Can You Use a CR-42 Roofing License in Illinois?

No, you cannot use an Arizona CR-42 roofing license to perform roofing work in Illinois. Illinois does not maintain reciprocity agreements for contractor licensing with any state, including Arizona. Every roofing contractor working in Illinois must hold a separate state license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

This guide covers what the CR-42 roofing license allows, why it stops at the Arizona border, and how to get licensed in Illinois. You will also learn how your existing Arizona experience and exam results may help speed up the process. The quick facts are:

• The Arizona CR-42 roofing license cannot be used in Illinois under any circumstance
• Illinois requires all roofing contractors to apply and pass a state exam
• Illinois offers two roofing license types: Limited (residential) and Unlimited (residential, commercial, and industrial)
• Arizona has formal reciprocity agreements with California, Nevada, and Utah for contractor licenses
• Your four years of Arizona trade experience still counts when applying for an Illinois roofing license
• Unlicensed roofing work in Illinois carries fines of up to $5,000 per offense
• The NASCLA exam does not apply to roofing specialty licenses in either state
• Getting licensed in Illinois typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from application to approval

What Is the Arizona CR-42 Roofing License?

The CR-42 roofing license is a dual license classification issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). It combines the scope of work allowed under both the commercial C-42 and the residential R-42 roofing licenses into a single credential.

This means a CR-42 roofing contractor can perform roofing work on both commercial and residential properties throughout Arizona. Under the CR-42 classification, a licensed roofing contractor can install and repair the following:

• Roof tile, shingles, shakes, and slate
• Metal roofing systems
• Urethane foam applications
• Roof insulation or coatings on or above the roof deck
• Replacement of up to 10 percent of the total roof substrate square footage
• New or replacement skylights where the work does not require changes to the roof framing or roof structure

To qualify for a CR-42 roofing license in Arizona, the applicant must:

• Designate a qualifying party with at least 4 years of trade experience.
• Pass the Arizona ROC trade exam.
• Pass the Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE).

The closest equivalent of a CR-42 license is the Unlimited roofing license in Illinois.

Why the CR-42 Roofing License Doesn't Work in Illinois

Illinois does not recognize or accept roofing licenses from Arizona or any other state. The IDFPR oversees all roofing contractor licensing in the state. The IDFPR does not maintain reciprocity agreements for contractor licensing.

This policy applies to every roofing license classification, including the Arizona CR-42. Each state regulates roofing contractors independently because:

• Building codes are state and city subjective,
• Climate conditions vary significantly across trades, and
• Legal requirements differ significantly from one region to another.

Arizona roofing work focuses heavily on flat roofs, foam applications, and extreme heat resistance. Illinois roofing work demands expertise in steep slope systems, ice dam prevention, and wind uplift requirements specific to the Midwest.

Both states have widely different roofing requirements and practices. That's why Arizona roofers must prove their skills and understanding of local laws by passing the Illinois 105 roofing exam.

Arizona Roofing License Reciprocity: Which States Accept It?

Arizona has formal reciprocity agreements with only three states:

• California
• Nevada
• Utah

These agreements allow contractors licensed in one of those states to potentially waive the Arizona trade exam when applying for a license. The same arrangement works in reverse for Arizona contractors moving into those states.

However, reciprocity does not mean automatic licensing. Even in states with reciprocity agreements, contractors must still meet local bonding, insurance, and business registration requirements.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors may waive the trade exam for qualifying parties. The applicant must have held a comparable license in good standing in another state within the past five years.

What Roofing License Do You Need in Illinois?

Illinois requires every roofing contractor to hold a valid roofing license before performing any roofing work for compensation. Currently, the IDFPR offers two different licenses, including:

• Limited Roofing License covers residential roofing projects on properties with eight units or fewer.
• Unlimited Roofing License covers all residential, industrial, and commercial roofing projects with no restrictions on property type or size.

Both of these licenses are for separate job scopes and contractors. Arizona CR-42 roofing contractors who handle both commercial and residential work will need the Unlimited license to match their current scope.

How to Get a Roofing License in Illinois as an Arizona Contractor

Arizona CR-42 roofing contractors who want to expand into Illinois must apply for a new Illinois roofing license from scratch. The good news is that your Arizona trade experience, business management skills, and roofing knowledge transfer directly to the Illinois application.

The IDFPR does not require applicants to have earned their experience specifically in Illinois. However, you must get your license by meeting all the state roofing license requirements, which include:

1. Registering your business entity with the Illinois Secretary of State if operating as a corporation, LLC, or partnership
2. Designating a qualifying party who will take the Illinois roofing exam and actively manage daily operations
3. Register for the Illinois Roofing Contractor Exam through Continental Testing Services in LaGrange, Illinois.
4. Passing the exam with a minimum score of 70 percent.
5. Obtaining a general liability insurance with a minimum of $250,000 per occurrence (Limited) or $500,000 per occurrence (Unlimited)
6. Securing a surety bond of $10,000 (Limited) or $25,000 (Unlimited) from a bonding company licensed in Illinois.
7. Obtaining workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
8. Completing and submit the roofing contractor application form to the IDFPR with the $125 application fee.
9. Allowing eight business weeks for processing from the date of application.

Please follow our RFQP license application guide if you need help understanding the specific. In addition, we'd highly recommend understanding the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act.

What About the NASCLA Exam for Multi State Licensing?

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a nationally recognized exam accepted in about 18 states, including Arizona. Passing the NASCLA exam can waive the trade exam requirement in participating states.

However, the NASCLA exam does not cover specialty roofing contractor licenses. In Arizona, the NASCLA exam applies only to the KB-1 Dual Building Contractor and KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial license classifications.

The CR-42 roofing classification is a specialty trade license and falls outside the scope of the NASCLA exam. Illinois does not accept the NASCLA exam for any roofing license classification either.

Penalties for Roofing Without a License in Illinois

Working as an unlicensed roofing contractor in Illinois carries serious consequences. The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act treats unlicensed roofing work as a violation that can result in both financial penalties and criminal charges.

Arizona contractors who assume their CR-42 license will cover Illinois projects risk significant legal and financial exposure. In Arizona, the Registrar of Contractors refuses to grant a license for one full year to any contractor who bids over $1,000 without a license.

 Illinois takes an equally strict approach, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders. Consequences of performing roofing work in Illinois without a license include:

• Fines of up to $5,000 per offense under state law
• Additional fines and penalties imposed by individual municipalities
• Potential criminal charges for repeated violations
• Inability to file a mechanics lien to protect payments on projects
• Voided contracts and potential liability for damages to property owners
• Difficulty obtaining an Illinois roofing license in the future

FAQs on CR-42 Roofing License in Illinois

Can I use my Arizona CR-42 roofing license in Illinois?

No, Illinois does not accept roofing licenses from Arizona or any other state. The IDFPR requires every roofing contractor to apply for and obtain an Illinois specific roofing license. Your CR-42 roofing license is only valid for roofing work performed within Arizona.

Does Illinois have reciprocity with Arizona for contractor licenses?

No, Illinois does not maintain reciprocity agreements for contractor licensing with any state. Arizona has reciprocity agreements with California, Nevada, and Utah, but Illinois is not included. Every out of state roofing contractor must apply directly to the IDFPR and pass the Illinois roofing exam.

Will my Arizona roofing experience count toward an Illinois license?

Yes, the IDFPR does not require that your roofing experience be earned specifically within Illinois. Your four or more years of verified trade experience as an Arizona CR-42 roofing contractor will satisfy the experience component of the Illinois application. You will still need to pass the Illinois state roofing exam and meet all other licensing requirements.

What exam do I need to pass for an Illinois roofing license?

Illinois requires roofing contractors to pass a state specific exam administered by Continental Testing Services. The Limited license requires passing the Illinois Residential Roofing Exam. The Unlimited license requires passing the Illinois Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Roofing Exam.

How long does it take to get a roofing license in Illinois?

The IDFPR asks applicants to allow eight business weeks from the date of application before making inquiries about their status. Total time from exam registration to license approval typically runs 8 to 12 weeks. Speed depends on how quickly you pass the exam and submit all required documents. Incomplete applications or missing paperwork will add additional delays.

What insurance do I need for an Illinois roofing license?

Illinois requires general liability insurance with a minimum of $250,000 per occurrence for a Limited license and $500,000 per occurrence for an Unlimited license. You also need property damage insurance of at least $250,000. This accounts for around $500 to $1500 in roofing insurance costs.

Bottom Line on CR-42 Roofing License in Illinois

An Arizona CR-42 roofing license cannot be used to perform roofing work in Illinois. Illinois does not recognize roofing licenses from any other state, and Arizona only has reciprocity agreements with California, Nevada, and Utah.

To work legally in Illinois, you must apply for a new license through the IDFPR and pass the state roofing exam. You must also meet all bonding and insurance requirements. Unfortunately, the Illinois roofing exam is very difficult. Fortunately, we can help with that.