Licensing Guides

State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Illinois

category-iconRoofing, IL

Table of Contents

  1. Roofing License Requirements in Illinois

  2. Types of Roofing Licenses in Illinois

  3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Illinois

  4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Illinois

  5. What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Illinois?

  6. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Illinois?

  7. How to Get a Roofing License in Illinois

  8. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Illinois?

  9. Illinois Roofer Training Programs and Schools

  10. Illinois Roofing Licensing Exam Details

  11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Illinois?

  12. Do I Need to Renew My Illinois Roofing License?

  13. Continuing Education

  14. Does Illinois Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

  15. Does My Illinois Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

  16. National Roofing Certifications

  17. Other Requirements Unique to Illinois 

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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 roofing construction professionals to be licensed. Others simply require a certificate of insurance to back up that essential work.

Illinois has the third most roofers of any state in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 154,500 roofers nationwide, according to the BLS and Illinois employs 6,240 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. In Illinois, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 2% 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 Illinois

The state of Illinois requires a license for roofing work. Licenses are issued through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Specifically, the IDFPR issues  roofing contractor licenses. The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act defines a “Roofing contractor" (as) one who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to construct, reconstruct, alter, maintain and repair roofs and use materials and items used in the construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance and repair of all kinds of roofing and waterproofing as related to roofing, all in such manner to comply with all plans, specifications, codes, laws, and regulations.” The state does not require employees of licensed contractors to be licensed. However, every contractor or designated person acting as the qualified party for the company must pass the examination, demonstrating that experience, knowledge, and skill. 

Also, some local jurisdictions have additional requirements for roofing professionals. For example, Chicago requires a general contractor license for all building projects.

Types of Roofing Licenses in Illinois

The IDFPR offers a Limited roofing license to contractors whose roofing business is limited to roofing residential properties consisting of 8 units or less and an Unlimited roofing license to contractors whose roofing business is unlimited in nature and includes roofing on residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Illinois

The licensing process for either of the two types of roofing contractor licenses are similar: You will need to meet insurance requirements, fill out a license application and, if you are going to work independently as a sole proprietor or if you are going to work for a roofing company as its “qualified party” you will need to pass the state examination. Before taking the exam, applicants must meet these other requirements and apply. Below are the steps for each type of license.

Limited Roofing License

  1. Obtain a surety bond for $10,000.

  2. Provide proof of property damage insurance of at least $250,000 and general liability insurance of at least $500,000.

  3. Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance.

  4. Complete application and pay $125 non-refundable application fee.

  5. Designate a “qualifying party.”

  6. Qualifying party must take and pass the Illinois Residential Examination.

Unlimited Roofing License

  1. Obtain a surety bond for $25,000.

  2. Provide proof of property damage insurance of at least $250,000 and general liability insurance of at least $500,000.

  3. Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance.

  4. Complete application and pay $125 non-refundable application fee.

  5. Designate a “qualifying party.”

  6. Qualifying party must take and pass the Illinois Residential, Commercial and Industrial Examination.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Illinois

There are many benefits to getting a roofing contractor license in Illinois.

  • First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work in Illinois without a license. 

  • A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.

  • Only licensed roofing 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 Illinois?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $70,110 for those in Illinois. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Illinois is $24.74 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year.

Indeed also lists a salary for a roofing specialist in Illinois as $70,458 annually.

Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city, your 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 Illinois?

Getting started in the roofing field in Illinois is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn the ropes on the job. However, if you choose to get a contractor license through the state, you’ll need to tackle several expenses. The application fee for either the Limited or Unlimited roofing license is $125. The surety bond is $10,000 for a limited license and $25,000 for the unlimited license. You will also need to secure property damage insurance and liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. The state examination costs an additional $248. It will also cost $62.50 to renew your license every two years.

How to Get a Roofing License in Illinois

The first step to get your roofing contractor license in Illinois is determine the type that you need. If you will only be doing construction on roofing residential properties consisting of 8 units or less, then you need a Limited Roofing License. If you plan to go beyond that to larger residential properties, commercial properties, or industrial properties you will need an Unlimited Roofing License. 

The type of license determines the amount of the surety bond you must secure. For a Limited license, you need a $10,000 surety bond. For an Unlimited license, you need a $25,000 surety bond. In both cases you will need $250,000 in property damage insurance and $500,000 in liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance.

Next you will need to designate a qualifying party who is required to take and pass the state roofing contractor examination. The state of Illinois has contracted with a third-party testing service. To schedule the qualifying party examination, you will need to submit the testing application along with the $248 application fee to Continental Testing Services Inc. You can apply by mail or online. There are three types of Illinois roofing examinations offered through Continental Testing Services.

  • Residential

  • Commercial/Industrial (You must pass the Residential Exam before taking this exam. This is for roofers who want to upgrade their Limited Roofing License to an Unlimited Roofing License.)

  • Residential Commercial and Industrial

Since each exam is $248, if you think you may eventually pursue an Unlimited License, you may want to do that right off the bat and save time and money. For dates and locations of the exams, you can visit the Continental Testing Services website.

IDFPR reviews applications for licensure and issues licenses once it confirms that all required materials have been submitted and all requirements have been met, including passing the exam. Remember that some localities, like the city of Chicago, require additional licensing to legally perform roofing work, so be sure to check with any jurisdiction where you plan to work.

According to the Illinois Administrative Code each limited or unlimited roofing license expires on Dec. 31 of odd-numbered years and must be renewed prior to that date. You can apply for renewal online and will need to submit a certifying statement that you continue to comply with the requirements for bonding and insurance, pay the renewal fee of $62.50, and name the designated qualifying party. Again, that’s you if you are a sole proprietor. The IDFPR has tips for first time registration to renew a professional license as an individual or as a business.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Illinois?

The state doesn’t specify a particular number of years of experience that an individual must have before being licensed. Rather, Illinois uses the state examination to determine if an applicant has “the experience, knowledge, and skill” to do the job. You can safely assume it will take several years to master the trade and acquire the information needed to demonstrate proficiency on the examination. 

Illinois 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, there are several chapters of the national organization United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers in Illinois.

Local 11 – Chicago Local 32 – Rock Island Local 69 – Peoria Local 97 – Champaign Local 112 – Springfield

Each offers membership and training to member contractors’ employees. 

The Chicago Roofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program in Indian Head Park, Illinois, serves both union and nonunion apprentices. It has a five-year program with 5,500 on-the-job training hours training apprentices for member contractors from Chicago Roofing Contractors Association, the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofers Local #11. The curriculum meets US Department of Labor apprenticeships standards for national recognition of this program.

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. The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association is the regional branch for Illinois of this national association.

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 Chicago and in many other cities around the country.

The website says the GAF Roofing Academy “will provide an introduction to commercial roofing along with an introduction to steep slope installation.” Graduates of the program receive a GAF Roofing Academy certification and can earn their OSHA 10 for free outside of the training hours, which are Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., followed by a job fair on Friday. 

There are also many exam prep courses to help aspiring roofing contractors pass the state-mandated examination.

Illinois Roofing Licensing Exam Details

There are three types of Illinois roofing examinations.

  • Residential Roofing

  • Commercial/Industrial Roofing

  • Residential Commercial and Industrial Roofing

Exams are offered six times per year through a third-party testing service. You must submit the testing application along with the $248 application fee to Continental Testing Services Inc. You can apply by mail or online.  

Both the Residential exam and the Commercial/Industrial exam are made up of 80 questions, and you have 90 minutes to complete. The Commercial/Industrial exam can only be taken by individuals who have already passed the Residential exam. It’s intended for roofing contractors who want to upgrade their Limited Roofing License to an Unlimited Roofing License. The Residential Commercial and Industrial Exam is made up of 130 questions, and you have two and a half hours to complete it. Applicants must score at least 70% to pass the examinations.

Continental offers a study guide on its website on the Illinois Roofing Contractors page.

The questions are all based on study materials that can be purchased from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) or other online sources. Many of the exam prep courses listed above also supply the study materials as part of the course. 

Each exam is $248. For dates and locations of the exams, you can visit the Continental Testing Services website

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues all roofing contractor licenses. However, some cities and local jurisdictions in Illinois require additional licensing or registration to work within the boundaries of those municipalities. For instance, Chicago requires licenses and registrations for general contractors through the Department of Buildings. Joliet, Aurora, and Rockford also have some additional requirements.

Do I Need to Renew My Illinois Roofing License?

 Yes, you must renew your license every two years. Each limited or unlimited roofing license expires on Dec. 31 of odd-numbered years and must be renewed prior to that date. You can apply for renewal online and will need to submit a certifying statement that you continue to comply with the requirements for bonding and insurance, pay the renewal fee of $62.50, and name the designated qualifying party.

Continuing Education

At this time, Illinois does not require continuing education for roofing contractors to renew their license. However, roofing professionals should always stay up to date on the latest roofing technologies and materials and building codes to maintain best practices.

Does Illinois Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Illinois currently does not offer a reciprocal license for roofing.

Does My Illinois Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

No. However, if you have a roofing license in Illinois, you will be prepared for any licensing requirements in the new state. Ultimately, you will have to check out that state’s requirements 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. While such professional certifications are not required, they can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Illinois through one of the industry associations in the state. They include:

Other Requirements Unique to Illinois

Currently there is no statewide building code in Illinois. However, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, a statewide building code will go into effect as the result of the adoption of the Capital Development Board Act. The current law applying to roofing — The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act — is set to be repealed a year later on Jan. 1, 2026. 

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:

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