8 Essential Certifications For Roofers: Manufacturers & General

Only a few roofing contractors know the tricks to standing out in the roofing industry. And one of these is getting manufacturer certifications. Currently, there are multiple exclusive manufacturer certifications up for grabs and each one offers unique, irresistible benefits.

We listed and explain how these certs can help you build your business, gain valuable perks, and reach more customers. The list covers 8 important general and manufacturer certifications that you can get. Here's your quick comparison:

Why Roofing Certifications Matter for Your Business

Roofing certifications matter because they unlock stronger warranties, higher pricing, and faster customer trust. Top tier certifications carry a 3 to 5% pricing premium per Owl Roofing's 2026 analysis.

That premium almost always pays off in 25 plus year non prorated warranty coverage. Some manufacturers even list you in their credible roofing contractor directories. Naturally, you get hundreds of extended leads, BBB Credibility boost, and on-ground value.

Certified roofers also win more bids because homeowners, insurance companies, and commercial property managers see the credential as proof of training. Plus, manufacturer certifications keep workmanship warranties in force even if the original installer closes shop.

1. State Roofing License

A state roofing license is mandatory for every roofer. This isn't a choice that you can skip, because doing so has multiple legal and financial risks. Every state has one or another form of licensing or certification.

For example, in Illinois, you need a Limited or Unlimited roofing license to perform work. Any roofing contractor that doesn't have a license is essentially side-lined or shunned by customers. So get your roofing license if you still don't have one.

2. GAF Master Elite Certification

2 out of 100 roofing contractors have a GAF Master Elite Certification. It's one of the most esteemed and best roofing related certifications in all of North America. Naturally, you'll have to chew through some tough bark to get this certification.

GAF Master Elite contractors can offer the GAF Golden Pledge Limited Warranty. The warranty includes 50 year non prorated material coverage and 25 year workmanship coverage. Requirements to earn the GAF Master Elite Certification in 2026 are:

• Active state roofing license issued by the state where the contractor operates.
• At least $1 million in general liability insurance plus workers compensation.
• Minimum of seven years of business experience as a licensed roofer.
• Proven track record of ethical contracting and reliable customer service.
• Strong reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and customer reviews.
• Annual recertification with ongoing training on the latest installation techniques.
• Compliance with GAF's annual production and training thresholds (new 2025 rule).
• Regular audits and inspections of completed roofing projects by GAF.

3. Owen's Corning Platinum Preferred

Owens Corning Platinum Preferred is the highest tier certification in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network. Platinum Preferred status grants access to the Owens Corning Platinum Protection Limited Warranty along with other benefits.

These include:

The certification rewards roofing companies with proven workmanship, ethical business practices, and customer satisfaction. Owens Corning structures its warranty tiers around contractor certification levels and system completeness.

The certification has a lot of requirements including:

• Active state roofing license and proof of liability insurance.
• Strong customer satisfaction scores and verified positive reviews.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System.
• Commitment to selling complete Owens Corning roofing systems (not just shingles).
• Annual training and ongoing education on Owens Corning products.
• Pass the Owens Corning Preferred Contractor application and vetting process.

The requirements are well worth the boost this certification provides. It's one of the best things you can do for more residental and commercial roofing jobs.

4. CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster

The CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster is the highest CertainTeed credential. It is reserved for the top 1% of roofing industry contractors per Econo Roofing's 2025 industry data. Naturally, you must meet some strict requirements to get this certification.

This includes:

• At least five years in business as a licensed roofing contractor.
• Master Craftsman certification for supervisors and at least 50% of installation crew.
• One Shingle Quality Specialist on staff who passed the CertainTeed technical exam.
• Completion of advanced roofing training on shingle installation techniques & quality.
• Proof of superior craftsmanship through completed roofing projects.
• Comprehensive liability insurance coverage.
• Commitment to offering CertainTeed SureStart PLUS Extended Warranties
• Adherence to the Shingle Applicator's Manual and CertainTeed quality standards.

Gaining the certification gives you a huge credibility boost. Plus, SELECT ShingleMasters can offer the SureStart PLUS 5 STAR Warranty. It includes up to 50 years of material coverage and 25 years of workmanship protection.

Other benefits include:

• Listing on CertainTeed's "Find a Pro" website
• Access to MyEDGE™ website
• Roofer’s Rewards
• Marketing and advertising support

It's one of the most rigorous certification programs, but the benefits are worth it.

5. OSHA 10-Hour & 30-Hour Safety

More than 6.51 million workers were trained through the OSHA Outreach Training Program between FY 2021 and FY 2025 per OSHA.com data. OSHA offers two different safety certifications, which are:

• OSHA 10 Hour Construction: 10 hours total, designed for entry level workers
• OSHA 30 Hour Construction: 30 hours total, designed for supervisors and foremen

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Hour training are essential safety certifications for every roofing crew. Why? Because roofing is a hard career with a high fatal risk ratio. Falls, electrocutions, struck by incidents, and caught in or between incidents are OSHA's Fatal Four.

The certification prepares your crew for the safety risks while opening the doors to bigger and better opportunities. Major companies and manufacturers prefer roofing businesses and crews that have OSHA certification.

The certification path is also straightforward:

• Pay the OSHA 10 or 30 Fee around $59 to $89 online
• Go through course materials (29 CFR 1926 Construction Industry Standards)
• Pass the exam with an aggregate score of 70% (3 attempts allowed)

Workers who pass the exam recieve a a Department of Labor (DOL) wallet card. The DOL card does not expire under federal OSHA, but refresher training is recommended every 3 to 5 years.

6. NRCA ProCertification

NRCA ProCertification is the national contractor credential program run by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The program tests individual roofers on real installation skills and validity.

The NRCA offer multiple certification tracks for each individual roof type and material. Some of these ProCertification Tracks are:

• Asphalt Shingle Installer ProCertification
• EPDM Roof System Installer ProCertification
• TPO Roof System Installer ProCertification
• Thermoplastic Roof System Installer ProCertification
• Roof System Installation Foreman ProCertification
• Steep Slope Concrete and Clay Tile Installer ProCertification

Certified roofers earn higher wages and stronger workmanship reputations. The tracks are also straightforward. You must:

• Pay the necessary fees
• Pass a written exam
• Pass a hands on performance exam

Each certification is valid for three years with continuing education requirements.

7. Carlisle SynTec Systems’ Applicator Certification

Carlisle SynTec is one of the largest single ply commercial roofing manufacturers in North America. The Carlisle Authorized Applicator program is the gateway to installing:

• Sure Weld TPO
• Sure Seal EPDM
• Sure Flex PVC roofing systems

Authorized Applicators can offer the Carlisle Golden Seal Total System Warranty. This warranty covers commercial roofing projects for up to 30 years. Here are the requirements to earn the Carlisle SynTec Applicator Certification:

• Attend Carlisle factory training on TPO, EPDM, and PVC single ply roof systems.
• Pass written exams covering installation techniques and quality control.
• Field audits on completed Carlisle commercial roofing projects.
• Carry the required general liability and workers compensation insurance.
• Active state roofing license (Unlimited license in Illinois for commercial work).
• Annual training updates on new Carlisle products and best practices.

8. Holcim Elevate System Specializations

Holcim Elevate (formerly Firestone Building Products) is a leading commercial roofing manufacturer specializing in:

• EPDM
• TPO
• Modified Bitumen Systems

The Elevate Red Shield Licensed Applicator program is the company's contractor certification path. This certification authenticates your experience and give you benefits like:

• Installation of Red Shield Elevate systems on commercial properties.
• Eligibility for Red Shield Warranty up to 30 years on commercial roof installations.
• Access to the Elevate Find a Pro directory for commercial roofing leads.

The certification supports commercial roofing companies bidding on schools, warehouses, retail, and industrial buildings. The application cements your experience and makes you a validated installer. The requirements to earn Holcim Elevate Licensed Applicator status include:

• Completing Holcim factory training on EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen systems.
• Passing written and practical exams on Elevate roofing assemblies.
• Maintaining active state commercial roofing license.
• Carrying comprehensive general liability and workers compensation insurance.
• Completing field audits on Elevate roofing projects.
• Specializing in specific Elevate systems for the deepest warranty coverage.

FAQs On Roofing Certifications

What is the most important certification for a roofer?

The state roofing license is the most important certification because it is legally required to operate. Without a state license, no manufacturer certification (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed) can be earned. In Illinois, every roofer needs a Limited or Unlimited roofing license from IDFPR.

How rare is GAF Master Elite certification?

GAF Master Elite is held by only 2 to 3% of roofing contractors in North America per IBISWorld 2025 data. The credential requires at least seven years of business experience, $1 million in liability insurance, and proven workmanship. Annual recertification is required to keep Master Elite status active.

Which roofing certification unlocks the best warranty?

The CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster credential unlocks the SureStart PLUS 5 STAR Warranty. The warranty offers up to 50 years of material coverage and 25 years of workmanship protection. GAF Master Elite (Golden Pledge) and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred offer similar elite tier coverage.

Should roofers get OSHA 10 or OSHA 30?

Every roofing crew member should hold OSHA 10 at minimum. Foremen, supervisors, and safety leads should hold OSHA 30. OSHA 10 covers 10 hours of construction safety basics, while OSHA 30 adds advanced hazard recognition and management for crew leaders.

How much does it cost to get roofing certifications?

The Illinois roofing license costs $125 application fee plus $248 exam fee, and OSHA 10 runs $59 to $89 online. Manufacturer certifications (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed) often require insurance increases and training time rather than a flat fee.

How long does it take to become GAF Master Elite?

GAF Master Elite requires at least seven years of business experience as a licensed roofer per Adamson Roofing's 2025 industry summary. New roofing contractors typically need to start with the GAF Authorized or GAF Certified levels first. Master Elite is the third and highest tier of GAF contractor certification.

Should I get multiple manufacturer certifications?

Yes, multiple manufacturer certifications expand the warranties a roofing business can offer. Holding GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster lets a roofer match the warranty to the customer's chosen shingle brand. Triple certified contractors stand out as elite in any local market.

How often do roofing certifications need to be renewed?

Renewal cycles vary by certification. The Illinois state license renews every 2 years, while GAF Master Elite and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred require annual recertification. NRCA ProCertification renews every 3 years, and OSHA 10 and 30 cards do not expire under federal OSHA.

Bottom Line On Essential Certifications for Roofers

Getting the right NRCA skill verifies your skills, helps you build your brand, and gives you unique warranty perks. You do not need every single certification, try to get the ones that matter for your company and career.

Please remember, you can't get any of these certifications without a valid roofing license. Every roofer in Illinois should start with the Limited or Unlimited license through IDFPR.