Is It Hard to Get a Roofing License in Illinois? Everything Explained

Yes, it is hard to get a roofing license because of the preparations, prerequisites, and requirements. The exam format is tricky, and the pre- and post-exam processes are a quagmire. It's why, according to some statistics, only around 40% of people pass their exam and get a roofing license on their first try.

At Illinois Roofing Institute, we prepare you for all of these processes. Today, we'll tell you everything that makes the licensing process difficult and how you can become a roofer easily. You'll get an in-depth dive into what the license offers, the roofing contractors association, and some secret tips to bypass the difficulty. 

Why is it Hard to get an Illinois Roofing License?

Getting an Illinois roofing license is difficult because of three main things:

1. License Information: Most potential roofers don't even know which license they need, which makes their consequential choices counter-productive. You'll need to understand the differences between licenses, how much they'll pay, and what you can achieve with each license.
2. Licensing Requirements: To get the state license, you'll need to fulfill some roofing license requirements. The requirements include age restrictions, experience, and financial surety bonds. Most potential roofing contractors miss these crucial pre-requisites, leading to failure.
3. Application Process: Recently, the exam body and IDFPR have made crucial changes, but the exam application process is still very difficult. You have to apply online or by mail, while filling out forms, choosing a date and exam codes, along with other intricacies. 
4. License Exam Prep: The Illinois roofing contractor license exam is by no means easy and requires preparation. Most roofers think their practical experience will be enough, which sets them up for failure. You'll need to prepare thoroughly to pass a roofing exam. 
5. Exam Difficulty: Another crucial factor is the exam itself. The Illinois roofing exam has a tight MCQ format, where you have to answer 80 questions in 90 minutes. You get about 1 minute to answer each MCQ, and the passing criteria is 70%. 

We'll discuss these factors in more detail to make your life easier. If you want to shortcut to all of these, join our classes, where we prepare you for every step. You get dedicated guides, theoretical knowledge, and peerless exam preparation. 

Illinois Roofing License Difficulty in Detail

Becoming a roofing contractor in Illinois isn't an easy task, but that's why it's so fruitful for people with skills and ambition. We'll break down the difficulties of the licensing process in detail to help you understand it more thoroughly:

1. License Information: Types, Fees, and Prospects

According to the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR), you need to obtain a license to work as a roofing contractor. You can get two types of licenses in the state of Illinois, and these are:

• Limited License: It's a residential roofing license that allows a general contractor to work on fewer than 8 residential units. 
• Unlimited License: This is a residential, industrial, and commercial roofing license that allows you to work on any type of project.

Both of these licenses have a separate examination and additional criteria. Additionally, you'll have to provide surety bonds of varying amounts for each license. Let's look at the financial cost of both licenses:

As a beginner, you have to analyse your immediate needs. For example, choose the Limited License if you don't have the manpower, resources, or need for a commercial license. While the fees are similar, the exam for both licenses is vastly different. 

Choosing a Limited License will reduce your preparation requirements. In the end, it boils down to your needs, time capacity, and urgency. If you're confused and don't know how to get the Illinois roofing license, join our classes. We'll help you from step zero to one hundred. 

2. Licensing Requirements: Experience, Finances

The licensing requirements can vary by state, however, there are some general qualifications. You need to be at least of age, with a valid SSN, and a clean record. You will also need verified employment experience, which you have to fill out in the application form.

Other requirements include surety bonds and extensive knowledge about filing paperwork. While it might not seem like it, fulfilling the requirements is easily one of the hardest parts of getting a roofing license. The good news is that you can contact the coordinator to clarify any confusion. 

Alternatively, we can help you understand and fulfill those requirements. You get a complete walkthrough, which helps you pass the exam, through the application process, and post-exam business building. 

3. Application Process: Cloaked Problems

One of the hardest parts of becoming a licensed roofing contractor is applying for the state roofing license. Currently, you can apply for a license on the Continental Testing Service and IDFPR websites, both online and offline. This difference makes the process a thousand times more difficult. 

The online application is unsurprisingly easy, compared to the offline (mail application). You go to the Continental Testing Website and find the Apply Online button. After that, you fill in three pages while providing accurate information. 

The online application has its hiccups because the following pages have various fields for attaching documents. Anyone without prior knowledge might get confused and attach the wrong documents. The offline application is a hellish process that we wouldn't wish on anyone. 

You have to download and fill out the IDFPR form for roofing contractors. Double-check the exam venue and date from the Continental Testing Website while filling out the form.

After you've filled out the form, you have to mail the form along with a check or money order to Continental Testing Services, Inc., P.O. Box 100, LaGrange, Illinois 60525-0100.

It can take anywhere between 2 and 3 weeks to get validation from the examining body. All in all, we'd recommend applying online, which is comparatively easier. If you want to avoid all of these troubles, we can apply on your behalf and fill out all of the relevant paperwork. 

4. License Exam Prep: Curriculum and Confusions

There is grave confusion about the curriculum and the type of exams. In Illinois, you only have two types of licenses, but three different types of exams. All of these exams are under the umbrella of the 105 Roofing Profession code. Here's what you need to know:

Note: You can only apply for the Upgrade Exam after acquiring and holding the residential license for one year. 

The 105 License Exam Code 2 is for people who want to upgrade from the Residential License. This exam includes 80 questions about commercial and industrial roofing practices. The Test Code 3 is for the full Unlimited License, which includes 130 questions about all roofing topics. 

Each exam requires a vastly different preparation process and curriculum. For example, you won't find any questions about commercial roofing practices in the 105 Exam Code 1. Your practical knowledge will not be enough for any of these exams, which means you'll have to rely on resources.

You'll need actionable tips on how to prep for the roofing license exams. If you want complete theoretical and practical preparations, join our classes. We give you extensive resources and blueprints to pass the 105 roofing exam.

5. Exam Difficulty: MCQ Chaos

The Illinois roofing exam is designed to test your mental acuity and knowledge in a timed environment. You will answer 80 MCQs in 90 minutes for the Limited and Commercial Upgrade exam. The Unlimited License exam requires you to answer 130 MCQs in 150 minutes.

Naturally, you only get around 60 to 70 seconds to answer an MCQ. The difficulty of the MCQs varies, which means you'll have to save time wherever you can. Furthermore, you have to get at least 70% of the MCQs correct to pass the exam.

You cannot pass this exam without preparation and experience. That is the main reason why only 40% of people pass their exam on the first try. 

FAQs - Roofing License Difficulty

How hard is the Illinois roofing license exam?

The Illinois roofing license exam is moderately hard because of the preparation and passing criteria. You have to get at least 70% to pass the exams, which requires a solid understanding of roofing concepts and the building code. It takes thorough preparation to pass this exam.

How do you become a licensed roofer in Illinois?

To become a licensed roofer in Illinois, you'll need to have a commercial or residential contractor license. You'll also need to procure a surety bond for $10000 and acquire general liability insurance of at least $500,000. Acquiring the state license to work on roofs is one of the hardest parts of becoming a roofer in Illinois. 

Who is the qualifying party for a roofing license in Illinois?

The qualifying part is the owner of the roofing service or the one with sole proprietorship, a trustee, or the legal entity in charge of the business. A roofing business in Illinois cannot operate when the qualifying party does not have a valid roofing license. 

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

Yes, you need a permit to do a roof in Illinois, along with a roofing license. You'll need a permit when the roofing work changes the shape, size, or structure of the roof. The requirements for a permit vary according to the different municipalities of Illinois. 

Bottom Line on Illinois Roofing License Difficulty

Getting a state roofing license in Illinois is hard because of the exam, pre-requisites, and confusing application process. The exam format is designed to put you under stress and check your knowledge on the topics. These factors make the Illinois roofing exam fairly difficult.

You must understand the format, resources, and requirements to pass this exam. Check out our guides on the exam if you want a completely free and transparent idea of the exam. For an even better experience, join our classes where we walk you through the application, exam, and post-exam processes.