There are instructions for Roofer License renewal and for Unlimited License renewal on the Board website. On-time Roofers renewal costs $150; on-time Unlimited renewal costs $250. There are steep penalties for letting your license expire. You can renew online.
As mentioned above, renewals for the LGBC are determined by the first letter of the company name. If you send in your renewal application more than 45 days prior to the expiration of your current license, it may be returned. You will need to supply current documentation from the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office, proof of current liability insurance, a current financial statement and a $200 renewal fee.
Continuing Education
The Home Builders Licensing Board does require continuing education for renewal of a license. All licensees and/or designated qualifying representatives for a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership under the age of 60 must obtain six (6) credit hours of Board-approved continuing education before being issued a new license. At least two of those hours must come from an Alabama-specific course. You can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about continuing education on the Board’s website. Applicants over 60 years of age are exempt from the continuing education requirement.
There is no mention of a continuing education requirement from the LGBC.
Does Alabama Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors does have reciprocal agreements with several states. If you have had a license for one calendar year, which is still in good standing, with the Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi or Tennessee General Contractors Board you may qualify for reciprocity: The trade examination may be waived, but the business and law portion of the exam will not be waived.
Does My Alabama Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Alabama may waive the trade portion of the exam if an applicant holds a license in good standing with one of the four states listed above — Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi or Tennessee. However, that does not guarantee that another state will recognize your Alabama roofing license. It is always best to check in the state where you intend to work to see what requirements must be met.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. It and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Alabama
Alabama has strict building codes, and roofing is a part of that. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of building codes and their awareness of best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their work.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
