How to Prep for the Illinois Roofing Exam? Ace the Exams!

Prepping for the Illinois roofing license exam includes understanding the exam format, reading the relevant material, and taking practice quizzes. We know the roofing exam isn't easy, and it becomes even harder when you don't know what to do.

That is precisely why we've gathered everything that you'll need to prep for the Illinois roofing exam. You'll get the blueprints to a successful prep session for the exam and some extra secret tips for the aftermath.

Short Overview of the Prep for Illinois Roofing Exams

Here's the short version of how you can prep for the Illinois roofing contractor license exam:

1. Understand Your Exam: Each roofing exam has a separate duration, stress, and subject matter. You can only do the exam prep when you know what the exam is about.
2. Gathering the Study  Materials: You'll need to study some books, watch some videos, and make a few notes. You can find some of the materials on the Continental Testing Website. 
3. Study Like a Pro: You'll have to use Pomodoro and other study tools to divide your prep sessions. We'll use basic science to make a simple schedule for you that works. 
4. Do the Sample Tests: When you're done studying, attempt a few sample tests for your license exam. This will help you understand the parts that you're lacking. 

Note: If you're a beginner or don't want to go through all the hassle, join our classes. We'll help you apply and prep for the exam. You'll study with like-minded individuals while building connections to become a successful trader down the road. Join our IL Roofing Classes today. 

All the Prep for the Illinois Roofing License Exam

You know the short version of the prep methods for roofing exams, but there's more to it. We'll break down every aspect of the exam and the study sessions to make it easier to digest. 

1. Understanding Your Roofing License Exam

There are three types of Illinois roofing license exams, each with its own curriculum, question structure, time limit, and requirements. Here's an overview of the exam format:

The upgrade exam is for roofers who have the Limited License and want to work on commercial or industrial projects. Your limited license becomes an unlimited license when you pass the upgrade exam. You can only take the upgrade exam when you've held the Limited license for one year. 

Roofing License Exam Passing Criteria

The exam format consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The passing score for all exams is 70%; anything below that means you'll have to reapply for the next exam. Here's a brief perspective on that:

Our ideal time per MCQ is based on the assumption that you'll attempt all of the questions. The residential exam is the easiest one out of the bunch, with a somewhat relaxed set of questions. You can pass the test quite easily with the right materials and help. 

2. Gathering the Study Materials

The exam questions are based on study guides and materials. Some of the study materials required to pass the exam are listed in the official Continental Testing Services Roofing Study Guide. These materials are:

1. Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and Rules, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
2. The NRCA Roofing Manual. Four Volumes, 2018-2021 (oldest volume usually updated annually)
3. The NRCA Safety Manual, Third Edition (2012)
4. NRCA Pocket Guide to Safety (2015)
5. The NRCA Waterproofing Manual (2005).
6. A Practical Guide to Handling Asbestos-Containing Materials, NRCA
7. Repair Manual for Low-Slope Membrane Roof Systems, 2nd Edition (2018)
8. NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 12th Edition, 2017
9. National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA)
10. Atcheson, Daniel, Roofing Construction and Estimating (1995)

You can find some of these books for free online through a PDF site. You can also lend these books digitally for free through Archive.org or LibGen. For the hardback or official digital copies, look on Amazon, the NRCA Resource Centre, or the Barnes & Noble website. 

If you're worried about the study materials for your contractor exam, join our classes. We give you all the roofing knowledge you need to pass the roofing exam. We also give you the career boost you need to set up a successful roofing business. 

3. Studying Like a Pro

You'll have to lock in and study when you get the required study materials. There are countless methods that you can try, like the good old-fashioned reading one, or the new-gen AI analysis. We'll break down both so you have an easier time.

1. Old-fashioned Study Method

As the name implies, you read and that's about it. Read, understand, make notes, and that's about it. You can make the roofing exam prep process easier with unique methods like:

1. Promodoro: It's a study method where you focus for 30 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. Your focus begins wavering after 30 to 35 minutes, and breaking it down helps you retain that focus. 
2. Digital Annotation: If you're reading a digital copy, use any app to make digital annotations on the PDF file. Make as many notes as you can to make revision easier. 
3. Visual Concurrence: When you're stuck on a topic, search for a visual representation. You can check YouTube, DailyMotion, or any free resource site for videos on a topic.
4. Join Roofing Contractor Forums: Asking experts about a certain topic will give you a lot more information. You can join contractor talk forums, Reddit, or Facebook groups to connect with people who can answer questions. 

2. New Way to Study

If you aren't tech-savvy, then it's time to dive into the marvels of technology. You can use different apps like GPT, TurboLearn, and MindGrasp to understand the study material. Here's how you can do it:

1. Use PDF Annotation Apps: Modern PDF annotation apps come with AI integrations that can compile, summarize, and simplify your annotated data. It makes note-taking easier and studying for exams a breeze.
2. Use GPT: You can use Claude, GPT, or any other AI model to understand roofing topics easily. You can also ask the AI model for reference and study material. 
3. Practice for the Exam: You can ask GPT or Claude to test your knowledge on the subject. With access to most resources, you can ask GPT to style MCQs for preliminary testing. 

4. Do the License Exam Sample Tests

You'll need to do some practice tests to master the Illinois roofing exam. Doing the sample exams will help you understand the knowledge gap and the time taken. There are multiple ready-made quizzes available online, including one on Quizlet for the Illinois roofing license exam.

The official Continental Testing Guide also includes about 10 sample MCQs. Doing these practice exams with a timer will prepare you for the mental stress of the real exam. However, some of these pre-made practice quizzes are too simple.

We recommend using GPT to design your quiz. It gives you randomized questions based on your specifications to prepare you for the whole ordeal. 

How to Use AI for a Roofing Practice Exam

Here's a complete guide to using AI tools like GPT to test your knowledge for the limited and unlimited roofing license exam:

1. Log in to ChatGPT (You can create an account for free). 
   
2. Insert the following prompt: Imagine that you are an expert roofer and an examiner for the Illinois roofing exam. Please write "Done" when you understand.
   
   
3. Insert the second prompt: I am a new roofer attempting to pass the Illinois roofing exam. Please write "Done" when you understand. 
   
   
4. Insert the fourth prompt: Design 80 MCQs to test my knowledge on the relevant topics for the Illinois roofing license exam. Please present one MCQ at a time in the chat. When I answer that MCQ with A, B, C, or D, give me an explanation on whether it's wrong or right. After that, move on to the next MCQ. Insert a counter for the current total number of correct answers and correct answer percentage. At the end of the 80 questions,  list the areas that require further study.
   
   
5. Start a 90-minute timer on your phone or computer.
   
6. Now, attempt the exam by answering each question.
   

You can try out this randomized quiz as many times as you like. If you want to up the difficulty, tweak the prompt in step three and ask the engine to make it harder. With the compiled results, you can study and understand the areas that require more study. 

Preparations for Roofing License Exam Day

As the exam day looms closer, the stress will mount. You might forget to pack some of the essential exam supplies under this pressure. Please take the following items with you when you're going for the exam:

1. Two Sharpened Number 2 Lead Pencils 
2. One Eraser
3. One Sharpener
4. One non-programmable calculator

Additionally, please take the necessary documentation with you. They will verify your status and identity when you're attempting the exam. Failure to prove your identity could result in being barred from the exam. 

FAQs About Prepping for the IL Roofing Exam

Is getting a roofing license hard?

Getting a roofing license is not hard when you prepare properly. Read the study materials, join classes, forums, and arrange the surety bonds in advance. With these done, you can pass the roofing license exam on the first attempt. 

Can you pass the Illinois roofing exam first try?

Yes, you can pass the Illinois roofing exam on the first try. While there are no specific resources, about 40% of the examinees pass their exam each year. With the right exam preparation, you can become a licensed roofing contractor in Illinois on the first try.

How to prepare for the Illinois roofing exam?

You need to gather study resources, understand what the exam consists of, and do practice quizzes. These three basic tenets will help you pass your exam. Try to understand the theoretical aspects of roofing and take sample quizzes to get ready. 

What is the unlimited roofing exam in Illinois?

The Unlimited Roofing Exam is a compulsory test to test your qualifications for becoming a roofing contractor in Illinois. By passing the Unlimited Exam, you are legally allowed to undertake residential, commercial, and industrial contracts across the state of Illinois. 

How much does it cost to get a roofing license in Illinois?

The Limited and Unlimited Licenses have a $125 application fee and a $248 examination fee. You will have to spend $373 on direct exam fees. Other costs include a $10000 and $25000 surety bond for the Limited and Unlimited Licenses. 

Bottom Line: How to Prep for the IL Roofing Exam

Prepping for the Illinois roofing exam includes studying the required material, understanding the exam format, and taking practice quizzes. Doing these will give you the knowledge and mental acuity to pass the exam. You can find most of the resources online on the NRCA website, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

You can download or read some of these materials online for free. Using GPT for the practice quiz will help you check your weak areas and study accordingly. Finally, if you're too stressed or don't know where to begin, join our classes.

We walk you through every step with ideal precision. You get all of the knowledge, experience, and miscellaneous prep needed to pass the exam. Our classes include everything you'll need to ace your Illinois roofing license exam. Join the classes today to grab your limited spot.