Study Resources for Illinois Roofing Exam: Costs, Availability, and Discounts

The IDFPR lists 9 essential resources for every roofing contractor. The list includes the NRCA Roofing Manuals, Safety Guide, Asbestos Handling, and Repair Manual, alongside 5 other recommendations.

Most roofing contractors don't know about these resources or where to find them, leading to failed exams. We've listed these resources, their sources, and prices. We also found some tricks to get the official resources for lower prices.

Quick Overview of Illinois Roofing Exam Resources

Here's a quick overview of different roofing exam study materials and their costs:

Resource Name	Price Range
Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act	Free
NRCA Roofing Manuals (4 Volumes)	$495 to $895
NRCA Safety Manual (Third Edition)	$195 to $395
NRCA Pocket Guide to Safety	$15 to $25
NRCA Waterproofing Manual (2015)	$125 to $250
Practical Guide to Handling Asbestos	$125 to $250
NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Management	$80 to $200
Repair Manual for Low-Slope Roofing Membranes	$195 to $395
Roofing Construction and Estimating, Atcheson	$28 to $75
Total Cost	$1258 to $2485

You can buy most of these books on the official NRCA website. For used or 3rd-party versions, please search Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Amazon.

Note: We do not earn any commission through the attached links. These links are here solely for navigation purposes.

1. Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and Rules

Published By: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

This document covers all state-specific legal and regulatory questions on the exam. Approximately 20-30% of exam questions relate directly to Illinois laws and regulations. It's a crucial and necessary study material for any roofer in Illinois.

What It Covers

It's an official licensing document and act that covers:

• Complete text of Illinois roofing licensing requirements
• State regulations and compliance standards
• Business and legal requirements specific to Illinois
• Licensing procedures and renewal requirements
• Penalties for violations

Where to Get It

You can get this document for Free on the IDFPR website. You can also find an updated version on the Illinois General Assembly Legislation Website. We recently covered the new changes to this Act through Senate Bill 2503 and its impacts.

2. The NRCA Roofing Manual (4 Volumes, 2018-2021)

Published By: National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

The NRCA manuals are the primary technical reference for the exam. 60-70% of exam questions come directly from these volumes. It's the holy grail for all questions about Limited and Unlimited Roofing.

The complete set includes 4 Volumes, which are:

• Volume 1: Architectural Metal Flashing, Condensation, & Air Leakage Control (2022)
• Volume 2: Membrane Roof Systems (2023)
• Volume 3: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems (2024)
• Volume 4: Steep-slope Roof Systems (2021)

What It Covers

• Detailed installation procedures for all roofing systems
• Material specifications and compatibility
• Quality control standards
• Industry best practices
• Technical diagrams and illustrations

Where to Buy

You can buy official versions of the book at the NRCA website, used books forums, or 3rd-party vendor sites. Here's a quick list of the prices:

• Member Price: $495 (Hardbound Complete Set)
• Non-Member Price: $895 (Hardbound Complete Set)
• Digital PDF: FREE for NRCA members
• Individual Volumes: $195 (Members) / $395 (Non-Members)
• 3rd-Party Retailers: $400 to $500
• eBay: $450 to $600

Money-Saving Tips

Join the NRCA for FREE digital access (membership typically $300 to $500 per year).
Buy used sets from online forums and sites like Craigslist or eBay. You could also create a study group and ask everyone to pitch in, then rotate the books.

3. The NRCA Safety Manual, Third Edition (2012)

Published By: National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Safety questions appear throughout the exam across all sections. Understanding OSHA requirements is mandatory for passing. You should attempt at least one practice test to understand the importance of this manual.

What It Covers

The NRCA safety manual is a necessary guide to pass the exam. It includes topics like:

• OSHA regulations specific to roofing
• Fall protection requirements and systems
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations
• Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements
• Hazardous material handling (asbestos, silica, MDI, lead)
• Crane operations and rigging
• Fire safety protocols
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) standards

Where to Buy

You can buy the book directly on the NRCA website, on Amazon, or on other third-party websites. Here's the cost list for the manual:

• NRCA Member Price: Free
• NRCA Non-Member Price: $395
• Amazon: $295 to $350 (New), $150 to $200 (Used)
• eBay (Used): $100 to $175

Money-Saving Tips

You can get a free digital version through NRCA membership. You can also find some used ones in your local library or ask your employer for his copy. The safety guide is every contractor's Bible, so they're bound to have one.

4. NRCA Pocket Guide to Safety (2015)

Published By: National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

The pocket guide is a supplemental safety manual with quick-reference information frequently tested on the exam. It's a crucial short study guide for exam preparation.

What It Covers

The pocket guide covers all the topics that the bulkier version covers, which include:

• Quick-reference safety information
• Essential safety protocols for daily use
• OSHA compliance checklists
• Hazard identification guides

The book is more compact and perfect for quick references. Every licensed roofing contractor has one in his office or pocket.

Where to Buy

NRCA members can buy a physical copy of the pocket safety manual for $15. Non-members must pay $25 for a physical copy. NRCA Members can get a digital copy for free.

You can also buy the manual on Amazon for the following prices:

• Amazon: $30 to $40 (New)
• Amazon: $15 to $25 (Used)

Money-Saving Tip

This manual is surprisingly affordable, even on the official NRCA website. You can save more with an NRCA membership or by checking it on eBay or the Facebook marketplace.

5. The NRCA Waterproofing Manual (2005)

Published By: National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

The NRCA waterproofing manual is crucial for all limited and unlimited roofing license applicants. This manual contains specialized waterproofing knowledge needed to pass the exam.

What It Covers

This manual covers core topics for the exam, including:

• Waterproofing system design and installation
• Below-grade waterproofing
• Plaza deck waterproofing
• Water stops and drainage systems
• Material specifications
• Quality control procedures
• Flashing details

Where to Buy

You can buy the NRCA manual directly from the NRCA website. Here's a quick breakdown of how much these books cost on the NRCA website:

• Member Price: $125 (2nd Edition available)
• Non-Member Price: $250 (2nd Edition available)
• Digital: FREE for NRCA members

You can also buy the book through 3rd-party retailers or Amazon. Expect to pay anywhere in between:

• Builders Book: $150 to $200
• Amazon: $180 to $220
• eBay: $50 to $100 (2005 Edition New)

Money-Saving Tips

The 2005 edition is cheaper than the 2nd edition and is still acceptable for exam prep. You can also find different versions of this manual in your local library.

6. Practical Guide to Handling Asbestos-Containing Materials

Published By: National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Asbestos handling questions appear on both residential and commercial exams. You must understand the core concepts of asbestos to pass the roofing contractor license exam.

What It Covers

Here's what this practical guide covers:

• Asbestos identification in roofing materials
• Safe handling and removal procedures
• EPA and OSHA regulatory compliance
• Worker protection requirements
• Disposal regulations
• Documentation requirements

Where to Buy

You can find this moderately expensive guide on the NRCA website and Amazon. Here are some general prices for the guidebooks:

• Member Price: $125
• Non-Member Price: $250
• Digital: FREE for NRCA members
• Used: $50 to $80

Money-Saving Tip

The only way to truly save money on this guide is through an NRCA membership. The membership allows you to download a digital copy for free. Other than that, you can try searching for a hardcopy on eBay or other third-party resellers.

7. Repair Manual for Low-Slope Membrane Roof Systems, 2nd Edition (2018)

Published By: National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

The Repair Manual is just what it sounds like, a manual for low-slope roofing membrane systems. It's a crucial manual for the unlimited license exam. You don't need this manual if you're solely applying for the Limited Roofing License.

What It Covers

The book covers core roofing exam topics like:

• Common problems in membrane roofing systems
• Diagnostic procedures for identifying issues
• Repair techniques for various membrane types
• Material compatibility for repairs
• Quality assurance procedures
• Preventive maintenance strategies

Where to Buy

You can buy the book on the NRCA website, from third-party retailers, or on eBay. Here's an overview of the prices:

• NRCA Member Price: $195
• NRCA Non-Member Price: $395
• Digital Copy: FREE for NRCA members
• eBay (Used): $75 to $125

Money-Saving Tips

You can get a digital copy of the book for free with your NRCA membership. You can also find used copies of this book circulating among various groups on Facebook. 

8. NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition (2017)

Published By: National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA)

This book covers all business and law questions on the exam (approximately 30-40% of total questions). Required for understanding contractor obligations, lien laws, and business management.

What It Covers

This collection has three parts, with each one revolving around central themes. Here's an overview of each part:

Part 1: Business Planning and Start-up

• Business plan formulation
• Choosing business structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
• Licensing and insurance requirements
• Basic management and marketing skills

Part 2: Operating a Construction Business

• Estimating and bidding procedures
• Contract management
• Project scheduling
• Safety and environmental responsibilities
• Employee and subcontractor relationships

Part 3: Administrative Functions

• Financial management and accounting
• Tax basics for contractors
• Lien laws and mechanics' liens
• Cash flow management

Costs of Resource

You can buy these books and their various editions at the NASCLA Bookstore (store.nascla.org) or through 3rd party retailers. The average prices are:

• NASCLA: $80 $200
• 3rd Party Sites: $130 to $150
• Amazon: $80 to $120
• eBay (Used): $60 to $95

Money-Saving Tips

The 12th Edition (2017) is acceptable for most states and significantly cheaper ($40 to $60 used). You can find it online on eBay or buy used ones from a student who has recently passed the roofing license exam.

9. Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson (1995)

Published By: Craftsman Book Company

It covers measurement and estimating questions on the exam. The book provides practical formulas for calculating materials and labor. It's a crucial resource for Illinois roofing contractors who are navigating the financial aspects of the trade.

What It Covers

This book covers about 20% of the topics you'll be tested on in the Illinois roofing license exam. Here is a cursory overview of the topics:

• Roofing material calculations
• Estimating procedures for various roof types
• Labor cost calculations
• Waste factors and material ordering
• Measurement techniques
• Pricing strategies
• Project bidding fundamentals

It's a great resource for first-time roofers who don't know much about roofing costs and calculations. 

Cost of Resource

Buy the book at the Craftsman Book Company, Amazon, or eBay. Here's a cost list of the book on different websites:

• Amazon: $28 (Paperback), $75 (Spiralbound)
• eBay (Used): $15 to $35
• 3rd-Party Contractor Bookstores: $40 to $60

Money-Saving Tips

The older title (1995) of this book is frequently available at very low prices on eBay. You can also search for this book in your local library under the "Construction" section.

Easy Ways to Reduce the Costs of Study Resources

It's no secret that the resources for the Illinois Roofing License exam are expensive. About 40% people have difficulty with the roofing contractor exam solely because of the prices. However, there are ways to reduce these costs via some simple tactics:

1. Archives and Free Resources

You can find countless free roofing resources on Archives.org, the Internet's library. Create a free account on Archives, borrow a book, and read for as long as you like. Additionally, you can find free VPS-hosted resources on Google.

• Open your browser (Chrome, Safari, Opera etc).
• Click on the URL tab.
• Type "Name of Book read online" OR "PDF"
• Press enter and voila, you're done.

You'll get a list of online free resources from various sites. Please beware of spam and scam sites. Do not download or share anything from a free site.

2. Roofing Communities

You can find free or affordable used copies of essential roofing resources in various communities. Ask about copies on Reddit and Facebook groups. Most of the time, a kind soul will step forward to help you.

In return, please pledge your support to people in similar situations. Donate unnecessary books to local libraries and foundations to help others.

3. NRCA Membership

An NRCA membership costs $300 to $500 per quarter, which sounds expensive. Fortunately, you can get free digital copies of every roofing book with your membership. Here's how much you save:

Total Cost of Books	$1258 to $2485.
NRCA Membership	$300 to $500
Savings With Membership	$758 to $2185

You save between 30% and 88% on resource costs with an NRCA membership. Additionally, you receive perks like free certification courses, live Q&As, legal assistance, and a peer networking program.

4. Join the Illinois Roofing Institute

You do not need to read any book to attend our classes. We offer custom resources, including notes, practice quizzes, tabs, and more. Our course experts teach you everything from square one through live sessions.

We test you through practice exams and help you pass the Illinois roofing exam. You also get post-exam assistance, which includes:

• Connections with vendors, suppliers, and distributors
• Help filling out applications, including the W-7 Form
• Filling out roofing license exam applications

Join our classes today to get an affordable license!

FAQs on Resources for Roofing License Exam

How much does a roofing license cost?

An Illinois roofing license costs between $350 and $450 in direct fees. These costs include a $125 application fee and $248 examination fee. Indirect costs range between $80 and $500 for individual roofing contractors.

Can you take the Illinois roofing exam online?

No, you must attend an Illinois roofing exam in person, on-site at a CTS-ordained venue. The Continental Testing Services (CTS) arranges the roofing exam in collaboration with IDFPR. CTS holds the exam in selected venues across Illinois.

Do you need study materials to attend a roofing class?

You do not need any study materials to attend an Illinois roofing class. We offer all the necessary materials throughout our classes. You get notes, live examples, practice quizzes, and tabs during the class.

Bottom Line on Illinois Roofing Exam Resources

The IDFPR lists 9 essential books as study materials for the Illinois roofing exam. Roofing exam prep material costs between $1258 and $2485. These resources are not cheap, which makes license acquisition much harder.

You can get these resources for lower prices through eBay, Facebook support groups, and some 3rd-party sellers. You can save between 30% and 88% on study resource costs by using an NRCA membership or used books.

Alternatively, you can join our roofing classes. You do not need any study materials to attend our classes. Join our Illinois roofing classes today and stop worrying about the small bits!