Illinois 105 Roofing License Exam: Complete Guide for Candidates

The Illinois 105 Roofing Exam is a required license exam for anyone looking to work as a licensed roofing contractor in Illinois. Passing this roofing license exam is the first step toward legally performing residential or commercial roofing work in the state.

With the right exam prep, study material, and roofing practice exams, you can pass the exam on the first try and secure your Illinois roofing license. Unfortunately, 60% of candidates underestimate the exam and end up suffering. We explain the exam, its intricacies, and everything that it offers in this guide.

What Is the Illinois 105 Roofing Exam?

The Illinois 105 roofing exam is a state-mandated exam required to obtain a valid roofing license in Illinois. The exam is required under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and is administered through. Licensing oversight is handled by the IDFPR.

This roofing license exam is designed to test your understanding of roofing topics such as safety, materials, business practices, roofing terminologies, and industry regulations. Passing the exam allows you to work legally as a roofing contractor in Illinois.

Types of Illinois Roofing Licenses and 105 Roofing Exams

Illinois offers three types of roofing licenses, each tied to a specific Illinois 105 roofing exam. These exams cover both Limited and Unlimited licenses.

All Illinois roofing license exams require a minimum passing score of 70%. Proper roofing exam prep and practice exams are essential, especially if you are pursuing an unlimited license.

Illinois 105 Roofing Exam Format

The Illinois 105 roofing exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is strictly timed. The exam format varies based on the license type.

• Limited License Exam: 80 questions, 1 hour 30 minutes
• Unlimited License Exam: 130 questions, 2 hours 30 minutes
• Upgrade Exam: 80 questions, 1 hour 30 minutes

Here's a breakdown of the exam structure:

You must answer questions on safety, roofing materials, steep-slope and low-slope roofing systems, business practices, and non-residential roofing. On exam day, you’ll have approximately 60 to 70 seconds per question, making time management critical to pass the exam.

Study Material and Roofing Exam Prep

To pass the Illinois roofing license exam, you must study the official materials approved by IDFPR. These study resources for the roofing exam ensure you understand both residential roofing and commercial roofing standards. Here are some crucial ones:

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 these resources online or borrow them from local libraries. Apart from these resources, you can find study materials on YouTube, Roofing forums, and other online academies. If all of these seem confusing, enroll in our roofing license classes.

Roofing Practice Exams and Time Management

The Illinois roofing exam isn’t easy. Practicing with timed practice exams helps you test your knowledge, improve accuracy, and build confidence. One good way of doing this is through practice tests under a timed environment.

You can try our roofing exam practice test right now. It has 20 MCQs and should take you less than 18 minutes. You need to study even more if you score less than 70% on the practice test.

The secret to passing the test is completing all the MCQs and being prepared beforehand. Unfortunately, 3 out of 5 candidates buckle under stress and fail. Join our classes if you want a guaranteed pass and expert advice!

Attend a Roofing School or Prep Course

Many candidates choose a roofing school to prepare for the Illinois roofing license exam. A prep course helps simplify complex roofing topics and ensures you meet all licensing requirements.

At Illinois Roofing Institute, students receive structured lessons, real exam-style questions, and expert guidance designed to help you pass the roofing exam and work as a successful roofing contractors in Illinois.

What Happens If You Fail the Illinois 105 Roofing Exam?

Failing the Illinois 105 exam does not end your path to getting a roofing license. If you do not pass the roofing license exam, Illinois allows you to reappear for the exam.

• You must repay the $248 examination fee for each retake.
• The exam must be rescheduled through Continental Testing Services.
• Your Illinois roofing license application remains active for three years.

This gives you ample time to strengthen your exam prep, review study material, and take additional roofing practice exams before retesting. Many candidates pass on their second attempt after improving their time management and understanding of exam questions.

Exam Day Checklist

You can't give an exam with a weary mind and droopy eyes. Sleep and eat well the night before the exam. Before leaving for the exam hall, have a snack and drink some fresh juice.

Other than these basic things, remember to take:

• Valid government-issued ID
• Two sharpened pencils
• Eraser
• Non-programmable calculator

Get plenty of rest, eat well, and avoid last-minute cramming. A calm, focused mindset significantly improves your chances of passing the exam.

FAQs About the Illinois 105 Roofing Exam

What are the rules of roofing in Illinois?

According to Illinois roofing rules, you need a valid license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Roofing contractors must also provide liability and workers' compensation insurance before working on projects. Furthermore, all work must be per the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act. 

How hard is it to get a roofing license in Illinois?

Getting a commercial or residential roofing license in Illinois is manageable with preparation. You'll need to pass the difficult Illinois roofing exam, provide surety bonds, and pay application fees. The exams cover topics from industrial safety protocols to general roofer knowledge, which requires thorough study.

How much is a roofing license in Illinois?

The costs of an Illinois roofing license include a $125 application fee and a $248 examination fee. The total costs can exceed $400 because of additional paperwork and regulatory fees. You'll also have to provide surety bonds of $10000 and $25000 for the Limited Residential Class and Unlimited Class licenses, respectively.

Can I replace my own roof in Illinois?

Illinois state allows homeowners to replace their roofs in limited areas. The laws are variable across the states, but a majority require the homeowner to register their information with the Department of Building and Zoning. Always check your local laws before attempting to replace to alter your roof. 

Bottom Line on Illinois Roofing Licenses

Getting a roofing license in Illinois requires preparation, discipline, and a solid understanding of roofing principles. The Illinois 105 roofing exam ensures that roofing contractors meet professional and safety standards.

You must attend the 105 roofing exam, whether you're pursuing a limited license, an unlimited license, or upgrading your credentials. You'll also need the right exam prep, study resources, and practice exams to ace the exam.

Join our roofing exam prep course, where we help the next generation of roofers. Our experts help you pass the exam and stand out in the roofing industry.