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.
Here's a quick overview of different roofing exam study materials and their costs:
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.
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.
It's an official licensing document and act that covers:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
The NRCA safety manual is a necessary guide to pass the exam. It includes topics like:
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:
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.
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.
The pocket guide covers all the topics that the bulkier version covers, which include:
The book is more compact and perfect for quick references. Every licensed roofing contractor has one in his office or pocket.
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:
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.
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.
This manual covers core topics for the exam, including:
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:
You can also buy the book through 3rd-party retailers or Amazon. Expect to pay anywhere in between:
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.
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.
Here's what this practical guide covers:
You can find this moderately expensive guide on the NRCA website and Amazon. Here are some general prices for the guidebooks:
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.
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.
The book covers core roofing exam topics like:
You can buy the book on the NRCA website, from third-party retailers, or on eBay. Here's an overview of the prices:
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.
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.
This collection has three parts, with each one revolving around central themes. Here's an overview of each part:
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:
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.
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.
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:
It's a great resource for first-time roofers who don't know much about roofing costs and calculations.
Buy the book at the Craftsman Book Company, Amazon, or eBay. Here's a cost list of the book on different websites:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 $500Savings 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.
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:
Join our classes today to get an affordable license!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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