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

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Pennsylvania

2. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Pennsylvania?

3. Types of Roofing Licenses in Pennsylvania

4. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Pennsylvania

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

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

7. Pennsylvania Roofer Training Programs and Schools

8. Pennsylvania Roofing Licensing Exam Details

9. Do I Need to Renew My Pennsylvania Roofing License?

10. Continuing Education

11. Does Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania employs 4,160 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 Pennsylvania is at 3% 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 Pennsylvania.

Roofing License Requirements in Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not issue Pennsylvania contractor licenses or roofing contractor licenses. However, the state’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires contractors working on one- or two-family dwellings to register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Pennsylvania’s Attorney General’s Office if they perform a minimum of $5,000 work each year.

Roofing contractors must also meet local licensing requirements. Each city has its own rules. For instance, Philadelphia requires contractors involved in construction, demolition, and repair to obtain a contractor license. If they’re working on existing residences in the city, they just need to register with the state as a home improvement contractor.

It’s important to check with municipal licensing or permitting agencies to make sure you meet all the requirements before starting work.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General registers home improvement contractors to protect homeowners and prohibit unfair business practices. Any contractor who performs at least $5,000 each year in home improvement work must register with the state.

Roofing contractors also need to meet specific contractor licensing requirements at the city level. Each city has different licensing requirements.

Types of Roofing Licenses in Pennsylvania

Although Pennsylvania and most cities do not issue roofing contractor licenses, roofers working on certain types of structures or performing specific work may need to register with the state and/or city.

Pennsylvania requires state licenses, certification, or registration for the following professions:

• Home improvement contractor registration: Any contractor or subcontractor performing more than $5,000 worth of home improvement work in a year must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

• Crane operator licensure

• Manufactured housing installer certification

• Asbestos and lead removal certification

Some of the state’s 2,562 municipalities require local licensure or certification for contractors or professional trades, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Since each city has its own requirements, we’ll outline the licensing requirements for roofing construction projects in two of the largest cities.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia does not require roofing contractors to obtain a city contractor license if they only work on existing one- or two-family dwellings, but they must register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office as a home improvement contractor.

A Philadelphia Contractor License is required for any construction, demolition, or repair work. This license does not include work on existing one- to two- family dwellings or work that requires a special trade license. The city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections issues contractor licenses.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh requires contractors to hold a city General Contractor License from the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections for the following:

• Any work performed under a commercial building permit, which includes building a new structure and renovation or repair of an existing structure.

• Construction of new one- or two-family dwellings.

• Renovations or additions to one- or two-family dwellings that are rental or investment properties.

• Demolition permits for primary residential or commercial structures.

In addition, many Pennsylvania cities require trade licenses for specific professions, including electrical contractors, electricians, plumbing contractors, plumbers, and fire suppression work.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Pennsylvania

Although Pennsylvania does not require state-level licensing for roofing contractors, it requires contractors performing a minimum of $5,000 in home improvement work to register with the state.

To register as a Pennsylvania home improvement contractor, follow these steps.

1. If submitting an online registration, create an online account with the Attorney General’s Office.

2. Self-insured contractors must complete the fillable PDF registration application form, print, and mail it with the application fee. The Attorney General’s Office provides instructions for paper applications.

3. Fill out business information, such as your business name and business structure. Corporations, limited partnerships, joint ventures, and limited liability companies must first register with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

4. Provide the owner’s personal information, including Social Security Number, driver’s license number, address, and phone number.

5. Show proof of general liability insurance with personal injury and property damage coverage of at least $50,000 each.

6. Meet workers’ compensation insurance requirements, if applicable.

7. Contractors registering as self-insured must request a Self-Insurance Certificate of Coverage and Attestation from the Bureau of Consumer Protection, complete it, and attach it to the application.

8. Pay the $50 application fee online. If mailing the application, pay the fee by check or money order, payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mail the application and fee to: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection 15th Floor, Strawberry Square Harrisburg, PA 17120 ATTN: Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Once registered, home improvement contractors will be issued a unique Pennsylvania home improvement contractor number. Contractors must include this registration number in all advertisements, contracts, estimates, and proposals in Pennsylvania. 

Roofing contractors should check with the cities where they plan to perform work to complete any local license applications and meet business license requirements.

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 Pennsylvania?

The cost varies depending on the type of license you need. To register as a home improvement contractor, applicants pay a $50 fee. The registration lasts for two years, and contractors pay a $50 re-registration fee.

In addition, cities have their own licensing requirements and may charge a license fee. In Philadelphia, it costs $126 for a Contractor License. In Pittsburgh, it costs $90 for a General Contractor License.

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

Since the state doesn’t require specific training or experience, registering as a home improvement contractor is a fairly quick process.

Those who register online as a home improvement contractor receive their registration number and temporary registration certificate immediately upon registering. Applicants who mail in their HIC registration application should allow about four weeks of processing time, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

Each city has its own processing times for contractor or professional trade licenses.

Pennsylvania Roofer Training Programs and Schools

Since there are no requirements for higher education, people entering the roofing field can choose to learn on the job. 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 Pennsylvania offering these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

• Drexel University College of Engineering | Philadelphia BS in Construction Management — 4 years

• Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport BS in Construction Management — 4 years

• Millersville University | Millersville BS in Construction Management — 4 years

Pennsylvania Roofing Licensing Exam Details

Contractors registering as a home improvement contractor do not need to take an exam. They simply complete the registration process listed above.

Cities may have exam or training requirements for certain contractor or trade licenses. For instance, in Philadelphia, those with a contractor license must identify the supervisors responsible for construction projects, and they must complete an approved Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour safety training course within five years of the license application date.

Do I Need to Renew My Pennsylvania Roofing License?

Yes. Contractors must re-register as a home improvement contractor every two years. The cost is $50. City licenses also require renewal, so it’s important to check local requirements. Philadelphia’s Contractor License and Pittsburgh’s General Contractor License require annual renewal.

Continuing Education

Pennsylvania does not require home improvement contractors to complete continuing education in order to renew their registration.

Each city has its own requirements for contractor licensing, and some licenses may require continuing education. Those with a Philadelphia contractor license must ensure their construction supervisors maintain a current OSHA 30-hour safety training certificate by taking a course or 30 hours of continuing education credits in construction or demolition safety.

Does Pennsylvania Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

No, Pennsylvania does not have reciprocal agreements with other states for contractor licensing. This means contractors need to register in Pennsylvania as a home improvement contractor if they meet those requirements, or with cities if their work falls under local licensing guidelines.

National and State Roofing Certifications

Other certifications 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 Pennsylvania through regional industry associations. This includes:

• Northeast Roofing Contractors Association Inc.

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.

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