Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in California
Roofing, CA
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in California
Types of Roofing Licenses in California
Steps to Get a Roofing License in California
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in California
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in California?
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in California?
How to Get a Roofing License in California
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in California?
California Roofer Training Programs and Schools
California Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in California?
Do I Need to Renew My California Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does California Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My California Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to California
We all need a good roof over our heads, so 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 proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and California employs 18,920 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. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in California is much higher than the average at 15% for roofers.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the roofing industry, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of California.
Roofing License Requirements in California
California requires any person who performs roofing work over $500 (including materials and labor) to obtain a class C-39 roofing contractor license, which is a type of specialty contractor license.
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, issues California roofing licenses.
According to the CSLB, “You must have at least four (4) years of experience, in the class you are applying for, to qualify to take the examination. Credit for experience is given only for experience at a journey level or as a foreman, supervising employee, contractor, or owner-builder.
“All experience claims must be verified by a qualified and responsible person, such as an employer, contractor, foreman/supervisor, fellow employee, other journeyman, union representative, building inspector, architect, engineer, or homeowner.”
While California doesn’t mandate education requirements to obtain a roofing license, formal education can count toward up to 3 of the 4 years of experience.
An AAS degree from an accredited school or college in building or construction management: 1 to 1.5 years
A 4-year degree from an accredited college or university in the fields of accounting, architecture, business, economics, mathematics, or physics: 2 years
Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program or a certified statement of completion of apprenticeship training from a union: 3 years
Submission of official transcripts for a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in construction technology/management, or any field of general engineering: 3 years
Note: Regardless of formal education, all applicants must complete a minimum of one year of practical work experience.
Types of Roofing Licenses in California
California requires a C-39 roofing contractor license to perform roof projects over $500, including labor and materials.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in California
Complete the following steps to apply for a roofing license.
Obtain the necessary 4 years of work experience and/or education.
Register your business name if you plan to own your own roofing business.
Complete the application for Original Contractor License, selecting the appropriate classification.
Submit fingerprinting via the Live Scan program, Social Security number, and pass a background check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
Pass both the Law and Business and Trade exams (study guides will be mailed to you in advance of the exams).
Obtain a contractor bond in the amount of $25,000 from a surety bond company licensed through the California Department of Insurance.
Obtain workers’ compensation insurance or a Certificate of Self Insurance.
Pay the $450 application fee and $200 initial license fee.
Mail all forms and payment to the CLSB at P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826 or submit through the online portal.
Upon submitting your license application, you'll receive a personal identification number you can use to track the status of your application.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in California
There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in California.
First, and most important, the state requires a license to legally bid on and perform roofing services.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
Only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, 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.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in California?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $69,000 for those in California. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for roofers in California is $28.54 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $66,568.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your years of experience.
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 California?
Getting started in the roofing field in California is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can choose to learn on the job. However, a degree in a related construction field can count toward the experience requirement and each program has different costs associated with it.
California requires the following fees:
Application fee: $450
Initial license fee (Sole Owner): $200
Initial license fee (Non-Sole Owner): $350
Additional license classification: $150 each
Additional costs for working as a California roofer may include:
The average cost of workers’ compensation coverage in California is $1.36 per $100 of payroll.
The average cost of general liability insurance is $504 per year.
Surety bonds average between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount.
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How to Get a Roofing License in California
To be eligible for a roofing license in California an applicant must demonstrate 4 years of experience either entirely hands-on experience working for a licensed contractor or a combination of formal education and at least one year on-the-job.
You will need to complete the application for Original Contractor License, selecting the appropriate classification — C-39 for roofing contractor — and submit fingerprinting via the Live Scan program, Social Security number, and pass a background check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
Applicants must also pass both the Law and Business and Trade exams.
In terms of financial responsibility, you must obtain a contractor bond in the amount of $25,000 from a surety bond company licensed through the California Department of Insurance and workers’ compensation insurance or a Certificate of Self Insurance.
If you plan to own your own roofing business, you will also need to register your business name with the Secretary of State.
There is a $450 application fee and $200 initial license fee. Upon submitting your license application, you'll receive a personal identification number you can use to track the status of your application.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in California?
California requires a minimum of 4 years of experience before a candidate becomes eligible for licensure. Prospective roofers can earn their experience by working for a roofing company or through a combination of hands-on work and formal education.
California Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout California that offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach BS in Construction Management — 4 years
California State University, East Bay | Hayward BS and MS in Construction Management — 4-6 years
California Polytechnic State University | San Luis Obispo | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
Sacramento State University | Sacramento BS in Construction Management — 4 years
California Roofing Licensing Exam Details
You need to pass the Law and Business and Trade exam to earn a California contractors license C-39. Each exam lasts three and a half hours, and the CSLB provides study guides to help you prepare for the examination. All examinations are administered by PSI Exams which provides a great deal of information regarding testing in its Candidate Information Bulletin. Note: The initial $450 application fee covers the contractor license exam fee.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in California?
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, issues California roofing licenses.
Do I Need to Renew My California Roofing License?
California roofers must renew their license every two years. The CSLB will send out renewal information 30-45 days before your renewal date. The cost to renew a C-39 roofing license is $450.
Continuing Education
California doesn’t require roofers to complete continuing education. In order to renew their license.
Does California Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
California honors reciprocal agreements with Arizona, Nevada, and Louisiana. According to the CSLB, “The contractor must have held an active license in good standing in one of the reciprocal states for the previous five years.”
Additionally, contracts from one of the three states must also complete the application for an Original Contractor License.
Does My California Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, your California Roofing License will be accepted in the states that have entered into reciprocal agreements — Arizona, Nevada, and Louisiana. Your California license may also be accepted in other states if California’s requirements are roughly the same or more stringent than the other state in question. Ultimately, you will have to check to see what another state requires and follow its application process.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
You can also learn more about certification and roofing in California through one of the industry associations in the state. They include:
Other Requirements Unique to California
Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels. It should be determined before a roofing project begins whether asbestos is present. In California, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses and regulates contractors who are qualified to perform asbestos work in buildings.
Proper roofing is meant to ensure that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on building codes, new roofing systems, and 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.
