Best Illinois Roofing Schools Compared: Courses, Values, and Trust

The best Illinois roofing school is the one that gets you through the roofing license exam on your first try without wasting weeks of your time. A good prep course turns a dense state exam into a few focused days, then helps you handle registration, insurance, and your first jobs.

We'll compare the top Illinois roofing schools side by side, including class length, locations, and what each one reports for pass rates. By the end, you'll know which roofing school fits your goals, your schedule, and your budget.

Want an obvious answer? Join the Illinois Roofing Institute.

What Makes a Good Illinois Roofing School

A good Illinois roofing school does one thing above all: it gets you ready to pass the roofing license exam through Continental Testing Services. The exam is closed book and you need a 70% score, so the right prep course matters.

Beyond the pass, the best schools set you up for the business side too. Here's what to weigh when you compare roofing schools in Illinois:

• Pass rate and track record: Look at how many students a school reports passing and how long it has run classes.
• Class length and schedule: Most run 2 days for the Residential license and 3 days for the Unlimited license.
• Location: Classes near Chicago or Springfield save you travel time before the exam.
• Materials included: Strong schools include study guides so you skip the $2,000 NRCA book set.
• Exam type covered: Confirm the school preps the Residential, Commercial, or Unlimited roofing exam you need.
• After exam support: The best schools help with registration, insurance, and starting your roofing business.

Illinois Roofing Schools Compared at a Glance

The table below compares the top Illinois roofing schools on the factors that matter most. Pass rates and student counts are each school's own reported figures, so treat them as marketing claims rather than independently verified data.

1. Illinois Roofing Institute

Illinois Roofing Institute is our school, and we built it to get you licensed fast and launched into a real roofing business. Our Residential class runs 2 days and our Unlimited class runs 3 days, all from 9 to 4, so you keep your week mostly intact.

We report a 98% student pass rate and more than 6000+ roofing contractors trained to date. We don't stop at the exam either, since we help with your application, insurance, and even W-7 ITIN paperwork.

• Best for: Roofers who want to pass and then actually start a roofing company
• Class length: 2 days Residential, 3 days Unlimited
• Extras: Application help, insurance guidance, vendor connections, and an advanced sales training program
• Study more: See our roofing training in Illinois breakdown and our exam prep guide

We're one of the few institutes in Illinois that offers Spanish roofing classes. Join our exam preparation course today and establish your career.

Contractors Network & Training Center

Contractors Network & Training Center, also known as Chicago Roofing School, runs roofing classes in Chicago aimed at passing the exam in the least time. The school reports helping hundreds of roofing contractors get licensed and expand their business.

Their three session format covers the Residential, Commercial, and Unlimited exams. They include study materials and offer continuing education to help you maintain your license.

• Best for: Chicago roofers who want included materials and continuing education
• Format: Three session roofing classes
• Note: One of the longer running roofing schools in the state, operating since 2010

Illinois Roofing Academy

Illinois Roofing Academy focuses on the learning outcome, meaning whether you walk out able to pass your exam. The school reports that its instructor has guided over 1,600 students to passing the Illinois roofing exam since 2012.

The academy leans on an experienced single instructor model and answers the common questions roofers have about cost, timing, and the registration process.

• Best for: Roofers who want a seasoned, exam focused instructor
• Highlight: Long track record of students passing since 2012
• Focus: Passing the licensing exam with targeted preparation

Prime-IL Roofing Exam Prep

Prime-IL Roofing Exam Prep markets itself as the most affordable roofing license classes in the state. Classes are in person in Chicago and Springfield, with students traveling in from Peoria, Champaign, and Rockford.

You can pass a Residential or Commercial class in just 2 days. They provide all the study material, notepads, pens, highlighters, and calculators, and you are not required to buy the NRCA books.

• Best for: Budget minded roofers who still want in person instruction
• Class length: 2 day Residential or Commercial
• Included: All study materials, no $2,000 NRCA book set required

Exam Prep School of Illinois

Exam Prep School of Illinois is a newer school led by instructor John Podgorny, who brings a business and public speaking background. Classes run 3 days, or 2 for the Residential exam, with all practice quizzes and study guides included.

The school reports that more than 98% of its students pass on the first try. It preps both the roofing exam and the public adjuster exam.

• Best for: Roofers who also want public adjuster exam prep
• Class length: 3 days, 2 for Residential
• Included: Practice quizzes and study guides

Roofing Academy X

Roofing Academy X is run by a roofer with two decades of experience who founded an earlier Illinois roofing school before starting this one. Classes run 9 to 4 during the week before the exam, so the material stays fresh.

The standout feature is a graded practice exam at the end of each class day, with the instructor pointing out where you need extra study before test day.

• Best for: Roofers who learn best with daily timed practice tests
• Schedule: Week before each exam, 9 to 4
• Highlight: Daily graded practice exams and personalized feedback

Other Options Worth Knowing

A few smaller schools round out the Illinois roofing school market. They are worth a look if class size or price is your top priority.

• US-BES: Caps classes at 10 to 12 students for one on one style instruction, taught by an instructor with deep building science credentials.
• NolaTex Career Institute: Formerly the Roofing School of Illinois, it advertises a best price guarantee and simplified study materials.

Whichever school you pick, confirm current class dates and pricing directly with them, since these change every exam cycle.

How to Choose the Best Roofing School for You

The best roofing school in Illinois depends on your goals, not just the lowest price. Match the school to what you actually need from your roofing license.

Use this quick guide to narrow your choice:

• Want the fastest path to passing: Pick a school with a high reported pass rate and a 2 to 3 day format.
• Plan to start a roofing business: Choose a school that helps with registration, insurance, and business setup, not just the exam.
• On a tight budget: Look for included materials so you skip the $2,000 NRCA book set.
• Going for the Unlimited license: Confirm the school preps commercial and industrial roof systems, not just residential.
• Also pursuing public adjuster work: Pick a school that preps both exams.

Not sure which Illinois roofing exam you even need? Our 105 roofing exam guide breaks down the Residential, Commercial, and Unlimited options.

What Happens After You Pass the Exam

Passing the exam is the first step, not the finish line. After you pass, you submit your license application to the IDFPR and put your insurance and surety bond in place.

The best roofing schools walk you through this part so your license does not stall. Here's the path after exam day:

• Register and pass the exam: Book through Continental Testing and check the Illinois roofing license exam dates.
• Submit your application: File the IDFPR form, which our application walkthrough covers step by step.
• Get insured and bonded: Line up liability and property damage insurance and your surety bond.
• Know the rules: Our breakdown of the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act covers what to expect once licensed.

FAQs on Best Illinois Roofing Schools

What is the best roofing school in Illinois?

The best roofing school in Illinois is the one that matches your license goal and gets you a passing score. Illinois Roofing Institute reports a 98% pass rate and adds business and application help, while schools like Prime-IL focus on low cost. Compare class length, location, and after exam support before you enroll.

How much does an Illinois roofing school cost?

Illinois roofing school prices vary by provider and license type, so confirm current pricing directly with each school. Most include study materials so you avoid the $2,000 NRCA book set. Remember the school fee is separate from the $248 exam fee paid to Continental Testing Services.

Do you need a roofing school to get an Illinois roofing license?

No, a roofing school or classes aren't legally required to get an Illinois roofing license. You can register for the exam directly through Continental Testing Services. Most roofers still use a prep course because the closed book exam has a strict 70% passing score.

How long are Illinois roofing classes?

Most Illinois roofing classes run 2 days for the Residential license and 3 days for the Unlimited license. Many schools hold classes the week before the exam so the material stays fresh. Class days typically run from 9 to 4.

Should I take the Residential or Unlimited roofing class?

Take the Residential class if you only plan to work on residential properties of 8 units or fewer. Take the Unlimited class if you want commercial and industrial roofing work too. The Unlimited license lets you take any roofing job from day one.

Which Illinois roofing school has the best pass rate?

Several Illinois roofing schools report pass rates around 98%, including Illinois Roofing Institute and Exam Prep School of Illinois. These figures are self reported, so ask each school how it tracks and defines its pass rate. A strong reported pass rate paired with included materials is a good sign.

Bottom Line on the Best Illinois Roofing School

The best Illinois roofing school comes down to fit: your license goal, your schedule, your budget, and how much help you want after the exam. Compare class length, locations, included materials, and each school's reported track record before you enroll.

At Illinois Roofing Institute, we prep you for the roofing license exam in just a few focused days, then guide you through registration, insurance, and starting your business. Join our Illinois roofing classes and take the first step toward your roofing contractor license today.