Roofing Classes Help Center / FAQs

Can I be sure I will pass the roofing exam?

While we cannot guarantee that you’ll ace the exam (but we’ll ensure that you are well-prepared on exam day), our students have nearly a 100% pass rate on the first try, regardless of their background or experience in the roofing industry.

Do I really need to take a class to pass my roofing license test?

While you may have roofing experience, you likely haven’t sat down and taken a test in years — and even if you have, a 100-question exam can be a little intimidating for anyone! Plus reading thousands of pages on your own is also a daunting task and it can be difficult to get motivated.

After taking our class, you’ll hardly need independent study.

Our instructor has been involved in the roofing industry since 1998 and has distilled the essentials for the exam down into a 45-page booklet.

This will help you ace the exam on your first attempt and be ready to start your career as a fully licensed roofing professional. 

Is a roofing license exam prep class required to get my license in Illinois?

A roofing license exam prep class is not required to get your Illinois roofing license, but it can help you understand the material, prepare for what’s actually on the 100 question written English language exam, and ensure that you pass on your first try.

Taking the roofing license exam is expensive — a test prep class helps you protect your investment! 

Is the roofing exam class worth the money?

If you already have roofing experience, then you may feel that’s all you need to pass the test. However, this exam is not entirely based on your prior roofing knowledge. 

Working with an instructor who can teach you what will actually be on the test saves you both time and money, since you won’t have to guess what’s actually on the test.

Plus, the instruction can be valuable if English is not your first language since you can get the exam terminology down.

Plus, the cost of the class may be tax-deductible — ask your licensed tax professional!

Still unsure? Just check out some reviews and testimonials from previous students and see how we helped them accelerate their roofing careers.

What is the roofing exam pass rate of your students?

If you need more evidence that your roofing academy tuition is worth it, look no further than our stellar exam pass rate.

We’ve had many students pass the exam nearly 100% of the time on the first try.

How long is the class?

The Residential Roofing class takes two days, and the Unlimited class is three days.

What materials do I need for the course?

All you need to show up for the class is yourself!

All books and materials will be provided and you do not need to study beforehand.

What is the difference between the residential roofing license and the unlimited roofing license?

In Illinois, the primary difference between a Residential Roofing License and an Unlimited Roofing License is in the scope of work each allows the contractor to perform:

A Residential Roofing License allows the contractor to work on residential properties only.

Residential properties are typically defined as structures designed primarily for human habitation, such as single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, and similar building contractors with this license cannot perform roofing work on commercial, industrial, or institutional properties.

An Unlimited Roofing License permits the contractor to work on all types of roofing projects, including residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional properties.

It essentially allows for an unrestricted range of roofing work.

Contractors with an Unlimited Roofing License can take on a broader range of projects and even lead teams, providing them with more career or business opportunities compared to those holding only a Residential Roofing License.

I already have a residential roofing license. How can I convert it to an unlimited license?

Yes, you can convert your roofing license to an unlimited one if you have held an Illinois Residential Roofing license for one year or longer.

You should take our Unlimited Roofing license exam preparation course that covers all topics on this exam.

Do I need to get a residential roofing license prior to getting an unlimited roofing license in Illinois?

No, if you do not have any roofing license you can still apply for the Unlimited License and take that exam for your Unlimited or Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Roofing license.

Do I need a roofing license to perform roofing work in Illinois?

Yes, you absolutely need the appropriate type of roofing license to perform roofing work in Illinois. 

The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act require any person or company presenting as a roofing contractor in the state and/or working for others in a manner involving construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance, repair, or waterproofing of roofs in Illinois be a licensed roofing contractor.

Do I need to get my Residential Roofing license before my Unlimited Roofing license?

No, if you do not have any roofing license you can still apply for the Unlimited License and take that exam for your Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Roofing license.

If I already have a Residential Roofing license, can I convert it to an Unlimited Roofing Contractor license?

Yes, you can convert your roofing license to an unlimited one if you have held an Illinois Residential Roofing license for one year or longer.

You should take our Unlimited Roofing license exam preparation course that covers all topics on this exam.

What time are the classes held?

Classes are held from 9:00am to 4:00pm during the week prior to the exam, so everything is fresh in your mind.

At the end of each class day, the instructor administers and grades a practice exam and provides further recommendations about where extra study may be necessary.

How frequently are Illinois state roofing exams administered? What is the deadline to register?

Exams are held six times per year, with applicants needing to register several weeks prior.

Keep an eye on this page and contact us to reserve your spot for the next exam as soon as possible.

Where are roofing license exams held and how long do they take?

Roofing exams are held in both Springfield and Chicago, Illinois and take between 60 to 90 minutes depending on the type of exam.

Where do I register for the state exam to become a licensed roofing contractor in Illinois?

You take the exam with Continental Testing Services, Inc., a company that designs, develops and administers many kinds of professional licensure examinations in several states and cities, including Illinois and Chicago.

To register for the State of Illinois Roofing Contractors Exam you must fill out an online application at Continental Testing Services.

We recommend that you contact Kathy McShane directly at (708) 354-9911, ext. 107 for more information, or visit the Continental Testing Services website.

Do I really need a roofing license in the state of Illinois?

Yes, you do. The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act require any person or company presenting as a roofing contractor in the state and/or working for others in a manner involving construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance, repair, or waterproofing of roofs in Illinois be a licensed roofing contractor.

What happens if I do roofing work without a license in Illinois?

Performing roofing work without a proper and valid roofing license is a serious and costly infraction.

Failure to be licensed properly can result in a fine of up to $5,000 per offense.

In addition, the law requires that a roofing contractor’s name and license number be affixed to all contracts, bids, building permits, commercial vehicles, and advertisements.

Failure to display this information can result in a fine of $1,000 per day (note that the fine is $250 per day for failing to display this required information on commercial vehicles.

The fine typically is dismissed if the violation is corrected before a scheduled hearing).

Will I definitely pass the Illinois roofing license exam?

No matter how much practical roofing experience you have, a 100-question exam on the subject isn’t exactly a walk in the park.

That’s where roofing license exam prep courses can make a world of difference versus trying to pass on your own with independent study. 

There are thousands of pages of material to learn and only a short amount of time to do it — and you most likely still have to work and take care of your family in the meantime. 

While we can’t guarantee that you’ll pass the exam on your first try, taking a roofing license exam class at Roofing Academy X will help ensure you are well-prepared and ready for the test. 

Our students report a nearly 100% passing rate — on their first attempt at the exam!

How long are roofing license exam prep classes?

The Illinois Residential Roofing License exam classes are a two day program, and the Unlimited Roofing License classes are a three day program.

At the end of each class day, the instructor gives students a practice exam, studying material, NRCA books, and provides personalized recommendations in areas where extra study may be necessary.

What time are the roofing license exam prep classes held?

Illinois roofing license exam test prep classes are held from 9:00am to 4:00pm during the week prior to the exam itself. This ensures the material is at top of mind when you actually take the test. 

Do the instructors have real world roofing experience?

Unlike other roofing exam test prep courses, all the instructors at Roofing Academy X have actual roofing and construction experience.

This ensures our team of teachers understands the exam material at all levels, including its practical application in the real world.

Do I need to bring supplies or materials to my roofing exam prep classes?

No, you only need to show up ready to learn and ace your test!

All test prep materials will be provided for you to help you become a licensed roofer in Illinois.

Our instructor has been involved in the roofing industry since 1998 and he’s broken down essentials for the exam down in a relatively concise booklet — which is all you need to pass the exam and get your Illinois roofing license.

Are roofing license exam prep classes tax-deductible?

Depending on your career plans and business, your roofing license exam prep classes may be tax-deductible.

Speak with your accountant and the Roofing Academy X team to determine if you can get a tax break and what documentation you need. 

Why Choose Roofing Academy X?

We’ve helped nearly 3,000 contractors with experience or no experience pass their roofing exam on the first try.

With a high pass-through rate on the first try, we’ll get you prepared for not just the test, but also for your future career. We’re thrilled to help you progress on your career path.