Licensing Guides

State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in New Jersey

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Table of Contents

  1. Roofing License Requirements in New Jersey

  2. Types of Roofing Licenses in New Jersey

  3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in New Jersey

  4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in New Jersey

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

  6. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in New Jersey?

  7. How to Get a Roofing License in New Jersey

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

  9. New Jersey Roofer Training Programs and Schools

  10. New Jersey Roofing Licensing Exam Details

  11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in New Jersey?

  12. Do I Need to Renew My New Jersey Roofing License?

  13. Continuing Education

  14. Does New Jersey Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

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

  16. National Roofing Certifications

  17. Other Requirements Unique to New Jersey

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 New Jersey employs 2,290 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 New Jersey is 11%. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the field, 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 New Jersey.

Roofing License Requirements in New Jersey

In New Jersey, there is no general contractor license. Instead, contractors must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the  New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, located in Newark. 

The Contractor Registration Act “establishes a mandatory registration program for contractors who are in the business of selling or making home improvements in New Jersey.” 

According to the Division of Consumer Affairs, “Home improvement contractors are individuals and companies involved in repairing, renovating, modernizing, installing, replacing, improving, restoring, painting, constructing, remodeling, moving, or demolishing residential or noncommercial properties.”

Additionally, a Home Repair Contractor license is required for a “New Jersey home repair contractor who executes financed home repair contracts on the goods or services provided to New Jersey consumers for home repair work.” This type of license is issued by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI).

A Home Repair Salesperson license is required “if a salesperson secures a financed home repair contract from a New Jersey homeowner on behalf of a licensed home repair contractor. A home repair salesperson may be affiliated with only one licensed home repair contractor at one time.” 

New Jersey does require more stringent contractor license requirements for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians.

Types of Roofing Licenses in New Jersey

All contractors need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Contractors that offer financing must apply for a  Home Repair Contractor license with the DOBI. Any salespeople who work under a home repair contractor must obtain a Home Repair Salesperson license.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in New Jersey

Complete the following steps to register as a Home Improvement Contractor license in New Jersey.

  1. Complete the Home Improvement Contractor application.

  2. Include your business name.

  3. Specify the type of business: sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership.

  4. Provide proof of general liability insurance of at least $500,000.

  5. Include your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).

  6. List all parties with an ownership interest of 10% or more.

  7. Provide a Disclosure Statement if any persons with an ownership of 10% or more have criminal convictions.

  8. Pay the $110 application fee.

Complete the following steps to apply for a  Home Repair Contractor license.

  1. Complete the Home Repair Contractor license application.

  2. Include your business name.

  3. Specify the type of business: sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership.

  4. Partnerships or sole proprietorships utilizing a trade name must attach a copy of the trade name certificate bearing the dated filing stamp of the County Clerk’s office in the county where their business is to be located.

  5. List all parties with an ownership interest of 10% or more.

  6. If applicable, attach a copy of the deed, lease or rental agreement for the location to be licensed as listed on the application.  If you conduct business from a residence, you must attach copies of letters you have sent to your local post office and telephone company advising them of the use of your residence for your business.

  7. Submit proof of workers’ compensation insurance and physical liability insurance.

  8. Submit proof of Home Improvement Contractor registration with the New Jersey  Division of Consumer Affairs.

  9. Pay the $300 application fee.

Complete the following steps to apply for a  Home Repair Salesperson license

  1. Complete the Home Repair Salesperson license application..

  2. Pay the $60 application fee.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in New Jersey

There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in New Jersey.

  • First, and most important, the state requires you to register as a  Home Improvement Contractor, and if applicable, apply for a Home Repair Contractor license.

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

  • In many municipalities, 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 New Jersey?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $67,630 for those in  New Jersey. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for  roofers in New Jersey is $35.21 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $82,108.

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 New Jersey?

Getting started in the roofing field in New Jersey is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job.

New Jersey requires the following application fees:

  • Home Improvement Contractor: $110

  • Home Repair Contractor: $300

  • Home Repair Salesperson: $60

Additional costs for working as a New Jersey roofer may include:

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How to Get a Roofing License in New Jersey

As mentioned above, New Jersey doesn’t have a roofing-specific license. Instead, all contractors need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the  New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and complete the Home Improvement Contractor application, along with submitting paperwork and paying the licensing fee.

Contractors that offer financing must apply for a  Home Repair Contractor license with the DOBI. Any salespeople who work under a home repair contractor must obtain a Home Repair Salesperson license.

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

Neither license requires previous work experience or passing an exam, so candidates typically receive licensure in a matter of weeks.

New Jersey 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 New Jersey that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

New Jersey Roofing Licensing Exam Details

New Jersey currently doesn’t require examination for the Home Improvement Contractor or Home Repair Contractor licenses.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in New Jersey?

To recap, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs  issues the Home Improvement Contractor license, while the  New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance  issues the Home Repair Contractor and Home Repair Salesperson licenses.

Do I Need to Renew My New Jersey Roofing License?

The Home Improvement Contractor license requires annual renewal, while the Home Repair Contractor license requires renewal every two years. For both licenses, the licensing agency will send out renewal instructions 60 days before the license expires.

Continuing Education

New Jersey doesn’t require continuing education for the Home Improvement Contractor license or the Home Repair Contractor license.

Does New Jersey Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

New Jersey doesn’t offer reciprocity for the Home Improvement Contractor license or the Home Repair Contractor license.

Does My New Jersey Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

Unfortunately, no other states recognize the New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor license or the Home Repair Contractor license.

However, if you have a license at the local level in New Jersey, that will help you feel 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. 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 New Jersey through one of the industry associations in the state. 

They include:

Other Requirements Unique to New Jersey

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.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, all contractors who abate asbestos-containing materials must obtain a N.J. Department of Labor and Workplace Development (DOLWD) license. In addition, all of the contractor's employees (who conduct the abatement) must possess either a DOLWD worker or supervisor permit.

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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