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You can upgrade from a limited to an unlimited illinois roofing license by passing the 105-2 exam. The IDFPR offers this licensing path for roofers who have held their residential license for at least one year in Illinois.
The IDFPR classifies the upgrade the exam as a new licensure process. Naturally, you have to meet all the requirements for an unlimited license to successfully upgrade from your limited license. We'll go over all these requirements and processes in quick succession.
An upgrade exam is a unique licensing path for existing residential roofers. According to the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act, passing this Illinois specific exam (Code 105-2) grants eligibility for an unlimited roofing license. For quick reference:
This upgrade exam is a stepping stone for residential roofing contractors who want to expand into the commercial roofing sphere. Let me act like a mentalist now and guess what you're thinking!
No, in fact, the upgrade exam is easier to pass than the standard unlimited exam (Code 105-3). Why? The upgrade exam only tests your knowledge on commercial roofing and industrial topics, because you already have the residential license.
The upgrade exam has the following format:
The standard unlimited license exam tests residential, commercial, and industrial roofing concepts. The exam is lengthier and consequently, harder to pass. That's why new roofing contractors often get a limited license and then upgrade to an unlimited license.
Passing this exam requires thorough study of Illinois roofing laws, OSHA guidelines, roofing maths, business laws, and roofing systems. You also need to source study resources including books for self-study and additional time for practice exams.
Section 1460.10 of the Illinois Administrative Code requires a limited license holder to apply under the unlimited license rules. To get an unlimited roofing license by upgrading, you need the following:
Apart from these, you must also fill out the RF-QP application form, pay a $248 CTS Exam Fee, and a $125 IDFPR application fee. The chronology of the steps is similar to that of a first time limited license process. Let's go over the steps!
The upgrade exam follows the same path you used to get your residential license. Follow these steps in order:
CTS scheduled five Illinois roofing exam dates in 2026, held in March, May, July, September, and November. Registration closes about four weeks before each date, so build your study schedule around the deadline.
The upgrade exam is shorter than the standard unlimited roofing exam, but you should by no means underestimate it. 6 out of 10 roofers fail their exams and have to go through the whole process again. That's where we help!
At the Illinois Roofing Institute, we help you prepare for the exam and every step in the licensing process. Our experts have helped every 6 out of 10 roofers in Illinois get their licenses. Our instructors are leaders in the industry and have the information that will help you succeed.
What do we do in the class? We:
You can join our Illinois unlimited roofing class (3 days), which covers every tenet of the industry. You'll be ready to tackle any exam, by the end of the class. Join now and give your career the boost it deserves.
An ugprade exam costs between $400 and $500 in direct fees, which is the same as getting any other license. You must pay a $248 examination fee to CTS, and a $125 application fee to the IDFPR. Other fees include postage, retakes, and courses.
Most roofers complete the upgrade in about two to four months. CTS holds exams roughly every two months, and registration closes about four weeks before each exam date. The IDFPR then takes about four to six weeks to process a complete license application.
Yes, upgrade if you want commercial roofing work, industrial roofing work, or residential buildings with more than 8 units. A limited license legally restricts your roofing business to residential properties with 8 units or less. Commercial roofing projects such as warehouses, schools, and retail centers open a whole new market for your company.
Yes, new roofers can go straight for the unlimited license by passing the full 130 question exam. That exam covers residential, commercial, and industrial roofing in a 150 minute sitting. The shorter upgrade exam is open only to roofers who already passed the residential exam.
You can upgrade from a limited to an unlimited roofing contractor license by passing the upgrade exam (105-2). This exam is shorter and easier to attempt than the unlimited license. Passing this exam validates your claim for an unlimited roofing license in Illinois.
Unfortunately, the exam is quite difficult because it tests your knowledge on commercial and industrial topics extensively. You can study individually or join our classes where we've helped thousands of roofers get their Illinois roofing license.
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