Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Rhode Island
Roofing, RI
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Rhode Island
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Rhode Island?
Types of Roofing Licenses in Rhode Island
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Rhode Island
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Rhode Island?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Rhode Island Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Do I Need to Renew My Rhode Island Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Rhode Island Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
National Roofing Certifications
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain roofing systems 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). 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.
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 Rhode Island.
Roofing License Requirements in Rhode Island
At the state level, Rhode Island requires any person (including subcontractors) who works under one contract where labor, materials, and all other items exceed $500 to register as a contractor.
According to the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB), “Rhode Island law requires that any person or entity in the business of residential and/or commercial construction, including alterations, remodeling, or repairs be registered with the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board.”
To qualify for a Contractor Registration, you need to complete a 5-hour pre-education course, obtain a business ID, a certificate of liability insurance of at least $500,000, and workers’ compensation insurance.
Rhode Island also offers a Commercial Roofing License for commercial or industrial roofing projects consisting of four4 dwellings or more.
To qualify for a Commercial Roofers license, you need to pass an examination via PSI, complete a safety course via OSHA, and obtain an insurance certificate in the amount of $2,000,000 per occurrence.
Additionally, Rhode Island licenses specific trades, including plumbers, electricians, underground utility contractors, and more. Trade licenses typically have more stringent rules and often require two2 to four4 years of experience to qualify for licensure.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island State Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board issues both the Contractor Registration and Commercial Roofing license.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Rhode Island
Rhode Island doesn’t offer a general contractor license. Instead, you need to register as a contractor for residential roofing projects or obtain a Commercial Roofing license for commercial and industrial roofing projects.
According to the RICLRB, "Roofing means and includes any and all construction, renovation, or other work performed on or about the roof, as the term is commonly used, of any non-residential structure or similar building and shall specifically include sealing, waterproofing, weatherproofing, related sheet-metal work, and similar work.”
This is required for any contracted work where labor, materials, and all other items exceed $500. The registration is sufficient for residential roofing work.
This license is required for commercial or industrial roofing projects consisting of four dwellings or more.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Rhode Island
Complete the following steps to apply for a Contractor Registration.
You must have a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number.
Pass the five-hour pre-registration course.
Apply for a Contractor Registration.
Corporations and LLCs must obtain a business ID from the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Designate an agent of service.
Obtain a certificate of liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 or more and name the RICRLB as the certificate holder. Obtain a certificate of workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Pay the $150 registration fee via check, cash, or debit card.
Submit the license application online or mail it to the RICRLB at 560 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI 02886.
Complete the following steps to apply for a Commercial Roofing license.
In addition to the requirements above, you must also:
Pass an examination approved or administered by the RICRLB.
Be in good standing with the licensing board.
Obtain a certificate of completion of the 10-hour OSHA safety course.
Obtain an insurance certificate in the amount of $2,000,000 per occurrence.
Submit the license application.
Pay the $400 license fee.
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 Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the fee for the Contractor Registration is $150. The Commercial Roofing license fee is $400, and the required examination is $180.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Rhode Island?
Since there are no work or school requirements, you can begin working as a roofing contractor relatively quickly. The pre-education course required for Contractor Registration is 5 hours long. Additionally, commercial roofers need to complete a 10-hour OSHA safety course.
Rhode Island 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 higher-education options throughout Rhode Island that offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
Roger Williams University, Providence | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
New England Institute of Technology, East Greenwich | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
Rhode Island Roofing Licensing Exam Details
To qualify for a Commercial Roofing license in Rhode Island, you must pass the licensing exam through PSI. The exam fee is $180. You can register and find more information here.
Do I Need to Renew My Rhode Island Roofing License?
The Rhode Island Contractor Registration requires annual renewal, which and costs $150. There’s a $50 late fee if you miss the renewal date.
Commercial roofers must renew their licenses every two years and pay the $200 renewal fee.
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Continuing Education
The Contractor Registration requires 2.5 hours of continuing education annually, while the Commercial Roofing license requires 12 hours of continuing education every two years.
Does Rhode Island Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Rhode Island doesn’t offer reciprocity with any other states for the Commercial Roofing license or Contractor Registration.
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 via the Rhode Island Roofing Contractors Association and the Northeast Roofing Contractors Association.
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.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, Pplumbing, general contractor, or Eelectrical license in Rhode Island, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through theServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
