How Do I Get My Illinois Roofing License? Complete Guide for 2025

Mar 31, 2025

You can get a roofing license in Illinois by passing the required exam and showing your proof of insurance. The exam requires thorough preparation, a non-refundable application fee, and at least 70% marks to pass. The insurance criteria are variable and apply to the scope of the project.

We've helped thousands of people get their roofing licenses in Illinois. Today, we'll share our first-hand knowledge of acquiring an Illinois roofing license. With this guide, you can get your roofing contractor license in no time.

Overview of Getting a Roofing License in Illinois

Here's the short version of how you get a roofing license:

Meet the Requirements
Understand the License
Apply for the Exam
Prepare for the Exam
Get the Results

These are the basics of getting a roofing license in Illinois. The most important step out of these 5 is the preparation. Without prep, you cannot pass any roofing license exam, even if you have experience.

Deep Dive on How to Become a Verified Roofing Contractor

We'll look at how you can get a license to become a licensed roofing contractor in Illinois. You'll get information about the requirements, types of licenses, how to apply for the exam, and the aftermath. Let's look at everything in detail below:

1. Understanding Roofing License Requirements

You can only get a roofing license when you meet the requirements. Here are the requirements for the Illinois roofing license:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid SSN
Have prior work experience (apprenticeship)
Provide surety bonds of $10000 and $25000

These requirements are per the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act. You can't become a contractor if you don't meet these basic requirements. The work experience clause is more flexible in some states, but it's still better to check in with the local office before making a choice.

2. Understanding Types of State Licenses

The second step to getting a license is understanding it. The state of Illinois offers two different licenses, namely the Limited and Unlimited. The Limited License is for everyone who wants to work on only residential projects that are 8 or fewer units.

The Unlimited License lets you work on any residential, commercial, or industrial project, irrespective of size. You can get the Limited License by passing Test 1 of the Illinois roofing exam. To get the Unlimited License, you will have to pass Test 2 or 3.

For reference, Test 2 is an upgrade exam for people who have held the Limited License for 1 year. All of these tests are co-authorized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Continental Testing Service.

3. Applying for the Roofing Exam

The application process for the exam isn't entirely easy because of the methods. You can apply for the exam via mail or through an online form on the Continental Testing website. We'll list both of the methods for convenience:

Applying Via Mail

Here's how you apply via mail:

Go to the IDFPR website.
Download the roofing exam application form.
Fill out the form and choose the type of roofing license you want.
Attach all of the necessary documents.
Create a money order or cheque of the relevant fees.
Put all of the documents into an envelope.
Mail the envelope to:
Continental Testing Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 100
LaGrange, Illinois 60525-0100

When you've finished this, wait for the confirmation message and further instructions. You should get all of the information at least 10 days before the examination. If you haven't received information by that time, call 708-354-9911.

Applying Online

Here's how you apply online:

Go to the Continental Testing Website.
Go to the 105 Roofing Contractor Exam page.
Click on the Apply Online button.
Fill in the forms while following the instructions.
Pay the Examination fee online.
Finish the process and wait.

You'll get a digital receipt of the form that you should save. Keep physical copies of the confirmation letter when you're going for the examination.

4. Preparing for the Roofing Exam

You must prepare for the exam to get your Illinois roofing license. Study all the relevant materials and practice for the exam. You'll need theoretical knowledge and practical experience to pass the exams in a timed environment.

The best way to do this is through mock exams. You can find various exams online on sites like Quizlet or create your own exams with Claude or other LLMs. You can learn how to do this in our prep guide for the roofing exam.

5. Getting the Results

Not knowing whether you've passed is slightly worse than failing. Unfortunately, this is a very real scenario with the Illinois roofing exam. A lot of people don't even get to know whether they've passed or failed the roofing exam.

Before the digital system, the Continental Testing Services would send a physical copy of the exam results. Unfortunately, this system wasn't reliable, because most examinees wouldn't receive their results.

Now, there's a digital portal to check their results. While you log in, please double-check the URL of the website, because there are spoofed versions of the page. If the URL is a distorted version of "https://www.continentaltesting.net/OnlineStatus/Login.aspx," please do not share any details.

What Happens If You Can't Get the License On the First Try?

A majority of people don't pass the roofing exam on their first try. If you've failed the exam, it's completely fine, however, you will have to reapply. You have to pay the examination fee again if you want to retake the exam.

If you're worried about failing the exam, join a prep course. At Illinois Roofing Institute, we'll give you all of the recommended resources and classes to pass your exam on the first try. Join the classes today to get your state roofing license.

FAQs - How to Get a Roofing License

How to become a licensed roofer in Illinois?

You can become a licensed roofer in Illinois by applying through the IDFPR and passing an exam. You'll have to pass the exam with at least 70% marks, which requires thorough study. You'll also have to provide all the relevant information, including surety bond, workers' compensation, and general liability insurance.

Do you need a permit to do a roof in Illinois?

Yes, you need a permit to alter the size, re-roof, or repair a roof in Illinois. While the laws change, most municipalities require a valid permit if the area is more than 100 square feet. You can get permits from the local building and zoning departments after a thorough application, in collaboration with your roofing contractor.

How long does an Illinois roofing license last?

An Illinois roofing license expires after two years, which requires renewal. License holders can renew their contractor license biennially by paying a fee. You'll have to apply for the renewal through the IDFPR while maintaining your insurance coverage.

How much does a roofing license renewal cost in Illinois?

The renewal cost for an Illinois roofing contractor license is $62.50 per year. The annual renewal fee is the same for both Limited and Unlimited Roofing Licenses. If the exam is not renewed in due time, you'll have to pay an extra restoration fee of $50 per year.

Bottom Line on How to Get a Roofing License

You can get an Illinois roofing license by applying for your chosen license type and passing the exam. Illinois offers two types of licenses, the Unlimited License and the Limited Roofing License. The latter allows you to work only on residential roofing projects, while the former allows you to undertake all manner of projects.

While it seems simple, there are some nuances to the process, like application and preparation. The process is undoubtedly difficult for novices and most seasoned roofers. At Illinois Roofing Institute, we solve all of these problems by walking you through everything.

You get a complete package that includes aid with the application process, detailed classes, and post-graduation help. Join our roofing classes today and get your Illinois roofing license easily.