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:
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.
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 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:
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:
| Levels | Owens Corning Contractor Rewards | Owens Corning Preferred Contractor | Owens Corning Platinum Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rewards | |||
| Earn rewards on Owens Corning Purchases | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to seasonal product rebates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Marketing | |||
| Online ordering for product literature and samples | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to Owens Corning branded promotional merchandise | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Text messaging news updates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Monthly Owens Corning Roofing High Points eNewsletters with the latest news updates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to full-service marketing support leveraging the power of the Owens Corning brand and Pink Panther™ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Contractor listing on owenscorning.com | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Education | |||
| Access to Owens Corning University | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| In person training with sales expert Rodney Webb and other notable presenters | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Access to contractor education through the OCConnect™ Resource Center with NRCA | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Exclusive Offers | |||
| Ability to offer consumer financing at negotiated rates through Service Finance Company | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lead generation opportunities with key business service offers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ability to offer System Protection Limited Warranty | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Lead generation opportunities with the Owens Corning Roofing Lead Management System | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ability to offer the Preferred Protection System Roofing Limited Warranty | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Business building resources to help grow your business | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Exclusive ability to offer the Platinum Protection System Roofing Limited Warranty | ✓ | ||
| Priority listing on owenscorning.com | ✓ | ||
| Opportunity to attend Platinum Conference | ✓ | ||
| Eligible for Solar PROtect™ Certification | ✓ | ||
| Minimum Member Requirements | |||
| Sell Owens Corning Roofing and Roofing Accessories | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Be a member of the Owens Corning Contractor Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Hold licenses and other insurances as required by local, state or federal law | ✓ | ✓ | |
| A business credit rating that is satisfactory to Owens Corning and/or its affiliated entities | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Have passed an installation workmanship inspection | ✓ | ||
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:
The requirements are well worth the boost this certification provides. It's one of the best things you can do for more residential and commercial roofing jobs.
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:
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:
It's one of the most rigorous certification programs, but the benefits are worth it.
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 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:
Workers who pass the exam receive 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.
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:
Certified roofers earn higher wages and stronger workmanship reputations. The tracks are also straightforward. You must:
Each certification is valid for three years with continuing education requirements.
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:
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:
Holcim Elevate (formerly Firestone Building Products) is a leading commercial roofing manufacturer specializing in:
The Elevate Red Shield Licensed Applicator program is the company's contractor certification path. This certification authenticates your experience and give you benefits like:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join our roofing class, where we help you with the exam and post-exam career.
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