Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Texas
Roofing, TX
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Texas
Types of Roofing Licenses in Texas
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Texas
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Texas
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Texas?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Texas?
How to Get a Roofing License in Texas
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Texas?
Texas Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Texas Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Texas?
Do I Need to Renew My Texas Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Texas Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Texas Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Texas
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 solid insurance to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Texas employs 5,990 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 is almost twice that at 11% in Texas.
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 Texas roofing license guide will help you determine what you need to get started.
Roofing License Requirements in Texas
Roofers in Texas are not required to be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which licenses HVAC professionals and electricians. However, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) offers a voluntary licensing program so contractors can boost consumer confidence and protection.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Texas
While there’s no official required license to perform roofing services in the Lone Star State, RCAT’s voluntary program issues commercial and residential roofing licenses.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Texas
The steps to licensure with the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas include:
Must be a principal at a Texas roofing company for two years before applying.
Complete the application and get it notarized.
Mail the completed and notarized application form along with all the required documentation (photo copy of Texas driver’s license, certificate of general liability insurance from insurance company, certificate of workers’ compensation insurance or DWC Form 005) and full payment to the RCAT address found on the application form.
After committee approval, you will receive instruction for taking the required exams.
Pass required exams with a 70% or higher.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Texas
There are many benefits to getting a voluntary RCAT license:
Becoming a licensed roofer proves your experience, honesty, and integrity in the roofing industry.
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 Texas?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $44,480 for those in Texas. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Texas is $19.94 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $46,500 for a full-time roofer per year.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the type of work you do, and 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 up 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 Texas?
Getting started in the roofing field in Texas is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. If you choose to obtain RCAT licensing, the price is:
Commercial license: $550 for RCAT members; $850 for nonmembers
Residential license: $550 for RCAT members; $850 for nonmembers
Both: $750 for RCAT members; $1,050 for nonmembers
An RCAT state membership costs $500 annually. There are also costs associated with insurance coverage to meet RCAT insurance requirements.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Texas
There is no statewide license that is required to legally perform roofing work in Texas but the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas offers a license to roofers that allows professionals to demonstrate excellence.
To get that license, applicants must be a principal at a Texas roofing company for two years before applying. You will need to complete the application and get it notarized before mailing it along with all the required documentation (photo copy of Texas driver’s license, certificate of general liability insurance from insurance company, certificate of workers’ compensation insurance or DWC Form 005) and full payment to the RCAT address found on the application form.
After committee approval, you will receive instruction for taking the required exams. Applicants must receive a 70% or higher. In order to pass the exam.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Texas?
Before applying for RCAT licensing, candidates must be a principal at a Texas roofing company for at least two continuous years.
Texas 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 accredited higher-education options throughout the state of Texas that offer these types of programs.
Austin Community College District | Austin AAS Construction Management — 2 years Carpentry Specialization Level 1 Certificate — 1 year Construction Management Level 1 Certificate — 1 year Woodworking Level 1 Certificate — 1 year
Dallas College | Irving AAS Construction Management — 2 years Residential Construction Foreman Certificate — 1 year Rising Construction Manager Certificate — 1 year Rising Construction Manager Occupational Skills Award — 1 semester AAS Construction Technology — 2 years
Tarrant Community College | Fort Worth AAS Construction Management Technology — 2 years Construction Inspection Certificate — 1 year Construction Management Technology Certificate — 1 year
Texas Southmost College | Brownsville AAS Construction Management — 2 years Construction Technology Certificate — 1 year
Texas Roofing Licensing Exam Details
To qualify for a roofing license, each individual must pass a basic business and safety knowledge exam plus the residential and/or commercial roofing exam(s) with a score of 70% or higher on each exam. Both the residential and commercial roofing exam questions come from the NRCA Roofing Manual-2020. The exams are open book. There is more information on Examination Information & Rules in the RCAT Document Library.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Texas?
The state of Texas does not require a roofing license, but roofers can obtain a voluntary license through the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas.
Do I Need to Renew My Texas Roofing License?
RCAT licenses must be renewed annually for a $250 renewal fee.
Continuing Education
The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas requires license holders to complete 8 hours of continuing education for renewal.
Does Texas Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Because there is no state license required under Texas law for roofers, there are no statewide reciprocal agreements for contractors.
Does My Texas Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
No, the RCAT license is not recognized in any other states, but it can help you feel more prepared for any licensing requirements in a 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.
RCAT has active regional chapter associations that host networking events and regular monthly meetings with educational programs/seminars.
Other Requirements Unique to Texas
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. It should be determined before a roofing project begins whether asbestos is present. In Texas, those who handle asbestos removal are required to be appropriately licensed or registered by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
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:
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.
