Illinois 105 Roofing Exam: Everything You Need to Know

The Illinois 105 Roofing Exam is a must-pass for aspiring roofing contractors to start their career in Illinois. You can prepare for certification in a way that ensures a smooth path. Check out these five insider tips, courtesy of expert instructors, to be your best on exam day.

The Illinois 105 roofing exam is compulsory in most cities, like Chicago. You can register for the exam on the Continental Testing Website. The problematic part is passing this exam, which requires a fair bit of preparation. We'll look at everything that this exam is about and what you need to do to pass it. 

What Is the Illinois 105 Roofing Exam?

The Illinois 105 roofing exam is a state-mandated exam that you must take to obtain a roofing license. The exam is compulsory under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and is organized through the Continental Testing Services. 105 is the profession code for roofers and roofing contractors across Illinois. 

There are three types of Illinois roofing exams for Limited and Unlimited roofing licenses. These three exams are:

Note: All of these exams have a base passing criteria of 70%, which makes them fairly difficult. If you're worried about failing the exam, join our classes. We teach you everything you'd need to ace these exams and become a roofer.  

5 Crucial Details About the Illinois 105 Roofing Exam

The Illinois 105 roofing exam is a tricky bet for most people who don't know how to prepare for it. We'll show you the 5 steps you need to pass this exam. 

1. Illinois 105 Roofing Exam Format

The Illinois 105 Roofing Exam is exceptionally hard to pass because of its excruciating format. If you don't know what you'll be facing, you can forget about passing your roofing exam. Here's how the 105 Illinois roofing exam is structured:

The exam includes multiple-choice questions and has a close time limit. You'll have to get at least 70% to pass this exam. With the time limit, you can only spend around 60 to 75 seconds on a question. 

You'll have to study thoroughly and practice with real-time practice tests to prepare yourself. The easiest way to do it is through GPT or any other AI model. We've got a complete guide on how to prep for the roofing exam, which covers the study material and 

2. Use Reliable Study Materials

All three of the Illinois 105 roofing exams have different curricula. You'll have to read the study material for the exam that you're taking. You can find the study material for each exam on the official IDFPR website. 

Here are all of the theoretical books that you need to read:

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. 

We give you quality resources and the best roofing exam prep. Our expert teachers prepare you for the exam and a brighter future. 

3. Focus on Time Management

The Illinois 105 Roofing Exam is designed to test your knowledge under a time constraint. You must pace yourself because you get only 90 minutes to answer 80 questions. You can only pass this exam when you've trained in a timed environment. 

You can practice with online quizzes or create practice exams with GPT. Start an 80-minute timer on your phone and answer as many questions as possible. Ideally, you should only spend 60 to 70 seconds per MCQ to attempt all questions within the time limit. 

Expert Tip: If you're stuck on a question, move to the next one. Return to the questions if you have spare time left after attempting the rest of the questions. 

4. Attend a Prep Course

The Illinois 105 roofing exam isn't easy because of its format and extended curriculum. You'll need to dedicate a certain number of hours to understanding the concepts. However, even that might not be enough because some aspects are too complicated to understand.

We recommend joining a prep course in a roofing school. We offer extensive classes to prepare you for the Illinois roofing license exam. You get theoretical and hands-on experience, which prepares you perfectly for your upcoming exam. 

Illinois Roofing Institute is meant for everyone, from seasoned roofers to complete novices. With our classes, you can even make connections in the industry for endeavors beyond the exam. 

5. Rest and Arrange for the Exam

You can't give an exam with a weary mind and droopy eyes. Sleep and eat well on 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:

• ID
• 2 Sharpened Lead Pencils, 
• Eraser
• Non-programmable Calculator
• Get plenty of sleep

Never cram everything into your mind the night before the exam. Cramming will increase your stress, make you more worried, and lead to more mistakes. Finally, don't stress out, believe in yourself, and do your best.  

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?

An Illinois roofing license requires 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 105 Roofing Exams

The Illinois 105 Roofing Exam is a compulsory licensing test for roofers. There are three different types of Illinois 105 Roofing Tests, with Test Codes 1, 2, and 3. All three of these tests are for the Limited and Unlimited Roofing Licenses. 

Illinois's commercial and residential roofing exams are by no means easy. However, you can pass the test easily if you prepare well, use reliable study resources, and are supported by professional instructors.

At Illinois Roofing Institute, we give you classes that cover everything inside and outside the exam. Join the best roofing roofing classes today to ace the 105 exam and kickstart your journey.