Licensing Guides

State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in North Dakota

category-iconRoofing, ND

Table of Contents

  1. Roofing License Requirements in North Dakota

  2. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in North Dakota?

  3. Types of Roofing Licenses in North Dakota

  4. Steps to Get a Roofing License in North Dakota

  5. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in North Dakota?

  6. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in North Dakota?

  7. North Dakota Roofer Training Programs and Schools

  8. North Dakota Roofing Licensing Exam Details

  9. Do I Need to Renew My North Dakota Roofing License?

  10. Continuing Education

  11. Does North Dakota Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

  12. National Roofing Certifications

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 168,100 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and North Dakota employs 310 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% by 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 North Dakota is higher than the national average at 11% 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 North Dakota.

Roofing Contractor License Requirements in North Dakota

North Dakota requires anyone who performs construction work valued at $4,000 or higher to obtain a Contractor license from the North Dakota Secretary of State. Contractors are required to register with the Secretary of State and show a certificate of liability insurance and one of the following

  • If you have employees: Current certificate of payment from Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) to verify workers’ compensation insurance coverage

  • No employees: Certificate of good standing from WSI 

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in North Dakota?

Licenses are issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State.

Types of Roofing Licenses in North Dakota

North Dakota grants four general contractor license classifications, based on the maximum value of the job to be performed. 

Classes include: 

  • Class A: Over $500,000 per job

  • Class B: Up to $500,000 per job

  • Class C: Up to $300,000 per job

  • Class D: Up to $100,000 per job

Steps to Get a Roofing License in North Dakota

The steps to get a contractor license (required for any roofing jobs above $4,000) include:

1. Register your business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Before business registration, conduct a business search and trademark search to ensure your business name is unique.

2. Obtain general liability insurance listing the North Dakota Secretary of State as the certificate holder. If you have employees, you’ll also need to obtain workers’ compensation coverage. Sole proprietors with no employees need a letter of good standing from Workforce Safety & Insurance. 

3. Submit a contractor license application using the North Dakota Secretary of State’s FirstStop Portal

4. Pay an application fee based on your license class: 

  • Class A: $450

  • Class B: $300

  • Class C: $225

  • Class D: $100

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 North Dakota?

The application fee depends on the license class:

  • Class A: $450

  • Class B: $300

  • Class C: $225

  • Class D: $100

In addition to the license fee, you’ll incur some costs to meet insurance requirements.

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

Since there are no education or experience requirements to become a roofer in North Dakota, the licensing process is relatively quick. Once an application is submitted, it generally takes two to four weeks to receive a license and become a licensed contractor. 

It takes longer to obtain more specialized licenses. For example, getting an electrician state contractor license from the State Electrical Board requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or 6,000 hours of job-related experience plus the completion of a two-year electrical school program. To obtain a journeyman plumber license from the State Plumbing Board, you must first obtain four years of experience via an apprenticeship.

Asbestos abatement requires an Asbestos Abatement License issued by the North Dakota Dept of Environmental Quality.

North Dakota 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 North Dakota that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

North Dakota Roofing Licensing Exam Details

There’s no required exam to become a contractor in the state of North Dakota.

Do I Need to Renew My North Dakota Roofing License?

Yes, North Dakota contractor licenses must be renewed annually by March 1. The renewal fee depends on the license class:

  • Class A: $90 filing fee

  • Class B: $60 filing fee

  • Class C: $45 filing fee

  • Class D: $30 filing fee

Continuing Education

There is no continuing education requirement for contractor licensing in North Dakota.

Does North Dakota Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

No, North Dakota doesn’t offer contractor license reciprocity with any other states. Professionals from other states are required to complete the full North Dakota licensing process.

National and State 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 North Dakota through one of the industry associations in the state, like the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota.

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, general contractor, or electrical license in North Dakota, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub